What's the Difference Between OPT and STEM OPT?

When international students in USA consider starting their careers, they frequently encounter words such as OPT and STEM OPT. Understanding these choices is critical for anyone seeking to work in USA after college. In this article, we will discuss what OPT and STEM OPT jobs are, how they differ, and the job options they provide. We'll use basic language to help you grasp these key concepts.

STEM OPT

What is OPT?

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is a temporary employment license that allows international students in USA to work in jobs linked to their studies. OPT jobs are offered to students on F-1 visas, which are the most frequent type of international student visas.

Key characteristics of OPT:

·         Who can apply: Students who have completed their degree program or are currently enrolled may apply for OPT. You can use OPT before or after graduation.

·         Duration: OPT jobs allows you to work for up to 12 months. This time can be stretched out while you're studying or used all at once after graduation.

·         Job Requirements: The job you take should be relevant to your major. For example, if you studied computer science, you should pursue work in the technology industry.

·         Application Process: To apply for OPT, you must first obtain approval from your institution before submitting an application to USA Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is critical to apply early because the approval procedure can take many months.

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is an extension of standard OPT that is offered to students with degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This extension enables students to work in USA for a longer term.

Key Characteristics of STEM OPT:

•    Who can apply: Only students with STEM degrees are eligible to apply for the STEM OPT Extension. STEM degrees include engineering, computer science, biology, and mathematics.

•    Duration: The STEM OPT extension permits you to work for an additional 24 months following your initial 12-month OPT period. This implies you can work for a total of 36 months on OPT if you qualify for the STEM extension.

•    Job Requirements: As with conventional OPT, the work must be relevant to your STEM degree. Additionally, your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, which is a mechanism that allows businesses to validate their employees' status to work in USA.

•    STEM OPT applications follow a similar method to conventional OPT applications. However, you will also be required to submit a training plan outlining how the job you are seeking for will help you obtain skills in your profession.

Key distinctions between OPT and STEM OPT

There are some significant differences between OPT and STEM OPT. First, eligibility varies between the two programs. While OPT is offered to students from all disciplines of study, STEM OPT is limited to those with a STEM degree. Another significant variation is the length of employment. OPT gives 12 months of work authorization, but STEM OPT adds 24 months, bringing the total work time to 36 months for qualifying students. Employer requirements also vary: ordinary OPT has no special employer requirements, whereas STEM OPT requires the company to be enrolled in the E-Verify program and offer a training plan for the student. The application process for both programs needs approval from the student's institution and USCIS, but STEM OPT includes extra requirements such as a training plan and employer participation in E-Verify.

What are the advantages of OPT and STEM OPT?

Both OPT and STEM OPT provide considerable benefits to international students seeking to get work experience in USA.

Benefits of OPT:

·         Work Experience: OPT jobs allows you to get valuable work experience in your subject of study, which will be useful when looking for a career after graduation.

·         Career Exploration: OPT allows you to explore several career opportunities in your field, which might help you determine what type of employment you want to pursue in the future.

·         Networking: Working in USA allows you to expand your professional network, which can be useful while seeking for future career prospects.

Benefits of STEM OPT:

·         Extended Work Period: The STEM OPT extension allows you to get extra work experience, which can be extremely beneficial in a competitive employment market.

·         Advanced abilities: Because STEM areas are frequently more specialized, spending more time on STEM OPT can help you build advanced abilities that companies value.

·         Employer Sponsorship: Spending more time on STEM OPT may boost your chances of finding an employer ready to sponsor you for a work visa, such as the H-1B visa.

Finding OPT and STEM OPT jobs

Finding OPT or STEM OPT jobs can be difficult, but there are options available to assist. University career services frequently provide job fairs, resume checks, and networking events. Online employment boards such as OPTnation are excellent resources for finding OPT and STEM OPT opportunities. Furthermore, networking with professors, classmates, and professionals in the industry can result in career leads or recommendations. For STEM OPT, students can look for firms who are part of the E-Verify program, which makes the job search easier because these employers are eligible to hire under the STEM OPT extension.

Conclusion

OPT and STEM OPT are fantastic alternatives for international students seeking to get work experience in USA. Both programs have their own set of rules and criteria, but they provide vital opportunities for students to begin a career in their desired sector. Understanding the differences between OPT and STEM OPT is critical for making educated future decisions and capitalizing on available possibilities. 


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