The Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa is a U.S. immigration program that allows international students who have completed their studies to work in the United States for up to 12 months (or 24 months for certain STEM fields) after graduation. In this article, we will discuss what the OPT visa is, who is eligible to apply, and how to apply for the visa.
What is the OPT Visa?
The OPT visa is a U.S. immigration program that allows international students who have completed their studies to work in the United States for a certain period of time. The program is designed to provide international students with the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the OPT Visa?
To be eligible for the OPT visa, the following criteria must be met:
- The applicant must be an international student who has completed their studies at a U.S. college or university.
- The applicant must have maintained valid F-1 status throughout their studies.
- The applicant must have completed at least one academic year of study before applying for the OPT visa.
- The job that the applicant plans to work in must be related to their field of study.
- The applicant must not have already used 12 months of full-time OPT in the past.
How to Apply for the OPT Visa?
To apply for the OPT visa, the following steps must be taken:
- The applicant must first apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- The applicant must wait for their EAD to be approved before they can start working.
- Once the EAD is approved, the applicant can begin working in a job related to their field of study.
- The applicant must report any changes in employment status to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of any change.
Conclusion
The OPT visa is an important U.S. immigration program that allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study after graduation. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, international students can successfully obtain the OPT visa and gain valuable work experience in the United States.
