The Post-Study Work Permit, or OPT program, is a valuable opportunity for international students who have completed their studies in the United States. With this permit, students can stay in the country and work for a certain period, gaining practical work experience and building their professional network. This experience can be precious as they enter the job market and seek to establish themselves in their chosen fields.
In addition to providing valuable work experience, the Post-Study Work Permit can lead to long-term work opportunities in the United States. By gaining experience and building their network during their post-study work period, students can increase their chances of securing a long-term work visa or even permanent residency in the country.
The OPT program is designed to give students who have completed their studies in the United States the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in a practical work environment. This allows them to understand their chosen field better and develop skills highly valued by employers.
Post-Study Work Permit Eligibility Criteria
International students must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit, or OPT program, in the United States.
Completed a degree program at a US university or college accredited by the US Department of Education
To be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit, students must have completed a degree program at a US university or college accredited by the US Department of Education. This ensures that the institution meets certain academic excellence standards and that the student's degree is recognized and valued by employers in the US. Students who have completed a degree from a non-accredited institution will not be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit.
Maintained F-1 visa status throughout the study
To be eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit, students must have maintained their F-1 visa status throughout the study. This means they must have been enrolled in a full-time course of study and maintained good academic standing throughout their program. Additionally, they must have followed the rules and regulations governing their F-1 visa status, including maintaining valid visa documentation and informing the school and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any changes to their academic status or personal information.
Applied for the Post-Study Work Permit within 60 days of completing the degree program
Students must apply for the Post-Study Work Permit within 60 days of completing their degree program. If they fail to do so, they will not be eligible for the program. The application process involves applying to the USCIS and the required documents and fees. The USCIS will review the application and determine whether the student is eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit.
Duration of the permit varies depending on the field of study
The duration of the Post-Study Work Permit varies depending on the field of study. STEM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are eligible for an extended period of up to 36 months, while non-STEM graduates are eligible for up to 12 months of work authorization. This means that STEM graduates have more time to gain practical work experience and secure long-term work opportunities in the US.
Approval by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required before beginning work
Finally, it is important to note that the Post-Study Work Permit is only automatically granted to some international students who meet the eligibility criteria. Students must apply for the permit and be approved by the USCIS before they can begin working. The USCIS will review the application and determine whether the student is eligible for the Post-Study Work Permit. Students must follow the application guidelines carefully and submit all required documents and fees to increase their chances of approval.
Post-Study Work Permits Types in the US
In the US, two types of Post-Study Work Permits are available to international students who have completed their studies: the Standard Post-Completion OPT and the STEM OPT Extension. Here's a brief elaboration on each:
Standard Post-Completion OPT
The Standard Post-Completion OPT is the most common type of Post-Study Work Permit in the US. It allows international students who have completed a degree program at a US university or college to work for up to 12 months in a job related to their field of study. Students can apply for the Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before completing their degree program and up to 60 days after completing their degree program. The OPT period must be completed within 14 months of the completion of the degree program.
STEM OPT Extension
STEM graduates (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) may be eligible for an extended Post-Study Work Permit known as the STEM OPT Extension. This allows them to work for an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12-month OPT period for up to 36 months of work authorization. To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, students must have completed a degree in a STEM field and be employed by an employer participating in the E-Verify program. Additionally, the employer must provide the student with formal training and learning objectives, and the work experience must be directly related to the student's field of study.
Post-Study Work Permit Documentation Required
International students who wish to apply for a Post-Study Work Permit in the US must provide several documents to demonstrate their eligibility. Here are the key documents required for the Standard Post-Completion OPT and the STEM OPT Extension:
Standard Post-Completion OPT
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Application fee payment
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
- Completed and signed Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) for students who will be applying for the STEM OPT Extension
- Passport photo
- Copy of biographical passport page
- Copy of visa
- Copy of I-94 arrival/departure record
- Copies of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (if applicable)
STEM OPT Extension
- All of the documents required for the Standard Post-Completion OPT, plus:
- Proof of the student's degree in a STEM field
- Proof of the employer's participation in the E-Verify program
- A formal training plan outlines the student's learning objectives and training plan with the employer.
In addition to these documents, students may be required to provide other supporting documents depending on their circumstances. It is important to note that all documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by certified English translations.
Post-Study Work Permit Application Process
The application process for a Post-Study Work Permit in the US varies depending on the permit type. Here is a general overview of the application process for both the Standard Post-Completion OPT and the STEM OPT Extension:
Standard Post-Completion OPT
Step 1: Prepare the application package
- Gather all necessary documents, including Form I-765, Form I-20, and application fee payment.
- Complete and sign Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) if applicable.
Step 2: Submit the application package
- Submit the completed application package to USCIS, either online or by mail.
- Include all required documents and fees, and make sure the application is signed and dated.
Step 3: Wait for the processing
- USCIS will review the application and may request additional information or documentation if needed.
- Processing times can vary but typically take around 3 months.
Step 4: Receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD, which allows the student to work in the US for up to 12 months
|
Talk to an ExpertSTEM OPT Extension
Step 1: Prepare the application package
- Gather all necessary documents, including Form I-765, Form I-20, application fee payment, proof of degree in a STEM field, and employer's participation in the E-Verify program.
- Complete and sign Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students).
Step 2: Submit the application package
- Submit the completed application package to USCIS, either online or by mail.
- Include all required documents and fees, and make sure the application is signed and dated.
Step 3: Wait for the processing
- USCIS will review the application and may request additional information or documentation if needed.
- Processing times can vary but typically take around 3 months.
Step 4: Receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD, which allows the student to work in the US for an additional 24 months.
It is important to note that the application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is recommended that students work closely with their designated school official (DSO) and review the application instructions thoroughly to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit all required documents and fees in a timely manner.
