Understanding Optional Practical Training: From Application to STEM Extension
Overview of Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work authorization program that allows international students in the United States to gain practical work experience related to their field of study.
Under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), students on an F-1 visa can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months through OPT.
This program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, enriching the academic experience with professional development.
Current Participation Statistics and Growth Trends
OPT has seen a significant uptick in participation, especially as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, 160,627 international students were involved in OPT, marking a nearly 37% increase from the previous year, Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
This upward trend underscores the sustained interest among international students in acquiring U.S. work experience in their field of study.
Opportunity to experience different places
Importance of OPT in Providing U.S. Work Experience
Engagement in OPT allows international students to implement what they’ve learned into real-world settings, thereby enhancing their skill sets and employability.
For many students, OPT provides critical exposure to the U.S. job market, helping them understand industry practices, build professional networks, and increase their competitiveness in the global workforce.
According to Jim Hicks, acting deputy assistant director for SEVP, students in OPT contribute to the innovation and competitiveness of the U.S. workforce while also fostering cultural exchange.
Additionally, OPT plays an essential role in strengthening the global standing of U.S. educational institutions.
Universities benefit from the diverse perspectives of international students who participate in OPT, enriching campus culture and enhancing academic programs.
Miriam Feldblum, executive director of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, notes that OPT participants engage in hands-on experiences that complement their on-campus education, making it a mutually beneficial program for both students and institutions.
By immersing themselves in the U.S. work environment, international students also gain valuable experience that can aid in securing long-term employment, either in the U.S. under different visa categories or in their home countries, bringing back invaluable knowledge and skills.
Understanding the nuances and eligibility of OPT is crucial for international students aiming to maximize their educational and professional journey in the U.S.
Types of OPT
Pre-completion OPT
Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed for international students who wish to gain work experience while still pursuing their studies.
Under this option, students can engage in part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) while classes are in session.
During academic breaks, such as summer vacation or winter holidays, students are allowed to work full-time.
This type of OPT offers a valuable way for students to apply what they have learned in their coursework to real-world situations, enhancing both their academic and professional skills.
It’s a great opportunity to build a network in their field of study, making their transition to the workforce smoother upon graduation.
Post-completion OPT
Post-completion OPT is the more popular option among international students.
This allows graduates to work either part-time or full-time in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their degree.
The objective here is to provide students with practical experience in their field of study, making their educational background more robust and relevant in the job market.
One key aspect of post-completion OPT is that students do not need to have a job offer to initiate their application.
This flexibility allows them to embark on the job search immediately after filing their OPT application.
Notably, students must complete the application process within a critical timeline: no more than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after graduation.
STEM OPT Extension
Students who have earned degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields have the option to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S.
To qualify, students must meet additional requirements, such as having their employer complete a Form I-983 training plan.
This plan outlines the student’s role, the goals of the training, and how the employer will support the student’s development.
This extension not only provides more time for these students to gain substantial work experience, but it also encourages them to remain in the U.S., contributing to fields deemed crucial for innovation and competitiveness.
Furthermore, the STEM OPT extension often serves as a pathway for students to secure H-1B visas, allowing them to stay and work in the U.S. long-term.
Understanding these types of OPT is crucial for making informed decisions that align with one’s academic and career goals.
Each type of OPT serves a specific purpose and provides unique opportunities for growth and future career development.
Eligibility Requirements
F-1 Visa Status and Minimum Academic Year Completion
To participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), international students must be in good standing with an F-1 visa status.
This means you must have maintained full-time enrollment at an accredited college, university, conservatory, or seminary for at least one academic year.
This foundational requirement ensures students are sufficiently integrated into their academic programs before they venture into professional work experiences related to their field of study.
Expand knowledge without borders
Availability at Different Education Levels
OPT is accessible across various levels of higher education, providing flexibility for students at multiple stages of their academic journeys.
Here’s how it works:
- Associate Degree: Recently, guidance has expanded to include associate degree holders, allowing community college graduates to gain valuable work experience in the U.S.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Students enrolled in bachelor’s programs can apply for OPT after completing their degree requirements, offering a chance to jumpstart their careers.
- Master’s Degree and Above: Graduate students, including those in master’s and doctoral programs, are eligible for OPT, enabling them to gain hands-on experience that complements their advanced academic training.
Distinction Between OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
It’s essential to differentiate between OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT), as they serve different purposes within the U.S.
work authorization landscape.
- OPT:
- 🧑🎓 Does not require a job offer to initiate the application.
- 🧑🎓 Can be pursued both before (pre-completion) and after (post-completion) graduation.
- 🧑🎓 Allows work in an area directly related to your field of study without being tied to curricular requirements.
- CPT:
- 👩🎓 Directly integrated into a student’s curriculum and requires that the employment be a part of the course of study (e.g., mandatory internships).
- 👩🎓 Students must secure a training opportunity before CPT can be authorized.
- 👩🎓 Full-time CPT usage for a year negates eligibility for OPT.
Both training programs aim to bridge academic learning with professional practice but do so under different frameworks and conditions.
Understanding these distinctions ensures that international students can strategically navigate their work authorization options to maximize learning and career opportunities.
As students consider the OPT application process and the subsequent possibility of STEM OPT extensions, maintaining a clear grasp of the eligibility requirements and distinctions from CPT will pave the way for a smoother, more focused journey through the various work authorization pathways available in the U.S.
Application Process
No Job Offer Required
One of the significant advantages of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is that international students can initiate the application process without having a job offer in hand.
This flexibility allows students to get started on their applications while still planning their job searches.
The overarching goal is to provide students with an opportunity to gain practical work experience tied to their academic program in the United States.
International students can submit their OPT application first and then search for jobs as they wait for the U.S. government to review their materials.
Critical Application Timelines
Timing is crucial when applying for OPT.
Students can submit their application no more than 90 days before their program completion and no later than 60 days after graduation.
Adhering to these timelines is imperative, as any delay can jeopardize the chances of securing the work authorization.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is strict about deadlines.
Therefore, students should consult with their Designated School Officials (DSO) to ensure all requirements are met promptly.
Required Documentation and Fees
Applying for OPT involves a multistep process completed in coordination with both the student’s educational institution and USCIS.
The primary application form is the Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization, which must include an OPT recommendation from the student’s school.
To complete the application, students typically need:
- 🗎 A completed Form I-765
- 🗎 A completed Form I-20 endorsed by their DSO for OPT
- 🗎 Copies of the student’s passport and F-1 visa
- 🗎 Passport-sized photographs
- 🗎 The $470 application fee for USCIS
- 🗎 Additional institutional charges and mailing fees may also apply
It’s advisable to keep copies of all documents submitted.
Summary and Transition
The application process for OPT requires careful adherence to timelines and submission of appropriate documentation.
While it’s an intricate process, this effort paves the way for gaining valuable U.S. work experience, which can significantly enhance career prospects.
Next, we will explore the specific additional requirements and advantages of the STEM OPT Extension for eligible graduates.
STEM OPT Extension Details
International graduates with STEM degrees have the chance to extend their U.S. work authorization by an additional 24 months through the STEM OPT Extension.
This extension is vital for those looking to gain further practical experience in their field.
Additional Requirements Including Form I-983 Training Plan
The STEM OPT Extension process includes unique steps beyond the basic OPT application.
One chief requirement is the formation of a formal training plan via Form I-983.
This document must outline the specifics of the student’s learning objectives and how they will achieve these goals through their employment.
Both the student and the employer must collaborate to complete and maintain this plan.
This ensures that the work experience is not solely about performing job tasks, but also about gaining meaningful, career-specific skills.
Employer Coordination and Job Categorization Importance
Clear communication with the employer is crucial during the STEM OPT process.
The job must align with the student’s field of study, and the details in the Form I-983 should match how the employer categorizes the job.
This accuracy is pivotal, particularly if the student plans to apply for an H-1B visa later.
Misclassification or inconsistency in job descriptions can create complications during future visa applications.
Therefore, maintaining precise and consistent job information is a must.
Connection to Future H-1B Visa Applications
Many international students on OPT intend to stay in the U.S. longer, often by securing an H-1B visa.
Here, the STEM OPT Extension can play a critical role. Not only does it provide more time to gain valuable work experience, but it also gives students another chance to enter the H-1B lottery.
Since the H-1B process is highly competitive, having an extended OPT period can make a significant difference.
Overall, the STEM OPT Extension serves as a crucial stepping stone for international students transitioning from academic life to long-term professional careers in the U.S.
By meeting these additional requirements and coordinating effectively with employers, students can optimize their chance for a successful and extended stay in the U.S.
