The prospect of pursuing higher education in the United States is highly coveted by numerous international students owing to the presence of prestigious academic establishments, a multicultural society, and the potential for prosperous professional prospects. For students seeking to get practical experience and enhance their financial resources while pursuing their education, obtaining a United States study work visa, also referred to as Optional Practical Training (OPT), might prove to be a significant resource. This thorough guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the procedure involved in applying for a study work visa in the United States. It will cover many aspects such as the qualifying criteria, the processes involved in the application process, and significant factors to consider during this process.
Understanding the concept of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary job advantage that is accessible to qualifying individuals holding an F-1 visa within the United States. This program enables overseas students to acquire hands-on experience that is directly relevant to their academic discipline. Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be undertaken either before to the completion of one’s academic degree (referred to as Pre-Completion OPT) or subsequent to its completion (known as Post-Completion OPT), with a maximum duration of 12 months. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates have the potential to qualify for an extended period of work authorisation known as the STEM OPT extension, which can span an extra 24 months. Consequently, these individuals can benefit from a total of 36 months of work authorization.
The criteria for determining eligibility
In order to qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), individuals must satisfy the subsequent set of requirements:
- To be eligible, individuals must possess an F-1 student visa, which is commonly granted to those enrolled as full-time academic students in the United States.
- To ensure compliance with immigration regulations, it is imperative to maintain a valid F-1 status during the duration of your academic program and during the application process for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Full-time enrollment necessitates the successful completion of a minimum of one academic year, often comprising two semesters, as a student engaged in a full course load.
- Field of Study: The nature of your employment should be closely aligned with the academic discipline specified on your Form I-20.
- The application for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be submitted within a time frame of 90 days before to the program finish date and up to 60 days after. The USCIS requires that the application be submitted within a 30-day timeframe from the day in which the Designated School Official (DSO) approves the Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- To maintain eligibility, it is imperative that you maintain a satisfactory academic record, which will be confirmed by your designated school official (DSO).
- If an individual has previously fulfilled a period of 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), they are deemed ineligible to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Application Process for US Study Work Permit (OPT)
The procedure for obtaining a study work permit (Optional Practical Training or OPT) in the United States encompasses many stages, which including obtaining a recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO), preparing the application, and ultimately acquiring the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Presented below is an all-encompassing manual detailing the steps required to effectively travel through this particular procedure:
Consult with your Designated School Official (DSO).
The initial stage involves scheduling a meeting with the Designated School Official (DSO) at your educational institution. The Designated School Official (DSO) will offer guidance and support throughout the Optional Practical Training (OPT) application process. Additionally, the DSO will furnish the applicant with Form I-20, which incorporates their endorsement for OPT. It is advisable to engage in a comprehensive discussion with your Designated School Official (DSO) on your intended goals and the appropriate timing for submitting your application. This dialogue is crucial in order to ascertain that you satisfy all the necessary eligibility requirements.
Prepare Your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Package
Collect the requisite documentation and expenses for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) application package, often encompassing:
- I have successfully filled out Form I-765, which is the official document used to apply for employment authorization. It is imperative to utilize the most up-to-date iteration of the form, which may be found on the official USCIS website.
- The user is required to provide a check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” as payment for the I-765 filing fee. Please consult the official USCIS website to obtain the most up-to-date information on the current fee amount.
- Two photographs of passport size, captured within the preceding 30-day period. It is recommended to adhere to the rules provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding photo specs.
- Copies of all previously issued Form I-20s.
- Please provide a photocopy of the identifying page of your passport.
- Please include a photocopy of your most recent F-1 visa stamp, if applicable.
- Please provide a copy of your most recent I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which can be in the form of a printed document or an electronic record.
- The user has successfully filled out Form G-1145, which serves as a means of requesting email and/or text message updates on the acceptance of their application or petition.
- If relevant, individuals may provide photocopies of any previously granted Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) if they have participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the past.
- Please provide a photocopy of your SEVIS I-20 form, specifically page 3, which contains the recommendation for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as endorsed by the Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO (Designated School Official) will be responsible for providing this information to you.
Fill out and complete the Form I-765.
The completion of Form I-765 holds significant importance within the context of your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application. Please ensure that you complete the task with accuracy and make sure you choose the right category code. The category code assigned to Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is (c)(3)(B), but for the STEM OPT extension, it is (c)(3)(C).
Please submit your application by mail.
It is imperative to meticulously compile the application package, ensuring that all necessary papers and payments are included, within a securely sealed envelope. The recommended course of action is to dispatch the document to the USCIS Lockbox facility, according to the postal address specified in the instructions for Form I-765 as outlined on the official USCIS website. It is advisable to choose a mail provider that has tracking capabilities and to retain duplicates of all submitted documents.
USCIS Processing and Biometrics
Upon receipt of your application, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will proceed with its processing and thereafter generate a Receipt Notice, formally known as Form I-797C. This notification serves to acknowledge the receipt of your application and furnish you with a distinct receipt number that may be utilized to follow the progress of your case. In the near future, it is possible that you may receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797) including guidance on the process of attending a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). During the biometrics visit, individuals will undergo the collection of their fingerprints and photos.
Please exercise patience while awaiting the issuance of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Upon the successful completion of the biometrics appointment, it is necessary to await the processing of the application by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The duration of processing may exhibit variability, hence it is advisable to regularly watch the official website of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for any pertinent changes. Upon approval, the recipient will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which functions as their work visa for studying in the United States.
Secure Employment and Reporting Requirements
Upon receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), individuals are granted authorization to engage in employment within the United States, subject to the stipulated days indicated on the card. It is important to get work that is directly aligned with one’s major subject of study and falls within the designated Optional Practical Training (OPT) timeframe. During the Optional Practical Training (OPT) phase, individuals are permitted to have various jobs; however, it is essential that all of these companies are directly associated with their subject of study.
In addition, it is necessary for you to inform your Designated School Official (DSO) about your work and ensure that your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record remains current. Neglecting to comply with this requirement may lead to the cessation of your Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Ensure Status and Document Modifications
During the Optional Practical Training (OPT) phase, it is imperative to uphold one’s F-1 status and comply with the prescribed reporting obligations. It is imperative to promptly notify your designated school official (DSO) of any modifications in job status, residential address, or contact details within a period of 10 days subsequent to the occurrence of those changes. Furthermore, it is imperative that you fulfill the obligatory assessments and documentation for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension, if it is deemed relevant.
Conclusively, acquiring a study work visa in the United States via Optional Practical Training (OPT) presents a commendable prospect for overseas students to get significant hands-on experience and bolster their academic pursuits. By adhering to the established qualifying requirements and conscientiously fulfilling the application procedure, one might increase their likelihood of obtaining a study work permit in the United States. It is crucial to bear in mind the significance of keeping one’s F-1 status and complying with reporting obligations during the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in order to guarantee a prosperous and gratifying sojourn in the United States.
