Lana Oconnell
International students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain temporary work experience in their field of study. OPT is available both before and after completion of studies, with a maximum of 12 months of OPT employment authorization per degree level. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and must have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work. While on OPT, students must comply with all F-1 regulations and report any changes in employment or legal name and address to their Designated School Official (DSO). STEM students may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, but strict rules and requirements apply for all applicants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply for OPT? | F-1 students |
| What is OPT? | Temporary employment directly related to the student's major area of study |
| How long can OPT be authorized for? | 12 months per degree level |
| Can students with STEM degrees apply for an extension? | Yes, they can apply for a 24-month extension |
| Can students apply for OPT before completing their studies? | Yes, they can apply up to 90 days before completion of studies |
| Can students apply for OPT after completing their studies? | Yes, they can apply up to 60 days after their Form I-20 program end date |
| Can students work full-time or part-time during OPT? | Students can work full-time (at least 40 hours per week) or part-time (at least 20 hours per week) |
| What is the unemployment allowance during OPT? | Students are allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period |
| What is the process for applying for OPT? | Students must obtain an OPT recommendation from their school on Form I-20 and then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS |
| What happens if a student's OPT application is still pending? | The student must write to USCIS to withdraw the application |
| What happens if a student's OPT is approved? | USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| Can students start working before receiving the EAD? | No, students must not begin working before the start date on the EAD |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements for international students
International students on an F-1 visa who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of temporary employment authorization that allows students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. To be eligible, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT can be applied for after being lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year. Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing studies, and students must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. The total period of OPT eligibility is 12 months per degree level, which can be used in increments during an annual vacation term before completion of studies, but after completion, it must be used as a single block. Students with degrees in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
To apply for OPT, students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", within 30 days of the Designated School Official (DSO) recommending OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", and make the appropriate notation in SEVIS. Students must also file Form I-765 with the required fee and supporting documentation. While on OPT, students must report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment to their DSO.
It is important to note that OPT is a benefit of the F-1 visa status, and students must abide by all F-1 regulations during their OPT period. Students cannot begin working until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the start date on the card. Additionally, students are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment during their OPT period.
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Pre-completion OPT
International students on an F-1 visa in the United States can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. OPT is available both before and after completion of academic studies, known as pre-completion and post-completion OPT respectively. This answer will focus on pre-completion OPT.
Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT
To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year by the requested start date of their OPT. Additionally, they must maintain their F-1 status and not have previously used OPT at the same degree level.
Application Process for Pre-Completion OPT
The application process for pre-completion OPT involves several steps and multiple parties. Firstly, students must request that their Designated School Official (DSO) recommend OPT by endorsing their Form I-20, 'Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status', and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Next, students must properly file Form I-765, 'Application for Employment Authorization', with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), along with the required fee and supporting documentation. It is important to note that Form I-765 must be filed within 30 days of the DSO recommendation, and USCIS will deny applications submitted after this deadline. The processing time for OPT applications is typically between 3 and 5 months, so students should apply well in advance of their desired start date.
Employment Considerations for Pre-Completion OPT
During the pre-completion OPT period, students can work part-time while school is in session and full-time during annual vacation periods. There are no restrictions on paid or unpaid employment, and students can even engage in charitable volunteer work without requiring work authorization. However, students must not begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), as working without authorization can have serious consequences, including removal from the country.
Impact on Post-Completion OPT
It is important to consider that any periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. For example, if a student receives one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be entitled to any period of post-completion OPT employment authorization.
In conclusion, pre-completion OPT provides international students with valuable work experience directly related to their field of study. However, students should carefully consider the impact of pre-completion OPT on their post-completion OPT eligibility and plan their OPT usage accordingly.
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Post-completion OPT
International students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a type of temporary employment authorization that allows students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. The OPT application process involves several steps and requires the student to maintain their F-1 status by complying with all requirements.
Students must not begin working before receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and reaching the start date on the card. They must also report any changes in employment or interruptions to their Designated School Official (DSO). Additionally, students are limited to a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment during the OPT period.
For students with degrees in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), a 24-month extension of the post-completion OPT is available, resulting in a total eligibility of up to 36 months. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must have earned their bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. The extension application must be submitted before the end date of the EAD card, and the employment authorization for the extension begins the day after the initial OPT authorization expires.
Overall, post-completion OPT provides international students with an excellent opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study after completing their degree. By adhering to the eligibility requirements and maintaining their student status, students can benefit from this program to enhance their career prospects in the United States.
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STEM OPT extension
International students on an F-1 visa who have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to remain in the United States for up to 36 months total eligibility. This extension provides students with additional time to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study.
To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must have earned their STEM degree from a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of their application. Secondly, students must already be on an approved period of Post-Completion OPT and have an E-verify employer who provides formal training and learning. Additionally, students must submit a timely application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for final adjudication.
The STEM OPT extension application process involves several steps. Students must first request a STEM OPT I-20 from their Designated School Official (DSO) and pay the required fee. They must then complete Form I-983 with their employer and ensure that their 12-month OPT information is up-to-date. After receiving approval and a signed OPT I-20 with the OPT recommendation from their DSO, students can submit their online OPT application to USCIS. It is important to note that USCIS will only accept applications submitted within 60 days of the STEM OPT recommendation date and before the expiration date on the Post-Completion OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
During the STEM OPT extension period, students must comply with certain rules and regulations. They are required to work for their E-Verify employer for at least 20 hours per week and can work for multiple employers as long as each employer complies with the requirements of the 24-month STEM rule. Additionally, students must report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment status to their DSO within specified time frames.
The STEM OPT extension provides international students with valuable opportunities to enhance their practical skills and gain work experience in their chosen STEM field. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application process, students can benefit from this extension to further their career goals and contribute to their field of study.
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Employment rules and restrictions
International students on an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work in the United States after completing their studies. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study, allowing for up to 12 months of employment authorization. Students with degrees in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their 12-month post-completion OPT, resulting in a total eligibility of up to 36 months of OPT.
- Students must maintain their F-1 status and comply with all requirements, including not working on a terminated Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
- OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study, and they must be employed or engaged in professional development opportunities related to their field.
- Students are allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment during their 12-month OPT period. Choosing an earlier start date allows for an earlier start to employment but also starts the accrual of unemployment days sooner.
- All OPT requests must comply with federal regulations, and students must not begin working before the start date listed on their EAD.
- Students must report any changes in employment or interruptions to their Designated School Official (DSO) and update their employment information in a timely manner.
- Students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed, and all work must be directly related to their field of study.
- Students can work multiple concurrent jobs and change jobs while on OPT.
- Students must apply for a Social Security Number if they do not already have one.
- Students must request a travel signature every six months if they plan to travel outside the United States and return in F-1 status.
- Students must maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application, be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the US, and be physically present in the US when submitting their application.
- Students must properly file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," with the required fee and supporting documentation. Failure to do so within 30 days of the DSO OPT recommendation will result in USCIS denying the application and losing the application fee.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.
Yes, international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States can apply for OPT.
The OPT application process involves many players and several steps. The student must file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," within 30 days of receiving a recommendation for OPT from their Designated School Official (DSO) in SEVIS. The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." Once the application is approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and can begin working.
No, students cannot begin working until they receive their EAD card and the validity period has started. Working in the United States without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
