OPT Candidates – Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an acronym for Optional Practical Training. OPT permits overseas students to work in the United States for a period of 12 months, with the option to extend it for another 24 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students. In this blog, we will briefly discuss what is OPT and how it works?
OPT is a mode of temporary job that is directly related to an F-1 student’s principal field of study. Up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) complete their academic studies, eligible students can apply for positions for opt students jobs or entry-level opt jobs (post-completion).
What is the process of OPT?
Following the submission of your OPT application, we suggest enrolling in USPS Informed Delivery for the postal address indicated on your I-765 application to get notice of inbound mail before it is delivered. This is very useful if you want to be notified when your OPT EAD is being mailed before it is delivered. Please review the details of setting up a USPS Informed Delivery account with a friend or family member whose address you specified on the I-765 for the mailing address.
Create an account with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online – Even if you submitted your OPT application on paper, having a USCIS Online Account will allow you to stay up to current on the status of your application.
To monitor case status and history, send secure communications, read notifications, upload new evidence, and reply to Requests for Evidence, you can add your paper-filed applications to your USCIS Online account. If you paid by personal check and filed the application on paper, keep an eye on your bank account to see when the check cleared. This ensures that your application was submitted to USCIS correctly. If you submitted the application by mail, keep an eye on the tracking number provided by your courier provider to ensure that it was delivered to USCIS.
Types of OPT
Optional Practical Training for students enrolled in post-secondary schools or conservatories. Regular OPT jobs in the USA are offered for each higher level of study for a period of twelve months. (A student may have 12 months to complete a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months to complete a master’s degree, for example.)
Any percentage of OPT used before the student’s Program End Date is known as pre-completion OPT. It might be full-time or part-time opt jobs in USA.
OPT used after the student’s Program End Date is referred to as Post-Completion OPT. It must be a full-time position OPT students job.
Students who majored in selected Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees authorized by DHS are eligible for a 24-month (STEM) OPT Extension. This sort of OPT allows you to extend your OPT for another 24 months.
Students whose potential employers submitted a valid H-1B-cap subject petition are eligible for a cap-gap OPT extension.
How to apply on OPT – OPT Candidates
Request that your academic institution’s designated school official (DSO) endorse the OPT. By approving your Form I20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the proper notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, your DSO will make the referral (SEVIS).
Fill out Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and submit it to USCIS together with the requisite fee and supporting paperwork as outlined in the form instructions.
Only once we accept your Form I-765 and you obtain your Employment Authorization Document can you start your pre- or post-completion OPT (EAD).
We will automatically extend your employment permit for 180 days if you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period ends while your extension application is underway.
Conclusion – OPT Candidates
Most students take advantage of OPT after graduation, which allows them to focus on their education and stay in the United States for longer. OPT may be done while you are still in school (known as pre-completion OPT), although it is less popular.
Having overseas job experience might be quite beneficial with OPT candidtaes. You’ll not only stand out among your peers, but many occupations need some sort of international collaboration. As a result, proving that you are comfortable dealing with people from other nations and cultures might be really useful!
Aside from that, many of the world’s largest and most well-known firms have their headquarters in the United States, so you may have the opportunity to work for a very prominent company, which will look fantastic on your résumé. Finally, job experience may help you expand your professional network; you’ll be able to build a lot of valuable connections while working in the United States. which is why you must apply for opting right away!!
Faq’s
What kind of visa is opt?
International students with an F-1 visa can work for up to 12 months in their field of study with an OPT visa. Eligible students can apply for OPT employment authorization either before or after they finish their studies (pre-condition) (post-completion).
Has OPT been considered a visa?
International students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or finishing a degree program in the United States are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training) which is a benefit available with the opt job that can be employed before or after you finish your education, or during a vacation or leave period.
How many years of OPT can you get?
OPT permits you to work in the United States for up to three years while gaining practical experience that will help you stand out to employers.
How does the OPT process work?
Make an online account with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Even if you filed your OPT application on paper, a USCIS Online Account will keep you informed about the status of your application.
You can add your paper-filed applications to your USCIS Online account to track case progress and history, send secure messages, view alerts, upload new evidence, and respond to Requests for Evidence. Keep an eye on your bank account to see when the check cleared if you paid by personal check and filed the application on paper. This guarantees that your application was properly submitted to the USCIS.
