OPT means Optional Practical Training, this is an employment benefit for F1 visa students. This is used after graduation for a year. For STEM majors OPT extension is two years. Application for OPT should be completed 90 days before graduation and you must be in the country. You don’t need to have a job when you apply, but after finishing the program of study there is a 90 days unemployment period for you to find employment in your studied major. The application is online on the USCIS account and you need;

• I-94
• Passport page
• Visa page
• Passport photo
• CPT Printout
• I-20 – signatures less than 30 days old

With OPT there is no need for employer sponsorship and there is no limit on working hours. The work has to be related to your studied major. After OPT you can either go to grad school or apply for a work visa or other alternative plans during your 60 days grace period or you compromise your visa status. If you are planning to travel during your OPT or whilst your OPT is pending contact ISPaSO.