Savanna Hoffman
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the United States for up to 12 months, either before or after completing their academic studies. The OPT program is designed to provide students with practical work experience related to their field of study. Students who have earned degrees in certain STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT authorization. The number of students receiving OPT work authorization has been increasing, with international graduates filling important roles in the US labor market. The OPT program is an important bridge for international students who want to stay and work in the US after graduation, allowing them to develop skills and build relationships with potential employers while determining their future immigration options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | Optional Practical Training |
| Who can apply | F-1 international students |
| Eligibility criteria | Completed at least three academic quarters or one full academic year of full-time study |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Extension | 24 months for STEM students |
| Employment | Must be directly related to the major area of study |
| Unemployment | Allowed for up to 90 days during the 12-month period |
| Application process | Submit OPT I-20 Request E-Form |
| Application fee | $250 |
| Application window | 90 days before program completion to 40 days after completion |
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What You'll Learn
OPT as a bridge to employment
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of temporary employment authorisation directly related to an international student's major area of study. OPT provides a bridge to employment for international students, allowing them to gain practical work experience and build relationships with potential employers. This opportunity is particularly valuable for students who wish to remain and work in the United States after graduation.
The F-1 student visa does not accommodate "dual intent," meaning students cannot enter the US with the sole intention of studying and permanently settling in the country. As a result, transitioning to permanent resident status becomes challenging. OPT serves as a bridge, offering graduates the chance to develop their skills and explore employment options while navigating future immigration pathways.
OPT is available to F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and intend to seek employment related to their field of study. Students can apply for OPT authorisation for up to 12 months before or after completing their academic studies. This period can be extended to 24 months for students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields, provided they are employed by an E-Verify enrolled employer.
OPT plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining highly skilled international students, contributing significantly to the US economy and supporting local jobs. The program's availability encourages international students to choose the US as their study destination, fostering a competitive advantage for the nation.
To apply for OPT, students must submit the OPT I-20 Request E-Form and ensure their Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in the SEVIS system. While a job offer is not required before applying, students must adhere to strict rules and guidelines during their OPT period. OPT provides a valuable opportunity for international students to gain practical training and establish themselves in the US job market while navigating their long-term immigration options.
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OPT eligibility
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. To be eligible for OPT, students must be enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies, but all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Students can file for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. Students cannot begin work until they have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) work card and the validity period has begun. The employment start date must be within 60 days of the end of the program.
Students with degrees in certain STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree and be employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify government program.
If a student transfers to another school or begins studies at another educational level, their authorization to engage in OPT employment will automatically terminate. PhD students withdrawing from a program may be eligible for OPT upon completion of a terminal master's degree if they have not previously used OPT at the master's level.
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OPT application process
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. The OPT application process is complex and involves many players and steps. Here is a detailed breakdown of the OPT application process:
Step 1: Eligibility
Firstly, students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for OPT. To be eligible, students must have been lawfully 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.
Step 2: Recommendation from Designated School Official (DSO)
Students must request a recommendation for OPT from their DSO. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Step 3: Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Students must then properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation as outlined in the form instructions. Students must also ensure they are physically present in the U.S. when submitting the application.
Step 4: Receipt of Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Once the OPT application is approved by USCIS, students will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students cannot begin working until they receive their EAD and the validity period has started. The EAD will specify the start date of employment authorization.
Step 5: Reporting Requirements
During the OPT period, students are required to report certain changes to their DSO, including any legal name changes, address changes, or changes in employment status. These updates must be made in a timely manner.
It is important to note that the OPT application process can take several months, and students should carefully review the OPT tutorial and instructions before submitting their application to avoid errors and potential delays. Additionally, if students transfer to another school or begin a new degree program at a higher level, their OPT employment authorization will automatically terminate.
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OPT extension
International students on an F-1 visa can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to receive temporary employment authorization for up to 12 months before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). OPT must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
For certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, students may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. This extension is available to F-1 students who have earned a degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and are employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program. The student must also have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.
To apply for the STEM OPT extension, students must submit their application before their current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date. Additionally, they must maintain their F-1 visa status and have a paid job offer that meets certain requirements, including providing at least 20 hours of work per week and formal training related to the qualifying STEM degree.
It is important to note that if a student transfers to another school or begins studies at a higher level, their authorization for OPT employment will automatically terminate. However, if their STEM OPT extension application is pending, they will automatically receive a 6-month extension of their employment authorization.
Furthermore, students may participate in the STEM OPT extension program twice. If they obtain another qualifying STEM degree at a higher educational level, they may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension.
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OPT and unemployment
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after the program end date. Students cannot begin work on OPT until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) work card.
During the OPT authorization period, students should be working or actively seeking employment. There are limits to the number of days a student may remain unemployed. Students can accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment during the post-completion OPT period. If a student is unable to find a job, they will begin accruing unemployment days. Students can work as volunteers or unpaid interns, which will be considered employment if it does not violate any labor laws. The work must be for at least 20 hours per week, and the student must provide evidence of this from the employer.
Students who have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. To be eligible, students must be employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify government program and have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree. If a student's OPT period expires while their STEM OPT extension application is pending, their employment authorization will be automatically extended by 180 days.
OPT is an important bridge for international graduates seeking employment in the United States. It allows graduates to develop their skills and build relationships with potential employers while determining their future immigration options. However, it is important to note that working in the United States without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is a type of work authorization available for eligible F-1 international students who wish to seek temporary employment directly related to their major area of study in the US.
To be eligible for OPT, students must have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study, be in their last semester, and not have used more than 12 months of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). The employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
OPT provides international students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study, allowing them to develop their skills and build relationships with potential employers. It also contributes significantly to the US economy and supports job creation for US workers.
