Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training directly related to a student's major area of study. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government authority that grants employment authorization for OPT to eligible students. The maximum time allowed for OPT is 12 months (one year). OPT must be completed within 14 months following the completion of study (as determined by the program ending date on the I-20). OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status, not a new status or new visa. While on OPT, a student is still in F-1 status and must obey all laws pertaining to that status.