Where Can I Find OPT Jobs? Advance Eligible Jobs

Max Troy
Where Can I Find OPT Jobs

Where Can I Find OPT Jobs? Advance Eligible Jobs

Introduction:

  • After graduation, international students in the USA who are on F1 Visa have the opportunity to obtain work authorization through OPT (Optional Practical Training). Those with OPT visas are permitted to work in job openings that align with their educational degree program.
  • As a result, students with F1 Visas frequently wonder about the jobs that qualify for OPT, or what types of jobs they are permitted to perform. This comprehensive blog post will provide you with all the information you need to understand the types of OPT jobs available.

Employment permitted under several OPT programs:

1- Pre-Completion OPT Jobs Allowed

Pre-Completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a type of work authorization for international students on an F-1 visa who have not yet completed their degree program. It allows them to work in the US while they are still studying. For a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks.

Pre-Completion OPT Jobs Allowed refers to the types of jobs that international students can work in while on Pre-Completion OPT. They are allowed to work in jobs that are related to their field of study, whether paid or unpaid. And can work for multiple employers as long as the total hours worked per week do not exceed 20. There is no requirement for them to have a job offer or to notify the government about their employment during this period.

2- Post-Completion OPT Jobs Allowed

Post-Completion OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a period of work authorization available to international students in the United States on an F-1 visa who have completed their academic program. During this period, students can work for any employer in a job related to their field of study. Post-Completion OPT allows students to gain practical work experience in the United States after completing their studies. Which can help them to build their careers and prepare for their future. The length of Post-Completion OPT is generally 12 months. And the student must apply for this work authorization before completing their academic program.

Candidates can work on OPT jobs after completing their educational degree for a minimum of 20 hours per week or more. They can work on paid and unpaid jobs related to their major. But must maintain an active employment status within a minimum of 20 hours per week. Candidates can work for multiple employers within the working hours allowed. Under post-completion OPT, it is mandatory to maintain an active employment status throughout the 12 months of OPT work approval. And the total unemployment duration should not exceed 90 days. Failure to work for at least 20 hours per week can result in losing employment status.

3- STEM OPT Jobs Allowed

STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) is an extension of the regular 12-month OPT period. That allows F-1 visa students with STEM degrees to work in the United States for an additional 24 months after completing their degree. During the STEM OPT period, the student is required to work for an employer who is enrolled in the E-Verify program and is expected to receive training. And experience that is directly related to their STEM degree. The STEM OPT extension aims to allow international students in STEM fields to gain additional practical training. And experience in their area of study and to promote the growth of the US economy through the development of STEM-related industries.

TYPES OF OPT:

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is a valuable opportunity for international students in the United States to gain work experience in their field of study after completing their degree. OPT provides a chance for international students to acquire practical skills and knowledge in their chosen fields. And it can also serve as a bridge to full-time employment or a path to an H-1B visa.

There are three types of OPT available to international students: Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT. Each type of OPT has specific eligibility requirements and job restrictions. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

  • Pre-Completion OPT: This type of OPT is available to students who have not yet completed their degree program. Pre-Completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. Students can work in any job that is related to their field of study. And they do not need to have a job offer to apply for Pre-Completion OPT. This type of OPT is a great way for students to gain work experience while still in school and to build their professional network.
  • Post-Completion OPT: This type of OPT is available to students who have completed their degree program. Post-Completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. Students can work in any job that is related to their field of study. And they must apply for Post-Completion OPT within 90 days of completing their degree. Post-Completion OPT is valid for 12 months, and students must maintain their F-1 visa status and work for a minimum of 20 hours per week to maintain their OPT status. Post-Completion OPT is an excellent opportunity for students to gain work experience and explore potential career paths.
  • STEM OPT: This type of OPT is available to students who have completed a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field. STEM OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. And up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. Students must apply for STEM OPT within 90 days of completing their degree, and it is valid for 24 months. During the STEM OPT period, students must work for an E-Verify employer and have a job that is directly related to their field of study. Students must also submit regular reports to their school’s International Student Office to demonstrate that they are meeting the program’s requirements.

Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides international students in the US with an opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study. There are various types of OPT jobs allowed for candidates. Which include self-employment, employment via an agency, paid employment, multiple jobs, short-term employment, and work for hire.

1- Self-Employed:

Candidates under OPT can work as self-employed business owners. They must have a legal business license and provide evidence of their business operations that occupy their total working hours.

2- Employment via Agency:

Candidates under OPT can work via an agency, but they must maintain records of their total working hours by working for at least 20 hours per week on OPT jobs.

3- Employment Allowed:

Candidates can work for paid employment that aligns with their educational degree, as well as for volunteer or unpaid employment. They must maintain their working hours to be at least 20 hours per week on OPT jobs.

4- Multiple OPT Jobs:

Candidates can work on multiple jobs for multiple employers under OPT by maintaining a total of at least 20 hours per week or more.

5- Short-Term Employment (Performing Artists):

Candidates with backgrounds as musicians or performing artists can work for short-term employment, such as events or gigs. They must keep track of the gigs they work on OPT jobs.

6- Work for Hire:

Candidates under OPT can work for hire as individuals providing services on a contract-based relationship (1099 employment). Those who opt for work for hire should keep evidence of the contracts served on OPT jobs.

Proving Your Employment on OPT: Essential Documents to Keep

To prove employment on OPT, there are several steps you can take.

  • First, it’s important to keep a copy of any job offer letters, agreements, or contracts with E-verify employers that you have worked for. This should include the start and end dates of the job.
  • Additionally, keeping a record of the job description, including the job title, role, location, payment rate. And total number of hours worked per week, can help prove your employment. If you have worked for an agency or consultancy, it’s important to keep a record of the projects you worked on as well.
  • It’s also important to collect all the pay stubs for the jobs you worked on OPT. Copies of bank statements showing deposits received from employers can also help prove employment.
  • Another important document to keep is a copy of the W2 form. Which is a tax form that shows the amount of money you earned from an employer during a tax year. This can serve as proof of your employment and income during that time period.
  • If you have worked on volunteer or unpaid work. Collecting copies of your diploma or completion certificate can also be useful. Lastly, keeping attendance records for the hours you worked can serve as an additional form of proof of your employment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OPT programs provide valuable opportunities for international students to gain work experience in their field of study. There are several types of OPT programs available, including Standard OPT, STEM OPT, and Cap-Gap OPT. Additionally, there are Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT Extension programs available for students to explore. International students should research their options and work with their school’s international student office to determine the best OPT program for their goals and qualifications.