What OPT is all about?

What OPT is all about?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows F-1 international students in the United States to work in their field of study for a certain period of time after completing their academic program. The purpose of OPT is to provide students with practical work experience in their field of study and to help them prepare for their future careers.

OPT is available for up to 12 months and can be used either during the academic program (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT). Students must apply for OPT and receive authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before they can begin working.

To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled in a full-time academic program for at least one academic year, and the employment must be directly related to their major area of study. Students may also be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT if they have earned a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).

During OPT, students are allowed to work for any employer in the United States, and they may work either part-time or full-time. However, they must report their employment status to their designated school official (DSO) and comply with all other rules and regulations related to the OPT program.

OPT is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the United States and to enhance their career prospects.

To apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), F-1 international students in the United States must follow these steps:

  1. Attend an OPT Information Session: Most universities require students to attend an OPT information session before applying for OPT. During the session, students will learn about eligibility requirements, application procedures, and other important details about the OPT program.

  2. Meet with a Designated School Official (DSO): Students must meet with their DSO to discuss their OPT application and to obtain a recommendation for OPT. The DSO will also provide the student with an I-20 form, which is required for the OPT application.

  3. Prepare the OPT Application: Students must prepare the OPT application, which includes completing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and gathering supporting documents, such as a copy of their passport, visa, I-94 record, and I-20 form. Students must also submit a fee with their application.

  4. Submit the OPT Application: Students must submit their OPT application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the date the DSO recommended OPT. The application can be submitted online or by mail.

  5. Wait for Application Approval: USCIS will process the OPT application and issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the application is approved. The EAD will indicate the start and end dates of the OPT period.

  6. Begin OPT Employment: Once the EAD is received and the OPT start date has arrived, the student can begin working in a job related to their field of study.

It's important to note that the OPT application process can take several months, so students should plan accordingly and apply well in advance of their desired start date for OPT employment.