1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Applying for an OPT

Applying for an OPT

Aug 5, 2020

Year after year, international students from all around the world flock to the United States in pursuit of one of the best educations offered in the world. For many of these students, they plan to utilize their degrees back home, while for many others, the goal in mind is to work in the United States after graduation—whether it be for the rest of their lives, or for a certain period of time.

If you’re part of the second group of people, then you’re in luck! I hope you find this helpful.

What is an OPT?

OPT simply stands for Optional Practical Training. Every international student in the United States is entitled to 12 months of practical training (i.e. work) in the U.S. under OPT. Typically, if you’re not a citizen of a particular country, then you are not allowed to work in that country without the proper documents. Similarly, as an international student in the U.S., you are not allowed to work in the U.S. without proper documents—OPT is one that allows you to do so.

It is also important to note that students studying in the STEM fields get a 17-month extension in addition to the 12 months.

What if I want to work in the USA for longer than that?

OPT however, only gives international students 12 months of employment. In the long run, foreigners would seek an H1-B visa in order to work in the U.S. for the long-term. Similar to applying for universities, there are requirements to apply for an H1-B visa. You will firstly need to find a company that would like to sponsor you for your H1-B visa. This means that you have to apply for jobs, and on top of that, you have to make sure that if you accept a job offer, that that company will want to pay the additional fee to sponsor you.

Why not go straight for an H1-B after graduation?

As stated previously, a company is required to sponsor you in order for you to be eligible for an H1-B visa. If you [break the law], then the company sponsoring you will in one way or another also be responsible. Some companies might view sponsoring an international student as a liability, and thus may not want to go the extra mile. If the goal really is to work in the U.S. in the long run, then the OPT gives you a period of time to prove yourself to the company you’d like to work for.

How do I apply for an OPT?

It is better to consult directly with the International Office at your institution. However, roughly, these are the documents needed:

  • Two (2) passport-style photographs taken within last 30 days
  • Personal check for US$380.00 made payable to "Department of Homeland Security"
  • Original I-765
  • Copy of I-20 with OPT recommendation (obtained from your institution)
  • Copy of all previously issued I-20s
  • Copy of current passport
  • I-94 printout
  • Copy of F-1 visa stamp on passport
  • Copy of any previously issued EAD cards

The process takes quite a long time, about three months, so it’s good to start early.

If you have any further questions, check out the USCIS website for more information.

 

 

Follow us:
Written by

Indira Pranabudi

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Joliet Junior College

Joliet Junior College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Bachelor Degree Summer 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

Summer Online 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

Regis College

Typical cost per Year: $45,000—$50,000

Bachelor Degree Masters English Programs
Learn More

Arizona State University-Global Launch Intensive English Program

Typical cost per Session: $1,000—$5,000

Certificate/Short Term Summer English Programs
Learn More

Truckee Meadows Community College

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

How Do I Get My I-20 Form?

Main image for the article titled How Do I Get My I-20 Form?
How do I get my US student visa?


Main image for the article titled How do I get my US student visa?

I want to study in the USA. How do I get started?

Close-up of international student
Can I Get A Master's Degree if My Bachelor's Degree is in a Different Field?

Main image for the article titled Can I Get A Master's Degree if My Bachelor's Degree is in a Different Field?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more
Partner service logo for IELTS for the USA

IELTS for the USA

IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. It is accepted by more than 3,400 institutions in the US. If you want to study in the US, IELTS can help you get there!

Read more
Partner service logo for ARGO

ARGO

Let us help you through your U.S. visa application process. GET STARTED NOW!

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Study in the USA broadened my knowledge on how the education in the U.S. works and colleges that will best suit my needs.

Mariama Odoi Ghana

I was with doubts and some difficulties in the conclusion of the process of admission, then I sent an email to Study in USA.com and after one day then they answered me, and from that time mister Wesley Costa comes helping me, in the process of documents, visa and other things. I thank very much the help, from StudyUSA.com. You are the best!

Nataly Araújo Brazil

I learned a lot about how to apply, how to make things easier at Study in the USA. That was a plus at the time of my application.

Md Nazmul Islam Bangladesh

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.