What are the degrees qualified for OPT?

International students who have completed a degree in specific fields can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. Generally, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree students are eligible for OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

This program in the United States allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain work experience related to their field of study. It's temporary employment authorization, typically lasting up to 12 months after graduation (with an extension possible for STEM fields). OPT helps students bridge the gap between their academic studies and professional careers.

• OPT is a significant advantage for the F-1 visa status but does not come under the visa category or separate work visa.
• While on OPT, you are still subject to all F-1 visa regulations and must adhere to them throughout your OPT period.
• Yale will continue to serve as your visa sponsor. Once you obtain a Green Card, employer sponsorship will no longer be required for your work authorization.

Timing Considerations

Here are some key timing aspects to consider for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students. :

Applying for OPT:

• Start early: Ideally, begin preparing 90 days before your program completion date. Processing times can vary, so give yourself ample buffer.
• Meet deadlines: Submit your OPT application (Form I-765) with supporting documents to USCIS before your program ends. Late application risks processing delays or denials.
• Consider pre-completion OPT: If eligible, apply for pre-completion OPT up to 120 days before graduation to start working early.

OPT duration and extensions:

• Standard OPT: You get 12 months of post-completion OPT.
• STEM OPT extension: Students in STEM fields can extend for 24 additional months under specific criteria.
• Timing extensions: Apply for OPT extensions well before your current authorization expires to avoid gaps in employment.

Other timing considerations:

• Travel restrictions: OPT doesn't allow certain types of travel while authorized. Plan trips carefully during your OPT period.
• Grace period: After OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to leave the US or change your immigration status.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, you must meet several key criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Hold an F-1 visa: You must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a SEVP-certified institution with an F-1 student visa.
• Complete one academic year: You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (9 months or more) before applying.
• Maintain valid F-1 status: Your F-1 visa must be valid, and your SEVIS record must be active throughout the OPT period.

Additional Requirements:

Type of OPT: Eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the type of OPT you're applying for:

• Pre-completion OPT: Must be enrolled in a program for at least a full academic year and be working in a job directly related to your major field of study, with a maximum duration of 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
• Post-completion OPT: You can apply within 90 days before program completion or up to 60 days after completion and work full-time for up to 12 months in a job directly related to your major field of study.
• STEM OPT extension: Available to STEM degree holders who meet additional criteria, allowing an additional 24 months of OPT authorization.

Other Considerations:

• Criminal record: You must not have any criminal convictions that could jeopardize your eligibility for OPT.
• English language proficiency: You must be enrolled in something other than English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): If you already used your full 12 months of CPT, it may impact your OPT eligibility.

What is the difference between OPT and CPT?

While both CPT and OPT offer international students valuable work experience in the US, they serve distinct purposes within their academic journey.

CPT, or Curricular Practical Training, seamlessly integrates practical experience into your program before graduation. Internships, co-ops, and practicums are common CPT options that enrich your learning and help you develop job-ready skills. However, with a maximum duration of 12 months, it also reduces your potential post-graduation OPT by the same amount.

OPT, or Optional Practical Training, kicks in after you graduate, authorizing independent work for up to 12 months. This is your chance to launch your career, secure full-time positions, and gain valuable on-the-job experience in your chosen field. STEM graduates can even extend this period for an additional 24 months. Remember, while OPT offers a longer timeframe, it comes after you've completed your academic program.Ultimately, deciding whether to utilize CPT or OPT depends on your goals and program structure. Consulting your school's international student advisor is crucial to navigating the specifics and tailoring your experience for maximum benefit.

Additional Considerations of OPT:

• Eligibility and Timing: Students must have been in full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year to be eligible for OPT. The application for OPT is typically made in a student's last semester, and students must submit their OPT application to USCIS before making any exit from the United States after their program completion.
• Taxes and Health Insurance: While on OPT, students are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes and must file a tax report. Students must also have health insurance, as they are no longer eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) after completing their program. Students should research and compare health insurance plans to ensure sufficient coverage.
• OPT Extension for STEM Graduates: International students with a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT, known as the STEM OPT Extension. This extension allows students to gain additional practical experience in their field.

To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, students must have a job offer in a field related to their STEM degree and must work for an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.

In summary, students with degrees in STEM fields and those who have completed at least one academic year in F-1 status are eligible for OPT, which provides a maximum of 12 months of work authorization per higher degree level, with the possibility of a 24-month extension for STEM students.