Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work that is directly related to an F-1 Visa student's main area of study. OPT is intended to provide students with practical experience in their field of study upon completion of a program.
We do offer some pathways to OPT. Students who successfully complete two consecutive semesters of in-person study in our Berkeley Haas Global Access Program may become eligible to apply for OPT. You also need to meet other criteria set forth by the US Government in order to be eligible for OPT; you can read more about that here and contact our immigration advisors if you have any further questions about your specific situation at extension-intl@berkeley.edu.
Please note that our online, self-paced courses and certificate programs are not eligible for the F-1 visa or OPT. These programs are listed here.
If you have already completed OPT or have an advanced degree, we would be glad to look into your situation further if provided with more background. Please send an email to our immigration specialists at extension-intl@berkeley.edu for more guidance on your options.