you previously finished a PhD and now you are pursuing an MD, MBA, LLM, MS/MA etc)īe present in the U.S. Have not used OPT at a higher-degree level (e.g. you are doing an MBA and have already used your Master's level OPT after a previous MA/MS degree) Have not used 12 months of OPT for a previous degree at the same level (e.g. See our information on shortening or extending your record.īe registered full-time in a degree program for at least one academic year (three quarters) in valid F-1 status If your current I-20 end date does not currently reflect the actual end of your program, it must be adjusted. Example: Four months part-time OPT is subtracted from the total as two months.Įligibility for Pre- and Post-Completion OPT is based on program end date listed on your I-20, which might be different from your actual graduation date/quarter. Granted on a full-time basis only (over 20 hours a week)Īll previous periods of OPT at the same level are deducted from the 12-month total. Used for jobs after completion of your program or graduation Post-Completion OPT (After graduation, or after completion of course requirements for MA/PhD students).Master’s/Doctoral Students ONLY: Full-time or part-time after courses finished, while working on thesis Part-time while classes are in session (20 hours or fewer per week, cannot be averaged)įull-time or part-time during breaks or vacation quarters Usually used for summer internships that do not fit into program's CPT option, start ups, and independently found jobs Pre-Completion OPT (Before program end date listed on I-20).For example, if you are completing a second Master's degree and you have already used OPT at the Master's level, you are not eligible for 12 additional months of OPT after completing the second Master's degree.Įach segment and type of OPT requires separate, complete applications to USCIS.Īs long as each position meets the required employment criteria, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously. You are eligible for 12 months OPT per education level. You will not be eligible to apply for OPT if you are outside of the U.S. For example, if you complete a Phd, then use OPT, and then complete a Master's-level program, you will not be eligible for OPT for the Master's level. You must not have used OPT at a higher degree level. GSAL, NDVS, IBEP, and other short-term programs) are not eligible for OPT. You must be in a degree program to be eligible. Find more information about Premium Processing here. USCIS has introduced Premium Processing for OPT applications. The latest processing times, which may fluctuate, can be found here on the USCIS website: Processing Times () The application is approved by United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS), but OPT must first be recommended by OIA.Ĭurrently, the approval process for USCIS takes between 1-2 months. You may not pursue a new course of full-time study while on OPT. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. OPT Quick Facts:ĭetails about all of these facts can be found on the page below: Students in non-degree programs are not eligible for any kind of off campus work authorization. F-1 students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT per educational degree level (e.g. OPT is temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in degree programs to gain experience in jobs directly related to their major area of study. After OPT is Approved & Reporting Requirements.STEP 1: OIA Recommendation & Required Documents.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |