OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is a period of temporary employment that allows F1 visa students to gain practical experience in their field of study after completing their academic program. OPT is typically used for internships, cooperative education programs, or other work-study programs that are directly related to the student's academic program.

To be eligible for OPT, F1 students must have been enrolled in a full-time academic program for at least one academic year and must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The EAD serves as a work permit and authorizes the student to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM fields) in a job related to their field of study.

During the OPT period, students are expected to work in a job related to their field of study and to report any changes in employment status to their Designated School Official (DSO). OPT employment can be paid or unpaid and can be full-time or part-time, but the student must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain their legal status.

It's important to note that students who engage in unauthorized employment or violate the rules and regulations governing OPT may jeopardize their immigration status and may face deportation or other immigration consequences. Therefore, it's crucial for F1 students to understand the requirements and restrictions of OPT and to work closely with their DSO to ensure that they are in compliance with all regulations.