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What is OPT? Is it the regular part-time job students take up at..let’s say Dairy Queen?  Well, unless you are a retail major, working at a DQ doesn’t qualify as OPT. And we have heard so many questions like these that it’s about time we clear them once and for all, shall we?

IN THIS BLOG:

1.     What is OPT?
2.     What is STEM OPT?
3.     Who is eligible for OPT?
4.     STEM OPT eligibility
5.     Pre-completion OPT
6.     Post-completion OPT
7.     STEM OPT Extension

What is OPT?

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training and refers to a 12-month time period in which current or graduated students in the US with F-1 visa status are allowed to work part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time and gain experience in practical training that is closely related to their major or field of study.

As an example, an English major might work at a publishing company and a film major can work on a movie set.

Let’s get to the next obvious question – Do you get paid for an OPT?

Well, OPT can be both paid and unpaid but that’s not the point of an OPT. OPT should be seen as an excellent opportunity to gain valuable practical experience to help build your resume.

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is OPT but for students who receive a qualifying degree in STEM fields that is, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM OPT can be extended up to a period of 24 months (36 in total). The STEM OPT visa status is also F-1.

Who is eligible for OPT?

You are eligible for OPT if you –

  1. Maintain valid F-1 status at the time of application
  2. Enrolled full-time for one full academic year at a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  3. Have not used 12-month OPT at the same degree level previously (except in case of STEM OPT extension)

If you are a student living in the US under Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) you don’t necessarily need F1 status, a non-immigrant status during that time is valid to claim OPT.

STEM OPT Eligibility

You are eligible for OPT if you –

  1. Maintain valid F-1 status at the time of application
  2. Enrolled full-time for one full academic year at a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  3. If you have earned a STEM degree included on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program list.
  4. Have not used 12-month or more OPT at the same degree level previously.
Can’t decide between CPT and OPT?

Have you taken the GMAT before?

Pre-completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT is an optional practical training that you use while pursuing the degree, enrolled full-time in a college or university. And because pre-completion OPT is pursued during the session it is mostly part-time or 20 hours per week.

Pre-completion OPT can be used full-time during summer or other breaks, as long as the student is making normal progress towards the degree.

Students can apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before they complete a full academic year that is, as long as you don’t start OPT employment until you complete one full academic year at the university.

Post-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT is a type of work authorization for F1 students who have completed their degree in the US. Students can choose to work full-time or part-time for the dates mentioned on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card issued by USCIS.

You can apply for a Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you complete your degree but no later than 60 days after the program’s end date.

If you are enrolled in a non-STEM degree course you are eligible for a 12-month OPT. Out of which if you have participated in pre-completion OPT for a short duration you are still eligible for Post-Completion OPT as long as the overall OPT does not exceed 12 months. The entire duration of pre-completion OPT will be removed from the available post-completion OPT period.

On the other hand, STEM graduates have the option to apply for STEM OPT Extension, this is further explained in the next section.

STEM OPT Extension

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, you are eligible to apply for an additional 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization, provided you:

  • Are employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify and
  • Received an initial grant of Post-Completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

Have more questions about studying and jobs in the USA? Our counsellors are ready with answers. Call us for a free 15 minutes session and we will guide you through!

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