Optional Practical Training (OPT) can indeed be a critical step towards building your professional career in the United States. 

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. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your studies in a professional setting. You can experience the dynamics of working in an American Company, which can be quiet different from academic life. 

Working in your field of study during OPT adds significant value to your resume. You can develop new skills and enhance the existing ones, making you more competitive in the job market. 

Many students receive job offers from their OPT employers for long term positions.  OPT experience can strengthen your profile when applying for work visas, such as the H1-B visa.  OPT helps students to build a strong network of professional contacts in your respective industry. It helps gain mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your career. 

Not only the above said benefits, OPT also helps you to earn money to support yourself during your stay in the U.S. It helps you to potentially save money for future educational or personal expenses. 

OPT helps you to explore various roles and sectors within your field to better understand your career interests. You will be able to gain insight into industry standards and practices, helping you make informed career decisions. 

OPT helps you to enhance your cultural understanding and adaptability by working in a diverse environment. It helps you to build confidence in your professional abilities and decision making.  By leveraging the opportunities provided by OPT, you can pave the way for a successful career in your chosen field. OPT helps to explore different roles within your field to identify your interests and strengths.  OPT helps you to understand various career pathways and specializations available in your industry. OPT helps you to gain financial independence and potentially save for the future educational or personal expenses.  

As an F-1 Student, you should apply for OPT atleast 90 days before the desired start date of employment. You can apply as early as 90 days before the official closing of the semester in which you intend to graduate. This period should allow enough time for OIAP and USCIS to review your application. 

• 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

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