How many years can I work with OPT?

Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor's degree and another 12 months for a master's degree.) Pre-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used before the student's Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time.

Is OPT valid for 3 years?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

What is the lifetime limit for OPT?

Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level. OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD).

Can I work 80 hours on OPT?

There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.

Can I work 2 full-time jobs on OPT?

The short answer: Yes! You can work multiple jobs on OPT. You can accept multiple full-time jobs, part-time jobs, or a combination of both while on your OPT. One critical aspect of the post-completion OPT is that there's no cap on the total number of hours you work.

Why You Should NOT Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) in 2024 - The REAL Truth About OPT!!

Can I work 40 hours on OPT?

For pre-completion part-time OPT, you cannot work for more than 20 hours a week. For pre-completion full-time OPT, you can work for more than 20 hours a week but not more than 40 hours a week. You need not have a job offer in hand while applying for an EAD card for a pre-completion job.

What if I lose my job during OPT?

Students with a 12-month Post-Completion OPT authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days. This is aggregate, meaning that if you have 40 days of unemployment, you would only be allowed to be unemployed for a remaining 50 days before you risk violating your immigration status.

Is overtime allowed on OPT?

For a qualifying STEM OPT employer, student should work a minimum of 20 hours and there is no maximum. So one can work for more than 40 hours a week.

Can OPT be unpaid?

Students on OPT can work anywhere in the United States in a paid or unpaid position, can work with multiple employers at one time, and can change employers as many times as they wish. However, all jobs need to be related to your degree of study.

What is the minimum salary for stem OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

What happens after 3 year OPT?

Introduction: Work Authorization Post-OPT

During that short time, you must either leave the U.S. or obtain an alternative form of work authorization. There are several visa and green card options available to international workers looking to stay in the U.S. after their OPT expires.

What is the 5 month rule for OPT?

The 5-month rule applies when an F-1 student quits attending school without getting a valid early withdrawal. This regulation states that if an F-1 student misses more than five months of classes, their F-1 status may have been compromised.

What is the new rule for OPT?

Eligibility for a STEM extension of OPT

The new regulation will broaden the eligibility criteria for a STEM extension of OPT and lengthen the duration of STEM employment authorization, as follows: A more extensive list of U.S. STEM and related degrees will qualify F-1 students for an OPT extension.

What is the 14 month rule for OPT?

The authorization for post-completion OPT must be completed within a 14-month period following the completion of study. The requested end date cannot be more than 12 months after the requested start date.

Does OPT need sponsorship?

Other Characteristics of OPT: No employer sponsorship needed. Students must be enrolled for one year before applying for OPT. OPT may be used before or after a student completes their degree.

Why is OPT rejected?

The most common scenarios that cause rejections include: Submit your application too early or too late (outside of the application window) OIA's OPT recommendation was more than 30 days before the date USCIS received your application.

What jobs can I do on OPT?

OPT can be paid or unpaid training in a field related to your major. You are allowed to work for different employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, and work for hire) as long as your total number of hours does not exceed your permitted limit.

What happens if you overstay OPT?

Your status would also have ended after your OPT job ended, whichever is earlier. Unlawful presence of more than 6 months but less than one year incurs a three year bar to entry in any status. The bar begins the date you left the US.

How do I keep F-1 status after OPT?

F-1 students on OPT must find and report a job as part of maintaining status. F-1 students may not exceed 90 days of unemployment during their 12 months of Post-Completion OPT, and must report their employer's details in a timely manner.

Can I start a startup on OPT?

OPT allows F-1 students to work temporarily for one full year either before or after graduation in a job that relates to their college major. You can work for your startup on CPT or OPT as long as your role and company fit within the CPT and OPT guidelines.

Can I work for 2 employers on stem OPT?

Multiple Employers

You may work for more than one employer on STEM OPT, but each employment occurrence must be related to your stem STEM field of study, and must be for at least 20 hours per week. Each separate STEM OPT employer must provide an I-983 Training Plan.

Should I tell my employer I am on OPT?

If you have work authorization (such as CPT/OPT) and do not need the employer to petition on your behalf now or in the future, you do not have to discuss your status. However, if you will need an employer to file for work authorization for you at some point then it is a good idea to bring it up before you come onboard.

Is it hard to find a job with OPT?

Finding OPT jobs is a tough nut to crack but it is not impossible. With the proper guidance and strategy one can quickly grab a decent job offer. Online portals like OPTnation, provide their assistance, for candidates who are looking for OPT jobs in the USA. A team of professionals serve as a helping hand.

Can I work for any employer on OPT?

Types of Employment Allowed on Post-Completion OPT

You may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to your degree program. You may work for multiple short-term employers. For instance, if you are a musician or performing artist, you can have gigs.