If you’re an international student looking for practical, on-the-job experience, Optional Practical Training (OPT) has historically been the best first step for you. Unfortunately, recent news regarding OPT, including two different lawsuits, may give students pause as they consider life after graduation. Despite these recent developments, OPT is still a popular path to start a professional career.
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a program that allows international students such as yourself to gain experience in their field of study while remaining in the United States. OPT is often paid work and can be taken during your schooling (pre-completion OPT) or after you complete your degree (post-completion OPT). Most commonly, F-1 international students will use OPT to extend their stay in the U.S. after graduation.
Most OPT programs last 12 months, but recent changes allow students who study science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) to remain in the country for up to 36 months after completing their degree.
For students familiar with the H-1B visa program, OPT differs in that there is no cap on the number of participants and you are not required to be sponsored by your employer. If you still have questions, check out this excellent FAQ page by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students.
OPT currently places no limits on the number of applicants or participants, which makes it a very popular program. Unfortunately, OPT’s popularity has led to some challenges, including a long waiting period for work authorization due to the sheer number of applications submitted. Some students have reported waiting up to 5 months for their application to clear.
And, of course, OPT is subject to change. Recently the OPT application form, I-765, was lengthened from 2 to 7 pages, with some questions causing confusion at first. In addition, the current administration is trying to issue a rule that will restrict or eliminate the OPT and STEM OPT programs.
With those challenges in mind, you may be thinking that OPT seems like a lot of hassle. Here are five reasons why OPT is worth the effort:
Considering the numerous benefits of OPT, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for the program. You can apply for OPT if:
As May graduations approach, now is a great time to discuss applying for OPT with your international student advisor. If you are at all interested, you should reach out to your advisor as soon as possible, as the application window can vary depending on your degree and whether you will be pursuing pre-completion or post-completion OPT.
The first step in your application is completed by your Designated School Official (DSO). Once you’ve expressed interest, they will endorse your Form I‑20 (Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), and update your records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Next, you will need to file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS), accompanied by the required $410 fee and required documentation. The form is seven pages long, and students can access detailed instructions for filing correctly. Make sure to reach out to your advisor for help during this process.
If you are interested in continuing to live in the United States after you graduate, OPT is still the best path to legal employment. While there are some challenges to overcome, the OPT program is incredibly popular and can help you start a professional career. Make sure to stay up-to-date on your OPT options and the laws that govern them so that you don’t miss the opportunity to apply when the time comes.
