Introduction:
To allow the student to explore employability options and establish some financial support, The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students with an F-1 visa to gain practical work experience related to their field of study in the United States.
Under this Optional Practical Training (OPT), international students with F-1 visas are allowed to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) completing their academic studies. However, the work must be directly related to the student’score study field. As an F-1 Student visa holder, you are eligible for two types of OPT programs-
1. Pre-completion OPT
Eligibility - Students can apply after enrolling for at least one academic year.
Duration - Part-time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session; full-time during breaks.
2. Post-completion OPT
Eligibility - Must be completed after finishing academic studies.
Duration - Up to 12 months of full-time employment.
3. STEM OPT Extension
Eligibility - Available for students with a degree in specific STEM fields.
Duration- 24-month extension beyond the initial 12 months of OPT.
Importance of OPT:
1. Industry Experience - Students can improve their insight and abilities by applying the theoretical knowledge they have learned in class to real-world scenarios.
2. Career Boost - OPT experience enhances a résumé by showcasing relevant work experience and makes candidates more appealing to potential employers.
3. Networking - By establishing connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals in the United States, students can develop a professional network that may lead to future employment prospects.
4. Long-Term Employment - Since businesses frequently sponsor highly performing OPT employees for this non-immigrant work visa, OPT can be a stepping stone to obtaining an H-1B visa.
5. Financial Stability : Students who participate in OPT can work, which helps lower living costs and lessen the financial strain of studying overseas.
6. Extension for STEM Students: Students with degrees in STEM fields can benefit from a 24-month extension, providing additional time to gain experience and find long-term employment.
7. Global Market: The experience and skills gained through OPT can make students more competitive in the global job market, especially in their home countries.
When to Apply:
For STEM Majors, you should apply Designated School Official (DSO) enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. You may apply up to 90 days before you complete a full academic year.
For post-completion OPT, you must apply after your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record. A student must apply within 30 days after the DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into the SEVIS record, and is eligible to apply up to 90 days before the student complete their degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.
For Non-STEM Majors, the timeline remains same as stem majors.
Conclusion:
We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.
Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.
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