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What is OPT? Program to work in the US after graduation

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"Can I stay and work in the US?" is always a question that many parents and students are interested in when planning to study in the US. For students after graduation, they can choose Optional Practical Training (OPT) to look for opportunities to work in their professional field.

So what is the OTP program? What are the conditions for participating in the OPT program and how to register? Let's find out about IDP through the article below!

1. What does OPT mean?

OPT (short for Optional Practical Training) is a program of the US government that allows international students to work part-time or full-time in the United States. This program allows international students with F-1 visas to apply practical knowledge and gain work experience in their field of study.

The OPT program allows you to work in the U.S. for 12 months. Unlike extracurricular programs, you can complete the OPT program during your studies or after the end of your program.

2. What is STEM OPT?

STEM stands for Science - Technology - Engineering - Mathematics. This is the strongest growing sector in the US and developing countries. For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates, you can extend the OPT program by 24 months, improve your chances of participating in research projects, and bring the total number of years up to 3 years.

See more: What is STEM? Career Prospects for STEM

3. Advantages of participating in the OPT program

As an international student studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you can stay in the U.S. and work for up to 10 years after graduation. The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program is a program that allows international students with F-1 visas to work in the U.S. after graduation. The duration of OPT depends on the student's level of study and field of study. When you join the OPT program, you can increase your chances of staying and working in the U.S. for up to 10 years:

Upon completion of Associate's degree: 1 year OPT
After completing the Bachelor's degree: 1 year OPT + 2 years extension for STEM majors
After completing the Master's degree: 1 year OPT + 2 years extension for STEM majors
After completing the Doctorate's degree: 1 year OPT + 2 years extension for STEM disciplines To understand the information and optimize the route to study in the US, please contact IDP immediately to get

4. Types of OPT Programs

All OPT programs must be related to your own field of study. OPT programs are of two types:

Pre-completion OPT

(Pre-Graduation OPT): You can apply for this program after you have enrolled full-time at an institution that has been accredited by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Visitor Exchange Program (SEVP). The duration of the course must last at least 12 months. Once your application is approved, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies and full-time during your vacation.

Post-completion OPT

(OPT after graduation): This program is for those who have completed their studies. Once your application is approved, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies and full-time during your vacation.

5. Conditions for participating in the OPT program

To be eligible to apply for the OPT program, you must choose a job related to your field of study. In addition, you must also find a job within 90 days of graduation and study in the U.S. for at least 9 months.

Another condition you need to meet is that you need to have at least one DSO (Designated School Official) from the school you plan to attend. The process of completing the procedure with the school will include filling out and filing an OPT I-20 application. The university will then send your request to SEVIS, if you are successful in receiving an I-20 immigrant petition. After receiving your I-20, you must download and complete the application forms that include relevant documents that assist in completing OPT.

Students participating in OPT have the opportunity to gain work experience and career orientation in the future.

6. Steps to apply for the OPT program

Studying in the U.S. is not only a learning journey for you to acquire valuable knowledge but also provides opportunities to develop your career and staying and working in the U.S. program is an option to help you find a job and achieve future work items. For more detailed information about the OPT program, you can search for an IDP Reputable Study Abroad Consulting Company for support and advice on making a completely free application.

In addition to chatting with consultants, IDP always organizes IDP Study Abroad Seminars throughout the year, creating opportunities for students and parents to meet directly with school representatives, Hunt for scholarships to study abroad, and consider the dossier on the spot. To easily estimate the fees when studying Psychology abroad, you can actively calculate through the Cost of Living Calculator of IDP.

Contact IDP to learn about the OPT program in the US

In addition to chatting with consultants, IDP always organizes IDP Study Abroad Seminars throughout the year, creating opportunities for students and parents to meet directly with school representatives, Hunt for scholarships to study abroad and consider the dossier on the spot. To easily estimate the fees when studying Psychology abroad, you can actively calculate through the Cost of Living Calculator of IDP.