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
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories

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 Student Success Spotlight: From Nursing to Physics, Math, and Computer Science – Brandon Estigoy’s Journey
Student Success Spotlight: From Nursing to Physics, Math, and Computer Science – Brandon Estigoy’s Journey
Main image for the article titled Why Portland Community College Is the Smart Choice for International Students
Why Portland Community College Is the Smart Choice for International Students
Main image for the article titled Meet the Students Redefining What Success Looks Like — Why They Chose Sinclair College
Meet the Students Redefining What Success Looks Like — Why They Chose Sinclair College
Main image for the article titled From All Over the World to PCC: International Students Find Community, Opportunity, and Success
From All Over the World to PCC: International Students Find Community, Opportunity, and Success
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Butte Community College

Butte Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Year

Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree English Programs
Contact
Study Illinois

Study Illinois

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Bachelor Degree Masters 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
Southern Arkansas University

Southern Arkansas University

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Masters Bachelor Degree Summer
Contact

Featured Programs

Berkeley Global

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Glendale Community College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Foothill College / De Anza College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Related Stories

What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?
What is the Difference Between an Associate's and a Bachelor's Degree?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between an Associate's and a Bachelor's Degree?
What is the Difference Between an Undergraduate and a Graduate Degree?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between an Undergraduate and a Graduate Degree?
What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

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 Morning Brew

Morning Brew

BECOME SMARTER IN JUST 5 MINUTES. Get the daily email that makes reading the news actually enjoyable. Stay informed and entertained, for free.

Read more
Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps international students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Through campusSIMS’ exclusive partner Mint Mobile, students can sign up and get their US phone number while in their home country, and have mobile phone servic...

Read more

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
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
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

© 2025 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

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.