• International students have a dream of pursuing higher education in the USA. The reason behind this is that the United States has prominent universities, a unique curriculum, a multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities. These are some of the reasons why every one of us wishes to study in the USA. International students on an F1 visa can work in the USA. The F1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the USA with the aim of pursuing studies at accredited universities certified by SEVP(Student and Exchange visitor program).
• Anyone who holds an F1visa can study an academic program at a university in the USA for at least one year. An F1 visa proves that you are studying in the USA legally. Many students who study on an F1 visa wonder if they are allowed to work in the US during or after their studies and for how long they are allowed to work. One of the great options for F1 students is OPT.

 

Table of contents:

1. What is OPT?
2. What are the types of OPT?
3. When can international students apply for the OPT visa?
4. What are the requirements to apply for OPT visa? 
5. When to apply for Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT?

 

This blog will guide you through the complete guidance of OPT and provide you with the best and most relevant knowledge.

1. What is OPT?

• OPT is known as Optional Practical Training. If you would like to get employment in the USA after graduation then OPT visa is the best option for you. OPT is temporary employment that allows international students who have completed their degree or have been studying for at least one year to work legally in the USA, whether they are post-graduated or graduated. They can work for an initial period of 12 months and gain valuable work experience on an F1 visa in their choice of field.
• OPT is available to international students when they are on an F1 visa. You can be employed in the US even if you're a non-citizen. OPT is provided by USCIS(United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
   

2. What are the types of OPT?

There are two types of OPT:

1. Pre-Completion OPT
2. Post-Completion OPT

 

1) Pre-Completion OPT: With a Pre-Completion OPT, you can get employment before finishing your program of study, but it is for a limited time. It can be used before graduation, and the purpose of Pre-Completion OPT is to gain practical training directly related to the student's field of study. The benefit of pre-completion OPT is that international students can gain practical knowledge during their studies in their field of study. But in Pre-completion OPT, you can work on OPT jobs for only 20 hours per week, not more.

If you want to work full-time on OPT jobs, then you can work for 40 hours a week, but you can do it during your official school breaks or summer breaks. Under this Pre-Completion OPT, you are allowed to work on OPT jobs for 12 months, and you must be enrolled in school full time. Apply for Pre-Completion OPT where you are enrolled in school. To qualify for a Pre-Completion OPT, you don’t need to maintain your F1 visa status. You can still apply for the Pre-Completion OPT even if you have another non-immigrant status while you were enrolled. 
 

2) Post-Completion OPT: As an international student, if you wish to work in the USAon OPT jobs after graduation, then you can use Post-Completion OPT. Post-Completion OPT allows F1 students who have completed their bachelor's degree or graduation and have studied in the US for at least one year can get work experience in their major field of study. But remember Post-Completion OPT is for only students who have F1 visa status. Post-Completion OPT is beneficial for F1 students who are seeking employment or work experience in the U.S. after completing their academic studies. International students can workon OPT jobs for both paid and unpaid employment for at least 12 months.
 

3. When can international students apply for the OPT Jobs?

Whether you are applying for Pre-Completion OPT or Post-Completion OPT, you need to apply as early as possible because you need to have a work authorization card(EAD). An EAD is important to get started working in the USA. Without an EAD, you cannot start workingon OPT jobs legally in the USA. So, if you’re planning for an OPT, then you should apply as soon as possible. The reason is that it takes 90 days to process it.

Here are the steps to apply for OPT:

Step 1) To get the OPT, International students should be enrolled in United states educational institutions and must be on an F1 visa. As well, international students can also cooperate with DSO. (Designated school official)

Step 2)Now Onwards request an I-20 form at your DSO. DSO will take your I-20 form. Confirm your eligibility and submit a request. A request is submitted to SEVIS(Student and Exchange Visitor Program). The DSO provides advice on international students' status and assists you in getting an OPT.

Step 3) File a form I-765 with the USCIS

Step 4) You need to have your work authorization card(EAD). So, you must file an application for the employment authorization document with USCIS. To get an EAD, you must file a form I-765. You can start working on OPT jobs in the USA legally if you have an EAD. (Employment authorization document). An EAD proves that you’re authorized to work in the United States for a specific time period.

Step 5) After getting an EAD, the USCIS will issue a form I-797.

 

4. What are the requirements to apply for OPT?

OPT is a temporary work authorization. OPT does not allow a student to permanently stay in the USA and work. OPT jobs should be field related because the United States and Citizenship Immigration Service (USCIS) will not accept or approve OPT jobs that are not related to your field.

To qualify for an OPT, you must need the following requirements:

1. International students maintain valid F-1 status
2. Your OPT job should be in your major field
3. Students should be enrolled in school for atleast one academic year
4. Students not allowed who are having completed 12 months of CPT
5. Students not be enrolled in English as a Second Language course

5. When to apply for Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT?

You must submit your application as soon as feasible, whether it is for Pre-completion OPT or Post-completion OPT. USCIS needs at least 90 days to process your OPT application.
 

1. When to apply for Pre-completion OPT?
   If you’re graduating, then you can apply for the Pre-completion OPT, and you may submit an application up to 90 days prior to the requested start date for employment. If you know which starting date of employment you wish to start working on or if you don’t know the exact date you wish to start working, then pick the earliest date you wish to start working as per your prospective start date and calculate accordingly.
   
2. When to apply for Post-completion OPT?
   Many international students hope to stay in the USA and want to make their careers bright. So, if you're an international student and wish to stay in the USA, then Post-completion is the best option for you. Through Post-completion OPT, international students are allowed to get work authorization after graduation and work for 20 hours per week or more. Here, Career Ghost will help you to find the best OPT jobs in your field of study.
   

• Your OPT start date begins within 60 days of your program's end and ends 12 months after this date. If you are unsure about the OPT application process, then take advice from an adviser because you cannot change your start date after submitting your OPT application. 

Note: If you’re not applying for the OPT in 60 days then your eligibility for OPT ends at that time when you leave the US.

Conclusion:

This blog will guide you about OPT with the best knowledge and aim to solve all your doubts related to OPT. Career Ghost intends to guide you in your job search for OPT jobs, and CPT jobs in the US. Career Ghost is the most prominent job portal that provides OPT jobs, CPT jobs, Entry-level jobs, STEM OPT Jobs, H1B visa sponsoring jobs and Internship in The USA and to international students who are looking for their perfect job in the USA. We offer the most efficient Resume writing service, Resume marketing service, Resume blasting service, and Resume building services so that you stand out from the US job market and compete for yourself. Reach out us today!