OPT Visa Requirements and Application Process

OPT, or Optional Practical Training, is a program that allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their degree. To participate in OPT, international students must meet certain requirements and complete an application process.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OPT, international students must have completed a degree program from a U.S. university or college that is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must also have maintained valid F-1 status for at least one academic year, and must not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their degree program.

Additionally, students must apply for OPT within 30 days of their designated school end date, which is typically the graduation date. They must also be physically present in the United States when they apply, and their application must be received by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the end of their grace period, which is 60 days after their school end date.

Application Process

The application process for OPT can be broken down into several steps. The first step is to request an OPT recommendation from the designated school official (DSO) at the student’s university or college. The DSO will review the student’s academic record and confirm their eligibility for OPT.

Once the DSO has recommended OPT, the student must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS. This form can be submitted electronically or by mail, and must include the required fee and supporting documents, such as the OPT recommendation, a copy of the student’s passport, and two passport-style photos.

After USCIS receives the application, they will review it and issue a receipt notice, which the student can use to check the status of their application. If additional information is needed, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) to the student, which must be responded to within a certain timeframe.

Once the application is approved, USCIS will send an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to the student’s mailing address. The student can then use this document, along with their passport and Form I-20, to apply for jobs and begin working in the United States.

Conclusion

OBT is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain practical experience in their field of study in the United States. To participate, students must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete a thorough application process that includes working with their designated school official and submitting Form I-765 to USCIS. By following these steps, international students can take advantage of this program and enhance their career prospects in the United States.