Why OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
26 February, 2025
I have been hearing a vast number of international students raise concern for what it is that they are allowed to do once they graduate from their undergraduate degree. Most of the students that I have conversed with informed me that they have not been given much information on what OPT is, which honestly is concerning, considering that OPT can be a great way for students to gain experience in their area of study and also be allowed to earn an income in the U.S.
Convenience: Applying for OPT is not only worth it but also does not require as much paperwork as some other visa applications may. What a lot of people do not know is that OPT is an extension of your F-1 Visa (Student Visa), which means that when applying for OPT you do not need to apply for a new visa, this even applies if your visa were to expire during the period that you are on OPT. The only thing that an expired visa can affect is plans to travel outside of the United States. In this case, you will need to get your visa renewed at a U.S. consulate before re-entering the country after your travel.
Experience: OPT allows you to work within the field of study that you are graduating in, without having to switch over to a work visa straight away. It gives you time to figure out if there are more opportunities for you in your industry or if there are more opportunities elsewhere.
Requirements: No less than 20 hours a week, which equivalates to 4 hours a day, which means you will have time for other things.
Convenience: Applying for OPT is not only worth it but also does not require as much paperwork as some other visa applications may. What a lot of people do not know is that OPT is an extension of your F-1 Visa (Student Visa), which means that when applying for OPT you do not need to apply for a new visa, this even applies if your visa were to expire during the period that you are on OPT. The only thing that an expired visa can affect is plans to travel outside of the United States. In this case, you will need to get your visa renewed at a U.S. consulate before re-entering the country after your travel.
Experience: OPT allows you to work within the field of study that you are graduating in, without having to switch over to a work visa straight away. It gives you time to figure out if there are more opportunities for you in your industry or if there are more opportunities elsewhere.
Requirements: No less than 20 hours a week, which equivalates to 4 hours a day, which means you will have time for other things.
