What is OPT Optional Practical Training Jobs

What Is OPT (Optional Practical Training): Eligibility and types of OPT employment

Today securing a high-paying job is no less than an uphill battle, and simply obtaining a degree from a reputable university is not a guarantee for getting a good-paying job. While high school is a great notion to secure an interview, it is not sufficient to sustain one during an intense battle out there in the real world.  This outdated concept of learning to earn has become irrelevant. Today, we need to focus on creating new knowledge and skills as we aim to compete globally and seize new opportunities.

What Is OPT (Optional Practical Training): Eligibility and types of OPT Employment

The formula of learning and relearning is outdated; today, it's time to focus on developing new skills and experiences so we can compete globally and seize new opportunities.

Undergraduate programs are gaining a lot of traction and have received global attention. However, through OPT you can build and reinforce skills, which make you stand out to the employers’ attention and are acquired to master in practice. This is not all; you can also apply for OPT jobs in the USA and work for up to 3 years. Isn’t it great?  If you have read this far, our guess is that you're dead serious about your future; no worries, we have got you covered.

What is Optional Practical Training, and How does It Work?

OPT is a federal program run by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS which enables the F-1 visa foreign students to look for jobs in USA. OPT allows students to gain practical experience in a field of study by performing a job relevant to the program of study for up to one year. OPT is even more helpful for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly known as STEM.

How Long is OPT?

The standard OPT can be for a maximum of 12 months. Further, students in the STEM area can have an additional 24 months on the OPT.

Who can Apply for OPT?

The recent guidelines claim that any person having an F-1 visa and enrolled (program) in an academic program in the USA for at least one year can apply for OPT. Further, you should have job offers if you wish to apply for OPT. You will also require an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), which is issued by the USCIS, in order to work for companies that hire OPT  students.

How to Find The Best Job Opportunities In The USA?

Finding the best jobs for OPT students starts with a simple step: writing a list of the jobs you want that correspond to your ability. Another reason is that it is necessary to study jobs well to increase the chances of doing well in the interview. In some cases, you would start by interning, which is a good start, allowing you to study the company and its work culture.

Does an OPT  Job have to be related to a chosen field of study?

The major purpose of OPT opportunity jobs is to offer you a temporary work permit, and gain better exposure and understanding, and get skilled in any jobs relevant to your high school-level studies. Therefore, OPT has to be in line with your degree subject.

How Much Do International Students Earn In The USA?

Wages for international students in the USA may differ significantly with the region, employer, and position. Students are often paid between $7 and $10 per hour on average. However, these numbers are not set in stone; the OPT entry-level jobs may pay low at first. As you move up the ladder, your income rises since experience is highly sought after in any given line of work.

What are the main STEM subject areas?

To be employed in the USA for up to 3 years, you need to have these general fields of study that will enable you to apply for OPT extension for an additional 24 months as follows-

●      Life Sciences

●      Mathematics

●      Physical Sciences

●      Engineering

●      Engineering Technologies

●      Biological Sciences

●      Actuarial Sciences

●      Computer Science Applications

What are the types of employment permitted for students during STEM OPT extension?

Here you go!

●      Volunteering

●      Student off-campus work

●      Social security numbers

●      Staff employment

●      US tax information

●      Researcher

How long does it take for Optional Practical Training to be approved in 2025?

There are several steps and this method can take a couple of months or more. As mentioned in the USCIS, the OPT application may take 90-120 days to get approval. In the event that it has taken up to 90 days and above, we suggest that you follow the below guide, which is comprised of the following:-

     ●      Search for USCIS on Google; then visit the USCIS website to track your OPT card application progress.
 
●   File a case inquiry, to let them know that it is taking longer than it normally does to process your application.
 
●      They also provide hotline customer care services on the telephone at +1 (804) 454 - 3215 to give you an update on your application. In order to do that, they have to give you the receipt number.

What kind of visa is Optional Practical Training?

OPT is an F-1 visa through which students can apply for Optional Practical Training opportunities jobs before they complete their programs. OPT F-1 status enables students to seek employment, practical training, or internships in the respective field of specialty.

Conclusion

In today’s world, work experience is crucial to establishing your network. OPT is a unique and great chance that is worth participating in! It enables you to enroll for a job or internship with famous organizations in the USA while studying. OPT enables you to acquire working experience, which you are likely to list down as a recommendation when seeking a new job. It also makes you ready for the future as well as enables you to get your financial freedom while working for some of the leading companies that have their quality headquartered in the USA.

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