One of the most crucial considerations for students who plan to pursue higher education in the USA is a post-study work visa. Three different student visas the F1 visa, the M1 visa, and the J1 visa allow students to remain in the US for a set amount of time after they have finished their studies.
International students with an F1 student visa are permitted to work up to a year in temporary positions that are closely related to their major subject of study. After finishing their studies, F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Optional Practical Training (OPT) When an overseas student completes a degree programme in the US, they are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a one-year work and stay-back permit. There are two sorts of OPT: Post-Completion OPT, which begins after one's studies are through, and Pre-Completion OPT, which can be used while one is still in school.
Pre-completion OPT: After receiving your full-time enrollment in a university that has been approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to accept F-1 students, you can submit an application for pre-completion OPT. The course must last for at least 12 months. When your classes are in session, you are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week on a part-time basis. You may put in a full day's work throughout the holidays.
Post-completion OPT: After finishing your education, you can apply for post-completion OPT.
Your work once you graduate from your course must be specifically relevant to your area of study. After graduating, you have 90 days to locate employment.
Nine months after beginning their education, a student can apply for OPT. However, receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS is the only way to begin working. Those who enrolled for at least a year are given an EAD. Without a job offer, one may apply for an EAD and engage in OPT employment throughout the United States.
How to Get OPT? Requirements of OPT in USA:
- The student must possess an F-1 visa
- The student's job should be associated with the course he took to study in the United States.
- He must submit an OPT application before finishing all of his course-related work.
- For your application to be considered for OPT, you must successfully complete a certificate programme at your university. You receive a DSO's (Designated School Official) endorsement for the OPT.
- To apply for OPT, you must complete Form I-20. To create the form, the university will send your application to SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
- For OPT Extension, the applicant must secure employment within 90 days of programme completion.
When Should You Apply for OPT?
- After your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record, you can apply for pre-completion OPT for a STEM degree. Additionally, you have up to three months (90 days) before the end of the academic year to apply.
- After your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record, you can apply for post-completion OPT for a STEM degree. Additionally, you must submit your application within 30 days following the information's entry. Up to 90 days before to your degree's completion, but no later than 60 days afterwards, you may apply.
- You must submit an application for a STEM OPT extension after your DSO records their recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record. Additionally, you must submit your application within 60 days of the information being entered. Additionally, you have up to 90 days to apply before your current OPT job permission expires.
- After your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record, you can apply for pre-completion OPT for non-STEM degrees. Additionally, you have up to three months (90 days) before the end of the academic year to apply.
- After your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in your SEVIS record, you can apply for post-completion OPT for Non-Stem degrees. Within 30 days of the information's entry, you must apply. Up to 90 days before to your degree's completion, but no later than 60 days afterwards, you may apply.