Savanna Hoffman
International students who want to study animation in the US will likely enter the country on an F-1 student visa, which allows them to work on campus and intern for American companies with a CPT. After graduating, international students can apply for an OPT visa, which allows them to work in the US for up to 12 months without a work visa. This visa costs $240,000 and allows students to stay in the US jobless for 90 days while they find a job. This extra time can be used to extend their OPT work authorization through to September 30.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| OPT Visa Type | F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visa |
| OPT Visa Fee | $240,000 |
| OPT Visa Duration | 12 months |
| OPT Visa Unemployment Period | 90 days |
| OPT Visa Application Window | 90 days before graduation |
| OPT Visa Application Deadline | Within 30 days after OGS signature on Form I-20 |
| OPT Visa Application Deadline (Latest) | 60 days after the program end date on Form I-20 |
| OPT Visa Work Hours | 20 hours per week (minimum) |
| OPT Visa STEM Extension | 24 months |
| OPT Visa STEM Unemployment Limit | 150 days |
| OPT Visa H-1B Extension | Through September 30 |
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What You'll Learn
OPT visa requirements for international animation students
International animation students can apply for an OPT visa to work in the US after graduation without needing to obtain a work visa. OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which allows temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.
To be eligible for OPT, students must:
- Be enrolled full-time and maintain their F-1 status for at least one academic year.
- Seek employment in their major field of study.
- Be physically present in the United States at the time of application to USCIS.
- Not have used more than one year of full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training) during their current degree level.
Students can apply for pre-completion OPT after being lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. If authorized, students can work 20 hours or less per week during the school session and full-time when school is not in session.
Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing studies. Students must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment, after which they are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, or change their visa status.
Additionally, students who have received a U.S. Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in a STEM field may be eligible for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT, allowing a total of up to 36 months of OPT.
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OPT application process
The OPT application process can be long, with USCIS processing times of up to 5 months. The OPT application process involves several steps and many players. Here is a step-by-step guide to the OPT application process:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Firstly, ensure that you are eligible for OPT. To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, you must have been enrolled full-time for 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. For post-completion OPT, you must have completed your studies.
Step 2: Request a Recommendation from your DSO
Next, request a recommendation for OPT from your Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The DSO must be mindful of key dates when entering OPT in SEVIS.
Step 3: Compile Required Documents
You will need to compile all the documents required by USCIS. A checklist of required documents is available after you accept the Statement of Responsibility.
Step 4: File Form I-765
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. Accompany this form with the required fee and supporting documentation as described in the form instructions. Do not file Form I-765 until you have the updated Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation from your DSO. You must file within 30 days after receiving the DSO OPT recommendation.
Step 5: Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Once your Form I-765 is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.
It is important to note that if you have already received pre-completion OPT authorization, the total time of full-time OPT available will be reduced accordingly. Additionally, if you transfer to another school or begin studies at another educational level, your OPT employment authorization will automatically terminate.
Key Dates to Remember:
- The earliest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 90 days before you complete your one full academic year enrollment requirement.
- The latest date USCIS should receive your OPT application is 90 days before your employment offer start date or 60 days after your date of program completion.
- USCIS must receive your OPT application no later than 30 days from the date your new I-20 was issued.
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OPT employment rules
International animation students can apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. This is available to F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college or university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
For pre-completion OPT, students can work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. If a student has received one year of part-time (20 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, their full-time post-completion OPT is reduced by six months.
The OPT application process can be complex and involves several steps and key dates. Students must not file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," until they have an OPT recommendation in their SEVIS records and an updated Form I-20. The OPT request must be made within 30 days of the DSO OPT recommendation, or else the application will be denied, and the student will have to reapply and pay the fee again.
Additionally, students with OPT must remain in the country while applying and are limited to 90 days of unemployment during their OPT period. They are responsible for tracking their unemployment days and planning their departure if they reach the maximum unemployment time.
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OPT visa fees
The OPT visa is an Optional Practical Training visa that allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain hands-on work experience in their academic field of study. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies, with all periods of pre-completion OPT deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
The OPT visa fee is not explicitly stated, but it is mentioned that the OPT application process involves several fees. The student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and obtain a Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved school. There is also a non-refundable visa application fee that must be paid before the visa interview, and if the visa is approved, there may be an additional visa issuance fee depending on the applicant's nationality. The current filing fee, payable to the "Department of Homeland Security", is also mentioned as a requirement when submitting Form I-765 to USCIS.
The OPT application process is complex and involves multiple steps and players, including the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. It is important to note that any mistakes in the application process can result in the loss of the application fee and significant delays in the final OPT start date.
While on an OPT visa, individuals are still considered F-1 students and must adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding their employment and any changes in their personal information. Failure to comply with these rules can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
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OPT visa alternatives
The OPT visa is a temporary employment visa for F-1 students, allowing them to gain practical experience in their major area of study. The OPT visa can be obtained before or after completing academic studies, with a validity of up to 12 months. However, if you're considering other options besides the OPT visa, here are some alternatives:
- H-1B Visa: This is a common alternative for those who want to work in American studios or seek employment authorization after their OPT expires. The H-1B visa requires a bachelor's degree or advanced certification, and you must find an employer willing to sponsor your petition. It's important to start the process early, as it can be intricate and competitive.
- STEM OPT Extension: If you have graduated with a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your OPT. This option is known as OPTX and provides valuable time to pursue professional development and explore job opportunities in STEM fields.
- TN Visa: The TN visa is specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals. It enables them to engage in professional-level business activities in the United States for up to three years. This visa is derived from NAFTA and can be acquired through a border application, consulate filing, or USCIS petition process.
- Pursue Further Education: If you're interested in staying in the country and continuing your academic journey, you can consider enrolling in another academic degree. However, this option usually restricts you to on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week.
- Other Visa Categories: Depending on your specific circumstances and goals, you may explore other visa categories that align with your needs. This could include visas tailored for specific nationalities or skill sets.
- Employment Outside the United States: If your primary goal is to gain international work experience, you may consider exploring employment opportunities outside of the United States. This could include seeking employment in countries with thriving animation industries or those that offer favourable visa options for foreign workers.
It's important to carefully consider your goals, visa eligibility, and the specific requirements of each alternative when deciding on the best path forward after your OPT visa or as an alternative to it.
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Frequently asked questions
The OPT visa allows international animation students to stay in the US for 90 days without a job. The initial post-completion OPT period is 12 months, less any OPT time used pre-completion.
The OPT visa is a US work authorization that falls under the F-1 nonimmigrant student visa category. It allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study.
Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. Students must not begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The OPT visa costs $240,000.
If you exceed the 150-day unemployment limit during OPT, you will no longer maintain your F-1 status and may lose access to future US immigration benefits, including readmission to the United States.
