1. What types of U.S. student visa are available for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
There are two types of U.S. student visas available for Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 Student Visa and J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. The F-1 Visa is available for students pursuing academic studies and the J-1 visa is available for students participating in exchange visitor programs.
2. How long may I work under an OPT student visa?
You may work under an OPT student visa for up to a total of 12 months.
3. What is the earliest I can apply for OPT after graduating from a university in the U.S.?
You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date.
4. How long is the processing time to receive an OPT student visa?
The processing time for an OPT student visa typically takes between three and five months.
5. What documents are required to apply for an OPT student visa?
To apply for an OPT student visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
1. Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) issued by your school.
2. A valid U.S. passport.
3. A copy of your current visa.
4. A copy of your most recent I-94 record.
5. Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
6. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
7. Two passport photographs.
8. Evidence of financial support in the U.S., such as a bank statement or a current letter of financial support from a sponsor.
6. What must I do to maintain my work authorization under an OPT student visa?
To maintain your work authorization under an OPT student visa, you must comply with all the regulations of the OPT program and report any changes to your immigration status or job to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 10 days. You must also maintain valid F-1 status and work only at a job related to your degree program. Additionally, you should keep copies of all your documents, including your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), current I-20 forms, and records of all employment.
7. What are the restrictions on working under an OPT student visa?
When working under an OPT student visa, there are several restrictions in place. Firstly, international students must work in a job that has some connection to their field of study. Additionally, international students are limited to working no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during vacations and holidays. Finally, international students may work for a maximum of 12 months on an OPT Student Visa.
8. Is employment under an OPT student visa considered legal work in the U.S.?
Yes, employment under an Optional Practical Training (OPT) student visa is considered legal work in the U.S. The OPT program allows international students who have studied in the United States on a student visa to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation.
9. Can I be employed by more than one employer with an OPT student visa?
No, you cannot be employed by more than one employer with an OPT student visa.
10. What taxes must I pay while working under an OPT student visa?
You must pay federal taxes as well as state taxes depending on what state you are living in. You can also be subject to Social Security taxes if you are employed with an employer.
11. How does the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) monitor OPT students?
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) oversees, monitors, and evaluates OPT students through its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVP collects information from each school’s student tracking system, verifying the accuracy of student enrollment information. The program also monitors students’ OPT employment activities to ensure they comply with program rules and regulations. Additionally, SEVP monitors students’ compliance with their status by conducting periodic audits of OPT employment activities. Finally, ICE regularly reviews reports from employers to ensure students are working in jobs related to their educational objectives.
12. Are there any courses or training that I must complete while working under an OPT student visa?
No, you are not required to take any courses or complete any training while working under an OPT student visa. However, if your employer requires you to participate in certain training or courses, you may be able to do so. Additionally, you may pursue additional coursework related to your field of study and OPT eligibility.
13. Are there any limits on how many hours I can work with an OPT student visa?
Yes. As an OPT student, you are limited to working 20 hours per week during the normal academic year (this includes any on-campus or CPT employment). During summers or other vacation periods, you may work full-time (40 hours per week). You are also limited to a total of 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period.
14. Can I renew my OPT student visa after it expires?
Yes, you may be able to renew your OPT student visa after it expires. You must meet all the requirements for renewal, including maintaining an F-1 student visa status and continuing to make reasonable progress toward completing your degree. To renew your OPT student visa, you must submit a new Form I-20 (with the proper endorsement from your designated school official) and pay the appropriate fees. You may also need to provide additional documents or complete a new interview.
15. What kinds of jobs are most often approved for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is typically approved for jobs related to the student’s field of study, so jobs that directly relate to the student’s major or degree program. Examples of eligible OPT jobs include internships, research positions, teaching assistantships, and clinical or laboratory positions.
16. Do I have to complete a practical training period in order to qualify for an OPT student visa?
No, there is no practical training requirement for the OPT student visa. However, if you are looking to gain a more hands-on experience in the U.S., you may be eligible for a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program that allows students to gain experience through an internship or employment related to their studies.
17. Can I apply for my Optional Practical Training (OPT) application form online?
Yes, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers an online form for applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The application form is known as Form I-765 and can be found on the USCIS website.
18. How does the STEM option for Optional Practical Training (OPT) differ from other types of OPT?
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) OPT option allows F-1 students with degrees in certain STEM-designated fields to extend their post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization period from 12 months to 36 months. This extended duration allows students to further develop their technical skills and remain in the US to gain practical experience. The STEM OPT extension requires the student to have an employer sponsor and an approved training plan that outlines specific goals and objectives of the student’s job experience. The STEM OPT extension also requires that the student’s employer submit regular evaluations to the school’s Designated School Official (DSO).
19. Are there any restrictions on where I can work with Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Yes. OPT is limited to employment related to the student’s field of study. Additionally, it must be paid employment through an employer that is enrolled in the E-Verify Program. Finally, it must be at least 20 hours per week.
20. Is there any difference between professional internships and Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization?
Yes, there are differences between professional internships and Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization. Professional internships are typically shorter-term, set within a specific timeline, and are designed for educational purposes. OPT work authorization is an off-campus work authorization for F-1 student visa holders which allows them to gain practical experience in their field of study in the United States for up to 12 months. Unlike professional internships, OPT is valid for a longer period of time and does not require any specific timeline.