International graduates from Indian universities who study in the USA can gain valuable work experience through post-study work visas, primarily the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows students who have completed at least one academic year in the United States on an F-1 visa to work for up to 12 months in their field of study. For those with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), an additional 24-month extension is available, totalling 36 months of work authorisation. This opportunity enables STEM students to gain hands-on experience, enhancing their career prospects and potentially easing the transition to longer-term work visas, such as the H-1B.
Description: The F-1 visa is the most common visa for international students pursuing academic studies in the USA.
Eligibility: Full-time enrollment in an academic program at an accredited institution.
Post Graduate Work Permit: Eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
OPT Details:
Up to 12 months of work authorisation after completing studies.
STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension (totalling 36 months).
Employment should be in the same field of study specialisation.
Application: Students must apply for OPT through their Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Description: The M-1 visa is for students enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs.
Eligibility: Enrollment in a vocational or technical school.
Post Graduate Work Permit: Eligible for Practical Training.
Practical Training Details:
One month of work authorisation for every four months of study.
Maximum of six months of practical training.
Employment must be directly related to the vocational field of study.
Application: Students must apply for practical training authorisation through their DSO and USCIS.
Description: The J-1 visa is for exchange visitors participating in programs promoting cultural exchange, including students.
Eligibility: Enrollment in an exchange program approved by the Department of State.
Post Graduate Work Permit: Eligible for Academic Training (AT).
AT Details:
Up to 18 months of work authorisation for most fields.
STEM graduates can apply for an extension of up to 36 months.
Employment must be directly related to the academic program.
Application: Students must get approval from their program sponsor and follow specific procedures set by the Department of State.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students in the United States, who hold F-1 visas, to work for up to one year in a field directly related to their major area of study. This program provides valuable work experience by allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills gained through their academic programs in real-world professional settings.
Pre-Completion OPT:
Eligibility: Available to F-1 students who have completed one full academic year of study at a U.S. institution.
When to Use: Can be used before the student’s program end date.
Work Limitations:
Part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session.
Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session.
Duration: Any time used in Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from the total available OPT time (12 months). For example, if a student uses 6 months of Pre-Completion OPT, they will have only 6 months left for Post-Completion OPT.
Post-Completion OPT:
Eligibility: Available to F-1 students who have completed their academic program.
When to Use: Can be used after the student’s program end date.
Work Limitations: Students can work part-time or full-time.
Duration: Typically up to 12 months, but STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension, allowing for a total of up to 36 months of OPT.
To work in the USA after completing your course, the job must be directly related to your field of study. You have 90 days post-graduation to secure employment. The process of applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) can begin nine months after enrollment. However, you can only start working once you receive your Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS and have been enrolled for at least one year. Notably, you do not need a job offer to apply for an EAD, and your OPT employment can be anywhere in the US.
Duration of Stay: You are allowed to stay in the US for one year after completing your course on an F1 visa.
Extension: Students with degrees in STEM fields from institutions accredited by the US Department of Education and authorised by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) are eligible for an OPT extension.
For more details on the STEM OPT extension, refer to the official guidelines.
F1 visa holders with non-STEM degrees can extend their OPT by utilising past degrees from accredited US institutions of higher education.
Request in SEVIS: Ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to enter an OPT request in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Sign I-20 Form: Sign your I-20 form provided by your DSO.
Complete EAD Application: Fill out the application for Employment Authorisation.
Submit Documentation: Submit the completed form, OPT extension fee, and supporting documents.
Respond to USCIS: Answer any requests for evidence from USCIS.
Receive Approval: Wait for and receive your OPT extension approval.
To apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you first need a recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO) at your university. The DSO is responsible for assisting and managing the status of international students. To start the process, you must complete the certification procedures at your university, which include submitting the OPT I-20 request form to the International Services Office. This form is available for download from your university’s website.
Once your request is submitted, your university will forward it to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Upon approval, a new I-20 immigration form will be issued.
After consulting with the DSO, ensure you understand the typical OPT requirements:
Employment Relevance: Your job must be directly related to your major.
Application Timing: Apply for OPT before completing all work needed for your degree.
F-1 Status Maintenance: You must maintain lawful F-1 status.
Work Period: You can work before or after completing your degree, or both.
Post-Graduation Stay: You may stay and work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after finishing your coursework.
For post-graduation OPT, note the following:
Full-Time Work: OPT work should be full-time, preferably 40 hours a week.
Timely Application: Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS before you complete your degree.
Completion Period: All OPT must be completed within 14 months after you finish your degree.
By adhering to these guidelines and timelines, you can ensure a smooth application process for OPT.
Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) involves understanding the different timelines and requirements based on the type of OPT you are seeking. Here's a detailed guide on when to apply for OPT:
1. Pre-Completion OPT
When to Apply: You can apply for pre-completion OPT after receiving a recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Application Timeline: You can apply up to 90 days before you complete one full academic year. However, you cannot start working on OPT until you have completed one full academic year.
2. Post-Completion OPT
When to Apply: You should apply for post-completion OPT after your DSO enters the recommendation in SEVIS.
Application Timeline: You must apply within 30 days of your DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS. Additionally, you can apply up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date.
3. STEM OPT Extension
When to Apply: You can apply for the STEM OPT extension after your DSO enters the recommendation in SEVIS.
Application Timeline: You must apply within 60 days of your DSO’s recommendation in SEVIS. Moreover, the application should be submitted up to 90 days before your current post-completion OPT authorisation expires and no later than the expiration date of your current OPT.
4. Non-STEM OPT (General Guidance)
When to Apply: Similar to the post-completion OPT process.
Application Timeline: Follow the same timeline as post-completion OPT, applying within 30 days of the DSO's recommendation in SEVIS, and ensuring the application is submitted within the allowable time frame around your program end date.
Key Points to Remember
DSO Recommendation: Your application for any type of OPT requires a recommendation from your DSO in SEVIS.
USCIS Processing Time: It can take several months for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your OPT application, so it's crucial to apply as early as possible within the allowed timeframe.
Employment Start Date: For post-completion OPT, the start date must be within 60 days after your program end date.
By adhering to these timelines and requirements, you can ensure a smooth application process for your OPT and avoid potential delays or issues with your employment authorisation.
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