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Authored by H1BConnect Team
Posted on October 20, 2024
   In the previous article (Navigating the CPT and OPT Process: Part 1 - CPT), we covered the basics of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and its common pitfalls to avoid. In this article, we’ll discuss Optional Practical Training, better known as OPT.
In this article we’ll cover:
   First, let’s understand what OPT is and how and when to use it. OPT is the second temporary employment type available to F-1 students that allows them to gain professional experience in their respective fields. Unlike CPT, which restricts the student to work a semester at a time for a specific employer, OPT allows students to work for any employer for the time of its validity. It is important to note that all OPT must be directly related to the student’s degree given that this is an opportunity provided by the U.S. government that allows students to get practical experience.
   There are two kinds of OPT available, pre-completion OPT which can only be used before completing your degree and post completion OPT which allows the student to work after graduation.
Pre-completion OPT:
    Before applying for pre-completion OPT, you must have been a full-time student for at least one academic year at a school approved by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Once approved, you can work part-time (20 hours or less) while classes are in session and full-time (40+ hours) during breaks.However, there’s a catch: any time spent on pre-completion OPT reduces your post-completion OPT. For example, if you work part-time for a full year before graduation, you’ll only have six months of post-completion OPT instead of the usual year. This option should only be considered if CPT is no longer available, and we generally don’t recommend using pre-completion OPT unless you’re in a very specific situation.
Post-completion OPT:
    You can participate in post completion OPT once you’ve finished your studies, giving you the chance to gain work experience related to your degree. It’s available to anyone with an undergraduate degree, but if you completed a degree in a STEM field, you’re eligible for even more— the STEM OPT Extension. This gives you additional time to continue working in the U.S. after your initial OPT period ends. It’s a great opportunity to dive deeper into your field and build your career!
STEM OPT Extension:
    This option is only available to those who completed a degree in STEM fields, which can give F1 students a significant advantage. It allows them to extend their OPT by two more years, giving them a total of three years of practical work experience. Now, since you applied through H1BConnect, you’re working for a company that sponsors H-1B visas. The great thing about working for a visa-sponsoring company is that each year you’re employed, they can submit your application to the H-1B lottery. With those extra two years, you could be entered into the lottery 3-4 times (depending on your graduation date), boosting your chances of securing that much-desired work visa. You can check the STEM Designated Degree List here.
   In this article, we’ll focus on the application process for post-completion OPT and the STEM OPT extension, as we believe this will apply to most of our audience. If you’d like us to cover the application process for pre-completion OPT, just drop us a message in the feedback tab, and we’ll make sure to cover it for you!
Post-Completion OPT Application
    This process has two main steps: applying through your school and then applying with USCIS. The first step is crucial because you’ll need an I-20 with an OPT recommendation before moving on to the USCIS application. If you apply without the I-20 with the OPT recommendation, chances are your application will get rejected. Similar to the CPT application, the school portion involves your Designated School Official (DSO) updating your SEVIS record. While each school might have slightly different processes, we’ll break it down in simple steps.
   First, you need to fill out your school’s request form. The DSO will check your eligibility, add the OPT recommendation to your SEVIS record, and issue you an I-20 with the OPT recommendation. The process can vary, but a quick Google search for your school’s instructions should do the trick. After receiving your I-20, make sure to double-check page 2 to confirm that the OPT recommendation is there and the requested dates are correct. Refer to the example below, you should check the information in blue:
   Once you have your I-20, you must file your USCIS application within 30 days . Applications submitted after the 30-day window are often denied. If you miss the deadline, contact your school’s international office to request a new I-20.
   Now, let’s dive into the second part of the application process with USCIS. Here’s what you need to gather for your USCIS application:
   Once you have everything ready, you can submit your OPT application to USCIS by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization here: USCIS I-765 Form. For this application the Eligibility Category is (c)(3)(B) - Post Completion OPT.
   The application process for the STEM Extension OPT is very similar to the post-completion OPT process. First, you’ll need a new I-20 with the OPT extension recommendation from your DSO, then submit your application to USCIS. To start, you’ll need to fill out your school’s request form, but an important extra step is completing Form I-983, found here. This form requires input from both your employer and your university, so plan ahead and check your school’s resources for help.
   Once you’ve submitted the request to your school, your DSO will check your eligibility, add the OPT Extension recommendation to your SEVIS record, and issue you an I-20. Be sure to double-check that page 2 of your I-20 includes the correct OPT recommendation and requested dates. Refer to the example below, you should check the information in blue.
   After receiving your I-20, you’ll need to file your USCIS application. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
   Once you’ve gathered everything, you can submit your application for the OPT STEM Extension by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, which you can access here: USCIS I-765 Form. Just make sure to complete this step within 30 days of receiving your new I-20! For this application the Eligibility Category is (c)(3)(C) - STEM OPT extension.
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