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Optional Practical Training (OPT) as international students: All you need to know
In the academic year 2023, more than 1.5 million international students enrolled in educational institutions in the USA to pursue higher education and chase their American dream. For decades, the USA has been a top destination for individuals in search of better, world-class academic and professional opportunities. After graduation, many students hope to extend their stay by gaining valuable work experience in the USA. Now, thanks to Optional Practical Training (OPT), their dream can now be a reality. International students who meet the eligibility requirements can secure temporary employment where they have an amazing opportunity to apply the knowledge they acquired during their studies to real-world professional settings. Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of OPT and secure your future career in the United States.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that allows international students (on an F-1 visa) to work in the USA in a job related to their field of study. The practical training program is designed to give you real-world, hands-on experience that complements your academic studies. Whether you're still completing your degree or have recently graduated, OPT gives you the chance to sharpen your skills and launch your professional career in the USA.
Under OPT, eligible students can work for up to 12 months after completing their degree, with an option for an additional 24-month extension if they're in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field. This means you could potentially work in the USA for up to 36 months while maintaining your F-1 student status.
Types of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Now that you understand Optional Practical Training (OPT), let's look at the different types of OPT that are available.
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Pre-completion OPT: This type of OPT allows you to work while you're still pursuing your full-time degree at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary. It's important to note that the institution must be certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. You can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during your studies and full-time during school breaks. However, it's important to note that any time used under pre-completion OPT will be deducted from your Post-completion OPT duration.
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Post-completion OPT: This is the most common type of OPT. It allows you to work full-time after you have graduated from a certified higher educational institution. You must apply for post-completion OPT before completing your academic program. Once approved, you must work for at least 20 hours per week or full-time in a job directly related to your major for up to 12 months.
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STEM OPT extension: If you graduate in a STEM field, you will be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT, which means that you can work for a total period of 36 months in the USA. This extended period will give you more time to gain professional experience and make it easier for you to transition to other visa types, such as an H-1B or even a Green Card!
Eligibility criteria for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
To qualify for this unique practical training program, you must meet specific criteria set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
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You must be a full-time student with valid F-1 status.
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You must have completed at least one academic year of study at an institution certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
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Your future employment must be directly related to your field of study, not major concentration, modification, or even minor.
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You must not have already completed 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as this may affect your OPT eligibility.
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You need to apply for Post-Completion OPT before completing your studies.
The most important point is that OPT is a one-time benefit. This means if you use all 12 months during your undergraduate degree, you cannot reapply for OPT at the same level of study. However, you can reapply if you move up to a higher level of study.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) process
Securing OPT involves numerous steps. But, with careful planning and our step-by-step process, you can make it smooth and stress-free.
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Request OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO): To get started, you need to request an OPT recommendation from your school’s DSO. The DSO will update your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record to reflect this.
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Submit Form I-765 to USCIS: After receiving the DSO’s recommendation, you will need to file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must do this within 90 days before or up to 60 days after completing your academic program.
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Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD): After your OPT application gets approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which officially allows you to work in the USA under OPT. Your EAD will specify the exact start and end dates of your OPT period.
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Start Working: After you receive your EAD and the OPT start date arrives, you’re free to begin working in the USA. Remember, the work must be directly related to your major. You should also keep records of your employment, as you'll need to report this information to your DSO.
How to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Here’s a quick guide to help you through the OPT application process:
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Meet with your DSO: Before applying for OPT, make an appointment with your DSO to discuss your plans and ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria. They will help you understand how OPT fits into your career goals and guide you through the application.
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Prepare your documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including:
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Completed Form I-765
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Copy of your passport
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Two passport-sized photos
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I-20 form with the OPT recommendation from your DSO
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$410 application fee
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Copy of your current I-94 form (you can retrieve this online)
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Submit the application: Once everything is ready, submit your Form I-765 and supporting documents to USCIS. You can either apply online or mail the application. Don't forget to follow up and check the status of your application regularly.
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Wait for approval: It typically takes 2-5 months for USCIS to process OPT applications. During this time, stay in close contact with your DSO and keep track of your application's status.
Why OPT is a great opportunity for Schiller international students in Tampa
For international students attending Schiller International University at the Tampa campus, OPT is more than just a chance to gain work experience. It’s a ticket to building your professional career in the USA. Whether you’re studying business, hospitality, international relations, or any other program, we provide an excellent environment to support your academic and career ambitions.
If you choose our Tampa campus in the USA as your higher education destination, you will have the added advantage of extending your stay and working legally in the USA. for up to 24 months after completing your degree! This can be particularly valuable for you if your aim is to build a strong career foundation or transition to a long-term work visa like the H-1B or Green Card.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an incredible opportunity for you to study in the USA, gain valuable work experience and kick-start your career. By understanding the process and following the correct steps, you can smoothly transition from student life to professional life. Whether you’re looking to gain short-term experience or aiming for a long-term career, OPT opens doors to exciting opportunities in the United States. Take this chance to build your future today!
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