OPT Students Association

::FOR OPT STUDENTS::
For the purposes of OPT, "part-time" work refers to work that is at most 20 hours/week. The term "full-time" could be used either in the sense of "more than part-time" (i.e., more than 20 hours/week) or in the sense of 40 hours/week or more.
>>Pre-completion and post-completion OPT
There are two types of OPT
• Pre-completion OPT: This is a type of OPT where people currently pursuing degree programs acquire work authorization to do work related to their field of study. The work may be part-time during academic quarters and full-time during vacations.
• Post-completion OPT: This is a type of OPT where people who have either completed their degree requirements, and requires working at least 20 hours/week to count as OPT employment (more later). Ph.D. candidates can apply for post-completion OPT if they are ABD (all but dissertation) and are not simultaneously enrolled as students.

OPT Students Association We are currently hiring IT professionals (graduates who are on OPT/CPT/willing to change the employment) to Offer H1sponsorship & placements

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work experience that an F-1 student can generally gather through a temporary employment. The employment or the work is often related to the subjects of study or the academic program of the students. As per the rule, a student can receive maximum 12 months of hands-on practical experience for each degree level (Bachelor, Masters, Doctorate) (Additional 17 months for STEM degree holders). However, a student is free to undergo this practical training either during the studies or after the completion of his or her studies.

To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for an academic year prior to the start of the requested practical training period. If students return from a leave of absence of more than 5 months, they must be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year before they can be eligible for OPT again.

Although a job is not required for OPT to be granted, students should ensure that the employment they find is directly related to their field of study. Employment in an unrelated field would violate F-1 status.
Students who have already used 12 months of post-completion practical training based on the completion of one degree are eligible for another 12 months of post-completion practical training if they complete another degree at a higher degree level.

Students who have participated in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training will not be eligible for OPT. Part-time Curricular Practical Training is not deducted. (Employment on-campus does not affect Optional Practical Training.)