Here we are sharing detailed information about Optional Practical Training - Eligibility, Types & Process!
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the entry point for billions of international students into the United States of America. Many international students apply for their desired university or college to get an education and are likely to get employed under OPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits F-1 student visa holders to work either during or after their study program in the United States. The legal authority of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service or USCIS grants the permission and the Terms and Conditions along with the criteria for the OPT candidates wishing to study in the USA.
Optional practical training (referred to as OPT) is the opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study (your major). So, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one of the biggest perks the USA offers international students to help them gain relevant work experience.
Keep on reading this article to know more about Optical Practical Training- Eligibility, Types, and Process!
Optional Practical Training - Benefits
Optional Practical Training has many benefits for students
OPT students get to work in their chosen field of study.
OPT participants often work with people from diverse cultures and countries.
OPT programs allow students to work at some of the largest companies in the world.
OPT work experience helps students make professional connections in the United States that can be beneficial throughout their careers.
OPT experience helps students stand out when applying for permanent work.
Optional Practical Training - Terms and Conditions
Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level.
OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or Ph.D.).
The 12 months of OPT must be used all at once, it cannot be broken up.
OPT must be used directly after graduation; it cannot be saved for later.
Optional Practical Training - Types
Pre-completion OPT – Any OPT portion you use before your program end date
Post-completion OPT – Any OPT portion you use after your program end date
Cap-Gap OPT Extension – Available if your prospective employer submits a qualifying H-1B-cap subject petition
24-month STEM OPT Extension – Available if your primary course of study is for a DHS-approved degree in a field of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math
Optional Practical Training - Eligibility Criteria
Be in the US with a valid F-1 visa
Be a student at a US educational institution
Be enrolled in school for at least 1 academic year
Agree to work part-time if you want a pre-completion OPT
Agree to work in a job related to your field of study
NOT have a criminal record during your time in the US
Be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
NOT have completed a 12-month, full-time, Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
NOT be enrolled in an English as a Second Language course.
Optional Practical Training - Application Process
Participants should take the following steps into account while applying for Optional Practical Training in the USA.
Participants submit OPT application materials to their school's designated OPT official.
School officials enter the request into SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Participants and school officials must submit Form I-20 and Form I-765 (the Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS within 30 days.
If approved for OPT, participants receive an employment authorization document (EAD) and an authorization date to begin work.
Optional Practical Training - Request Status Meaning
Requested DSO requested OPT in SEVIS on behalf of the student, but USCIS has not yet received the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).
Pending USCIS has received the Form I-765.
Approved USCIS has approved the Form I-765.
Denied USCIS has denied Form I-765.
Canceled DSO has canceled the OPT request in SEVIS.
Withdrawn USCIS approved the student’s request to withdraw the Form I-765.
Optional Practical Training- Processing Time
After your DSO makes the OPT request in SEVIS, you will then file your request for an EAD. The average time it takes for USCIS to process EAD requests is around 90 days.
Important note- It is best to apply for OPT as early as possible. You can set your start and end dates for the OPT for after you complete your degree. Since USCIS will have a high workload of processing, the OPT processing time could take a while.
Optional Practical Training- Cost
All OPT applicants must pay a fee of $410. (33k-34k INR)
Some students must pay a biometrics fee of $85. (6k-7k INR)
Some colleges require an OPT fee.
A fee is often required to mail an application.
Optional Practical Training - Extension
Extensions of OPT are only available for students that are in a STEM-related field. Those who have a STEM field can apply for another 24-month OPT extension after their initial 12 months.
To be eligible for this extension, students must:
Currently have an unexpired 12-month OPT;
Have a degree that falls into a STEM field, even if it is a previous degree;
Work for an employer which meets OPT employer criteria;
Submit Form I-765 to USCIS at least 90 days before your current OPT and EAD expire. Also, submit it within 60 days from the time your DSO recommends you for OPT in SEVIS.
The degrees that can qualify for extension include Computer Science Applications, Actuarial Sciences, Engineering Technologies, Engineering, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Military Technologies, and others.
Conclusion
Every year, more than 1 million students from around the globe earn their higher education at colleges and universities in the United States. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience and begin contributing their education and training to the U.S. immediately. In FY 2020, slightly more than 180,000 OPT initial and renewal work authorization applications were approved.
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