Points to Remember Before Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) :

Thousands of students make the journey to the USA every in order to fulfill their lifelong dream of studying there. Akhil was one among them and had always wanted to study and subsequently work in the country. There was his uncle who had already settled there, providing further impetus to Akhil’s move to the USA. While staying at uncle’s place and completing his Masters’ degree in USA in Chemistry had been smooth, now he had the task of fending for himself in the USA. He had a lengthy discussion with his mentor uncle, the excerpts of which is appended below –

Should I go for Optional Practical Training (OPT)? :

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the proven method to work for an organization and gain the managements’ trust. While initially, you get to work for a period of 12 months, you gain valuable experience of working in the USA while earning. Also, since you are from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field, you have the extending your OPT by another 17 months.

Are there any options for me working for a longer term in the USA? :

After completion of your 29-month OPT, you have the option of applying for H1-B Visa. But there is the catch that you require your employer to sponsor you in your Application and by paying part of your application fees. So, utilize your OPT positively to ensure you gain valuable industry experience and prepare the platform for long-term employment.

Can I Apply for H1-B work visa directly? :

You can in theory, but you need to find an employer to sponsor you. In the current scenario, managers are reluctant to take the risk of backing untested employees who may very well leave after one year. So, to reiterate, applying for OPT in that organization will serve to inculcate confidence towards you and help with H1-B sponsorship.

OPT seems to be the way forward for me. How do I go about the process of application?:

You can start by meeting the International Student (IS) advisor of your college. He will be the best person to guide you about the documentations required for filing the application. Be ready with your copy of Passport, any previously issued Employee Authorization Document (EAD) card and recommendation for OPT from your institution. You will require an EAD card if you are working on part-time (less than 20 hours per week) jobs along with your studies. Make sure you properly fill out all the required forms as early as possible because there is a general waiting period of 90 days before the approval of your application.

The dialogues above helped Akhil understand the process of application for OPT thoroughly.

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