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OPT

Information about OPT

A foreign student who has been studying in the United States does not always have to leave the country right after they complete their degree or program. Students who meet legal and other qualifications can stay for up to 29 months to work in jobs where they can gain experience in their chosen profession. This period of time is called Optional Practical Training or OPT, and it is open to many of the foreign students studying in the United States.

Two Types of OPT

Any foreign student who is resident in the United States and has achieved F-1 status can apply for Optional Practical Training. Two kinds of this training are open to students: pre-completion Optional Practical Training and post-completion Optional Practical Training. Pre-completion allows students to gain work experience in their field while attending school in the USA. Post-completion lets students gain work experience in their field after graduation. Although the types of OPT are varied, the process for applying for both kinds of Optional Practical Training is the same.

Applying for OPT

The student begins the process by asking the Designated School Official at their institution to recommend them for the program by endorsing their I-20 form. The student can learn who this person is by contacting their school administration. The student must then file form I-765 with the US Citizenship & Immigration Service. The USCIS will review the application, and if it is approved, the student will receive a document called an employment authorization document. A student must apply for this program before they graduate from their program if they want to work in the US after graduation. It would probably be a good idea to apply for OPT as soon as possible in order to deal with all the bureaucratic red tape involved.

Extended Optional Practical Training

The average student is eligible for one year of Optional Practical Training but students who have achieved degrees in some scientific, technical and military fields can apply to stay for 17 additional months. Students will have to file an additional form I-765 and pay a fee of $340 to apply for this additional time. Students who qualify for this status will receive an H1-B visa. To participate in this program a student must have a bachelors or masters’ degree or doctorate in a scientific or engineering field approved by the Department of Homeland Security. The student’s employer will have to participate in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. The student will also have to report any change in residence or employment status to their Designated School Official.

When a Student is Refused OPT Status

A student who is turned down for the program, or experiences difficulty in applying for it, should seek out the services of an immigration attorney. An immigration attorney is a lawyer who specializes in immigration issues. An experienced immigration attorney should be able to guide a student through the UCIS red tape, and appeal decisions made by federal bureaucrats. You can learn more about Optional Practical Training at the UCIS website or from a Designated School Official at a participating learning institution.