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F-1 visa and OPT: how to study and work in the US
Understand how the F-1 student visa and OPT work: requirements, costs to plan for, work rules during and after the course and when it is worth it.
Redação H2A Works Updated on October 30, 2026 6 min read
The F-1 visa is the US student visa, and OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets you work in a field related to your course after you finish. It is a legal way to work in the US, but it requires studying at an authorized institution and planning the costs well.
Quick answer: with the F-1 you study at a school authorized by the US government and, after the course, can have OPT of up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM fields. It is not a direct work visa, and it requires proof of financial resources.
How it works
- Choose a school authorized to receive foreign students (certified under the SEVP program).
- Be accepted and receive the I-20 document from the school.
- Show funds to pay for the course and your stay.
- Attend the F-1 visa interview at the consulate.
What OPT is
OPT is the authorization to work in activities related to your course. It is usually up to 12 months after finishing your studies, and people who graduated in STEM fields can apply for a 24-month extension. The rules for each stage change, so confirm on the government website and with the school.
