How to Apply for OPT ? Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students

How to Apply for OPT ? Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students:

F-1 Visa Student often want to do job during their study but for student work in United States is more difficult because of the employment opportunities are limited & rules. After completing the Study under F1 Visa, the student have certain rights to work after study if they have valid F1 Visa status. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one of temporary employment and related to the F1 Student visa which provide the work privileges and right work in U.S for 12 months after the completion of entire degree.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F1 Student visa which is administered with the help of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) enable the right to do work for any employer in the US while completed or have been pursuing their Undergraduate or Post-graduate degree.

Under the OPT (Optional Practical Training) the USCIS allow or permit to F-1 Status student to get their practical training to complement the area of their studies according to undergraduate or post-graduation courses. The Average Processing time for the OPT applications is 2.5 to 5 months.

There are two types of OPT ;

Pre Completion OPT : It permits the international student to work during the study as the student lawfully enrolled on a full time basis program for one year at college or university. Using the Pre Completion OPT, student can do work 20 hours or less per week and can do work full time when school has no session. it should be apply up to 90 days before.

Post Completion OPT : This type of OPT allows to do work after the completion of graduation or post-graduation for 12 months. F-1 Status holder may work for part time 20 hours or less per week or as full time employee. it should be apply up to 90 days before.

Note : if any student participated into the pre-completion OPT, and student apply for post-completion OPT then the USCIS will deduct the time from the Post completion OPT program.

What is STEM OPT Extension

if any student who is enrolled in the degree program of some specific field Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics area, then the student is allowed to apply for the 24-month extension of Post Completion OPT. The USCIS may permit the student to do work as the STEM OPT Employment Authorization.

Eligibility Criteria for OPT Application

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives the opportunity of work experience in the United States to the F-1 status students, so before applying every student must check some OPT Eligibility criteria as follows ;

Must enrol in a full course of study for 1 year programme by SEVP certified College, University etc
Must have on F-1 Visa Status
Must not study english as 2nd language
Your Part time or Full time job must relate to the major area of study or program