OPT Eligibility Category Codes — Which One to Use on I-765

(c)(3)(A) — Pre-completion OPT

Use (c)(3)(A) if you want to work before finishing your degree. You can work part-time (20 hours/week) while school is in session, or full-time during official breaks. Every month of pre-completion OPT used full-time deducts from your post-completion 12-month limit, so most students skip this option.

(c)(3)(B) — Cap-gap extension

Important: on the latest I-765 form, the "cap-gap" designation is sometimes referred to as part of post-completion. The cap-gap extension bridges the gap between your OPT end date and an October 1 H-1B start date when your employer files a timely H-1B cap petition. If that applies to you, talk to your DSO before filing — the process is automatic via SEVIS and does not require a separate I-765 in most cases.

(c)(3)(B) — Standard post-completion OPT

This is the code most students need. Use (c)(3)(B) when:

• You're applying after your program end date or up to 90 days before
• You want the standard 12 months of post-graduation OPT
• You are not yet applying for the STEM extension

(c)(3)(C) — STEM OPT extension (24 months)

Use (c)(3)(C) when applying for the 24-month STEM extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT. To qualify:

• Your degree must be on the official DHS STEM Designated Degree List
• Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
• You must file before your current OPT expires
• You must submit Form I-983 training plan to your DSO

Full walkthrough: STEM OPT extension guide.

Which one applies to you — quick decision

1. Still studying, want to work now? → (c)(3)(A)
2. About to graduate or just graduated? → (c)(3)(B)
3. Already on OPT, STEM degree, E-Verify employer? → (c)(3)(C)

Most common mistakes

• Writing (c)(3)(A) on a post-graduation application — instant denial reason
• Skipping the parentheses — USCIS scanners can misread "c3B"
• Filing (c)(3)(C) before USCIS approves your initial (c)(3)(B) OPT
• Choosing (c)(3)(C) when your degree isn't on the STEM list

Ready to fill the form? See our I-765 field-by-field instructions.