What do you mean by OPT?

OPT means Optional Practical Training especially for those students who are enrolled or about to complete their degree in the United States of America and can work either during their vacation or leave term or even after completion of their course and their status of immigration would be F1.  OPT helps these students to avail a temporary employment authorization and one can explore and experience the work over there during this period.  Many students on F1 visas would like to take temporary work assignments relevant to their studies.  It's an opportunity to experience work as well as earn.

It’s a great opportunity for international students to experience their learning practically through employment and also build confidence to continue their studies. Optional Practical Training is a paradigm shift from theory to practical approach at work.

What are the key points about OPT?

OPT is not an employment provided by sponsors. OPT is a work authorization program that allows international students in the United States to work in their field of study

Who is eligible for OPT?

Students holding an F-1 visa for a minimum period of nine months can apply to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for twelve months of Optional Practical Training Work Authorization. The student's Visa should be a valid one while applying for this. Also, they should have already opted for a full-time course at any university in the United States. While applying for OPT, the student's presence in the US is mandatory.   

What are the types of OPT?

• Pre-completion OPT (part time or full time during school breaks). Part time or full time during the student’s annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the following semester. Part time while school is in session or part time or full time after completion of graduate course work requirements excluding a thesis or dissertation 

•  Post-completion OPT (full time after graduation) / after completion of the course of the study                                                   

What is the application process of OPT?

Students have to submit an OPT request to their school’s international student services (ISSS), receive an OPT I-20, and then file Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days

How much is the Length of authorization and hours to be worked for OPT? 

Twelve-month period can be applied as part of initial post-completion and the work start date must be within sixty days after the end of the program.   The hours of employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, whether paid or unpaid.

What is STEM extension for OPT?

If you have a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), you may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension

Is there any exemption during OPT?

Limited time exemption is allowed during OPT and STEM OPT. Students can accrue no more than ninety days of unemployment and in the case of STEM OPT students can accrue no more than 150 days of unemployment. In both cases it's cumulative.

What should I know about application of OPT?

The OPT application must be received by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) within 30 days of the date that ISSS issues the OPT I-20. If filed with USCIS after 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date, your application will be denied.

What are the mandatory online tutorial before applying for post-completion of OPT?

ISSS recommends that you complete the mandatory online tutorial at least 3 to 4 months before your program completion. The tutorial must be completed before requesting your OPT I-20 from ISSS. To access the tutorial, first you need to log into the portal then open the OPT I -20 request eform. Choose YES for post completion OPT then click Begin Tutorial. TO complete the online tutorial, you have to complete 100% of the quizzes hidden inside the online module

What are the reporting requirements for OPT?

Once you receive your OPT EAD card, OPT reporting should be done by submitting the OPT Reporting eform. You can understand this in detail by browsing F-1 OPT Reporting requirements page which helps you to understand better

What are the work requirements for OPT? 

During post-completion OPT, F-1 Status is dependent upon employment. Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any authorized period of standard post-completion OPT. The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension.  The duration of OPT employment authorization is normally granted to begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later, and is authorized until the end date requested.

Do I need to have a job to apply for OPT?

You do not need to have a job offer before applying for the first 12 months of OPT in United States. If your major/field qualifies you for the STEM OPT extension, you do have to have a job to apply which you will be required to provide your employer’s E-Verify number