If you're an international student in the US holding an F1 visa and approaching graduation, you might want to consider Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a work permit allowing you to extend your stay in the US after graduation for up to one year or up to three years with an extension if you're a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) major. But how do you determine if you're eligible?
OPT eligibility hinges on your student status and specific conditions. If you qualify, you can seek employment authorization either before or after graduation:
·Pre-completion OPT: If you're keen on working while still pursuing your academic program, pre-completion OPT is an option. It permits you to work for up to 20 hours per week during the school term, with the flexibility to work full-time during breaks.
·Post-completion OPT: For those looking to work after completing their studies, post-completion OPT is a better fit. With this authorization, you're expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, either part-time or full-time.
Assessing your OPT eligibility
To maximize your chances of obtaining work authorization after graduation, familiarize yourself with the current eligibility requirements for OPT:
· If you've completed one year of part-time pre-completion OPT, the total time available for your full-time OPT will be reduced by six months (or 50% of the previous year authorized). Consequently, you'd only have six months of full-time post-completion OPT authorization remaining.
· If you've completed one year of full-time pre-completion OPT, your total OPT period would be deducted by a full year (or 100% of the previous year authorized). As a result, you wouldn't have any post-completion OPT authorization period left.
· If you hold a STEM degree, you could potentially extend your OPT eligibility to 24 additional months of post-completion employment authorization under the following circumstances:
o You're an F1 student possessing a STEM degree featured on the STEM Designated Degree Program list.
o You're currently employed by a company enrolled in and actively using the E-Verify system.
o You've already been granted an initial post-completion OPT authorization based on your STEM degree.
Need help?
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