Do you have Optional Practical Training (OPT) going on right now as an international student studying in the United States? Congratulations! OPT is a beneficial opportunity that gives you the chance to work in your area of study in the real world. To get the most out of this experience while preserving your legitimate F-1 status, it's crucial to comprehend the OPT laws and regulations. We'll discuss the important factors and opportunities related to your OPT term in this blog.
1. Study Subject: Linking Your Work to Your Major
Your employment must be directly related to your primary field of study, as stated on your Form I-20, to qualify for OPT. This implies that the work you do while on OPT should be consistent with the abilities and information you gained while enrolled in school. It is ensured by this criterion that you are getting experience that is pertinent to your future career.
2. Employment Diversity Job Type
You have the choice to work for a range of businesses, including for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental entities, thanks to OPT. As long as each job is relevant to your subject of study, you are also permitted to work for more than one employer concurrently or successively. You can explore several facets of your chosen subject and develop a wide range of skills thanks to this freedom.
3. Managing Your Time: The Unemployment Limit
You are permitted a total of 90 days of unemployment throughout your first 12-month OPT period. This means that during the full 12-month OPT period, you should not go unemployed for longer than 90 days. The commencement date listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the day the 90-day period officially begins. Staying within this time frame requires efficient time management and persistent job hunting.
4. Extending Your Opportunities with STEM OPT
You have a total of 150 days of unemployment for the whole 36-month OPT period (the initial 12 months plus the STEM extension) if your field of study qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The opportunities for earning useful experience and securing your future in the US are expanded even further by this extension.
5. Keeping Compliant with Reporting Changes
You must notify your Designated School Official (DSO) of any changes in your job status within 10 days to retain your legal standing. This covers beginning or ending a job, switching employers, changing the duties or title of a job, and changing the workplace's address. Keeping your DSO up to date can help you stay in conformity with the rules and prevent problems with your immigration status.
6. Setting Up a Base in the Workplace
While you are allowed to work wherever you like in the USA while on OPT, it's important to have a physical address where you can receive official mail from your employer and paperwork like your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your compass during your OPT is this address.
7. When traveling, be prepared.
Make sure you have all the required documents for re-entry if you intend to travel outside of the United States during your OPT period. This comprises a current Form I-20 with a recent travel signature, a valid F-1 visa, a passport, and an EAD. A seamless return to the US depends on thorough planning and documentation.
8. Uphold Status: Obey the Law
Your F-1 status may be violated if you work illegally or work more hours than is permitted. It's important to follow the rules and regulations put forth by your DSO and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your ability to make full use of your OPT experience and pursue your career ambitions in the United States depends on maintaining your status.
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