Eligibility Requirements for OPT Visa A Guide

For international students who are planning to study in the United States, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa is an excellent opportunity to gain work experience after completing their studies. OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility requirements for OPT visa application.

Academic Qualification

In order to be eligible for OPT, you must have completed a degree program from a U.S. college or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Additionally, you must have maintained your F-1 status while studying in the United States. If you are a graduate student, you are eligible for OPT after completing all course requirements for your degree program, but your thesis or dissertation must still be pending.

Application Timeframe

You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program end date. However, it is recommended that you apply as early as possible, because processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and other factors. Once your OPT is approved, you can begin working on the start date listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Employment Requirement

You must have a job offer or be employed in a position that is related to your field of study in order to apply for OPT. It is also important to note that OPT is limited to a total of 12 months per academic level; you cannot apply for OPT more than once per degree level. If you are currently on OPT and you want to change employers, you must notify your Designated School Official (DSO) and receive a new EAD before beginning work at your new employer.

Maintaining Status

While you are on OPT, you must report any changes to your address or employment status to your DSO within 10 days. You must also carry your EAD and I-20 with you at all times, as well as present them to your employer upon request. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is an online system that verifies employment eligibility.

Conclusion

OPT is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain real-world experience and build their careers after graduation. It is important to understand the eligibility requirements and to follow the rules and regulations in order to maintain your F-1 status and avoid any complications. By keeping these guidelines in mind and seeking guidance from your DSO, you can successfully apply and benefit from OPT.