All About Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

When a student has devoted his life to a program, they aspire to pursue a career. Thus, through an Optional Practical Program (OPT) a student studying on an F-1 study visa gets a chance to work in their respective fields. OPT is a work permit that allows students to get temporary employment and gain experience but, you are required to apply for the work permit to extend your visa validity for 1 year and that might extend to 2 years for students pursuing STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects. 

Pre Completion Vs Post Completion OPT

Pre and Post-completion OPT are two periods when you apply for the OPT study permit before and after completing the program. They both come with their eligibility and work terms so, refer to the table below for more information. 

Pre-OPT may be the right choice if you want to get some work experience during the course duration however, not the best choice if you want to maximize the duration of your OPT visa. 

STEM OPT Extension:

Other than the Pre and Post completion OPT work permit there is a STEM OPT extension for students pursuing STEM full-time courses. It authorizes a 24-month work permit for the F-1 student visa. The H-1 B visa also allows students to work for employers and work under employers enrolled in e-verify. While awaiting approval, students can work for up to 180 days after their initial OPT expires. For a complete list of qualifying degrees, students should check the DHS website or consult their university’s International Student Office.

Eligibility Criteria for OPT

Under the following conditions, a student is eligible for OPT:

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  In a SEVP-certified school or university, the student has completed one academic year as a full-time student.
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  The student's employment must relate to the student's major area of study.
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  Students need to be physically present in the US when the application is submitted online or by mail.
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  An offer letter is not required for the OPT.
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  Before starting, a working student needs to get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

When to Apply for the OPT?

For the application, you should fulfill certain requirements. This also helps in easy approvals.

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  A student can apply for the OPT either 90 days before the end of the course or within 60 days after the end date of the course. 
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  Some students can apply for the post-completion OPT at a higher degree level.
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  Can apply once under the F-1 student visa.
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  OPT becomes only after you receive a receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) work card. 

Documents Required During the Application Process for OPT

The OPT work permit requires an application process which is mentioned below. You can use the following steps to apply:

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  Request the designated school official (DSO) in the institution to recommend OPT. 
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  The DSO recommendation, Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and appropriate notation in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 
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  Form 1-765 which is Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS and other formalities mentioned on the application form should be arranged to apply. 
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  Passport-sized photographs as per the application form instructions. 
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  Form I-94 for the travel history.
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  Digital and Hard Copy of Passport.

Application Process for OPT

The OPT work permit requires an application process and every step is mentioned below:

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  Arrange the documents for the OPT work permit.
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  Visit the USIC website and create a USIC account.
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  Create an account and verify the account. 
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  Click on my USIC and file a form online.
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  Choose the Form I-765 and hit the start form button.
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  Fill in the asked details. 
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  Save a pdf of your application form.
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  Make a payment of USD 410 and submit the application form. 

OPT Work Restrictions & Compliances

OPT work permit also comes with restrictions that are required to be followed to keep your work permit valid. Violations of any term might lead to rejection of the OPT work visa.

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  Under pre-completion OPT allows 20 hours per week and post-completion OPT for more than 20 hours per week. 

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  A maximum of 90 days of unemployment is allowed during regular OPT and a STEM OPT extension of 150 days including initial 90 days is permitted. 
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  The employment should be reported and updated to the Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days. 

OPT work permit can be a great gateway for gaining practical knowledge. But, ensures that you are an option for the right OPT work permit to make the most use of it. Also, follow the guidelines to validate your OPT work permit and make your chances better for the H1 B visa. So, prepare your documents and apply for your OPT today. 

Read Also:

• 
  CPT vs. OPT- What are the Major Differences?
• 
  22 New Courses Added by the US to STEM OPT
• 
  US Student Visa Guide
• 
  A Complete Guide On Form I-864 and Student Visa
• 
  What is SEVIS & how to pay SEVIS Fee?
• 
  Different Types of student visas

Frequently Asked Questions