5 answers
Ayesha Arobee
CareerVillage.org Team
0
Answers
Emporia, Kansas
Updated
1146 views
How can I get OPT easily in America as an international student?
Please share any useful tips you may have gotten while doing OPT yourself, if applicable? If you are not an international student have you ever helped someone with the process.
Login to comment
5 answers
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
From https://www.optnation.com/blog/opt-jobs-for-opt-students-in-usa/ and https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students it sounds like its a simple process ones you graduate.
"Generally, you must: Request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. Your DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I‑20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions."
The more challenging part maybe to find a good job but your college career services can help and you an search on your own. Talk to your professors who also may have a network of employers. The catch maybe that some employers will want someone that's not just limited to work for a single year and many employers won't want to go through the long and expensive process to sponsor someone for an H1B visa. So your best bet could be to look for jobs that will offer visa sponsorship.
"Generally, you must: Request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. Your DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I‑20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions."
The more challenging part maybe to find a good job but your college career services can help and you an search on your own. Talk to your professors who also may have a network of employers. The catch maybe that some employers will want someone that's not just limited to work for a single year and many employers won't want to go through the long and expensive process to sponsor someone for an H1B visa. So your best bet could be to look for jobs that will offer visa sponsorship.
Simone Menezes
Auditor
3
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Hello Ayesha,
I agree with the other posters, the international student office in your university is your best resource after the USCIS website itself.
also, look up OPT processes on websites of other schools, if your school isn't giving you enough information.
Depending on your major, OPT is available for varying lengths. STEM majors get approx. 3 years and during this time have a shot at the H1-B lottery at least twice. I personally did a MSc. Accounting, where OPT is available for 1 year and I applied for the OPT right before I graduated to allow time for processing.
I will say this, if you plan to pursue a career in the US, it can be very challenging if you have only a year on OPT because you will need to enter the lottery within this time. Good luck.
I agree with the other posters, the international student office in your university is your best resource after the USCIS website itself.
also, look up OPT processes on websites of other schools, if your school isn't giving you enough information.
Depending on your major, OPT is available for varying lengths. STEM majors get approx. 3 years and during this time have a shot at the H1-B lottery at least twice. I personally did a MSc. Accounting, where OPT is available for 1 year and I applied for the OPT right before I graduated to allow time for processing.
I will say this, if you plan to pursue a career in the US, it can be very challenging if you have only a year on OPT because you will need to enter the lottery within this time. Good luck.
Erlis Murph
Academic Advisor
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Erlis’s Answer
Work with your department to see if they have a connection with any employment opportunities and if not, see if they are willing to create partnerships with different companies and departments that you may be interested in.
Angelin Shamili Leo Pradeep Chandran
Doctor
7
Answers
Kenner, Louisiana
Updated
Angelin Shamili’s Answer
You just have to reach out to your International Student Association in your University. They will get it done for you.
Arantza Romero
Network Engineer
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Arantza’s Answer
After you graduate from an American university, depending on your major, you can apply for 2-3 years of OPT. This has changed recently so double check. STEM majors get more time.
Talk to the university services for international students for guidance on this application. There are also YouTube Videos going over the process.
With OPT you can work with a work permit and without a sponsorship.
However, you must secure a company sponsorship before the OPT expires otherwise you will not be eligible for work in the USA after OPT.
Unfortunately, this process makes being an international student much more difficult and you will have to be at the best of your class and secure the best internships. Look for big tech corporations. They usually sponsor and have the legal and financial resources to do it. I have friends who have received sponsorship from Google, Microsoft, and Amplify.
It is very competitive.
Don’t be discouraged. Be prepared. Pursuit your dreams. People love enthusiasm, grit, and determination. Always have a back up plan. When applying to internships and jobs try to get a referral to increase your chance. The more applications you send the greater the chance.
Make sure to save money. There may be times when you can be in the middle of a USCIS application processing and you may not be allowed to legally work so keep a good amount of savings to cover about 6 months of living expenses.
Talk to the university services for international students for guidance on this application. There are also YouTube Videos going over the process.
With OPT you can work with a work permit and without a sponsorship.
However, you must secure a company sponsorship before the OPT expires otherwise you will not be eligible for work in the USA after OPT.
Unfortunately, this process makes being an international student much more difficult and you will have to be at the best of your class and secure the best internships. Look for big tech corporations. They usually sponsor and have the legal and financial resources to do it. I have friends who have received sponsorship from Google, Microsoft, and Amplify.
It is very competitive.
Don’t be discouraged. Be prepared. Pursuit your dreams. People love enthusiasm, grit, and determination. Always have a back up plan. When applying to internships and jobs try to get a referral to increase your chance. The more applications you send the greater the chance.
Make sure to save money. There may be times when you can be in the middle of a USCIS application processing and you may not be allowed to legally work so keep a good amount of savings to cover about 6 months of living expenses.