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OPT Visa

If you are an F-1 visa holder or applicant and wish to complete practical training in the United States in a field relevant to your studies, you will need to apply for an OPT employment authorization. The OPT provides an F-1 visa holder temporary  employment authorization in the USA for a period of up to 12 months.
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Types of OPT visas
Eligibility
Benefits & Restrictions
How to apply
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Visa types

The OPT consists of separate categories. If your situation fits either of the consequent categories, this would support your eligibility for the OPT.

Pre-completion OPT:


In this category, an F-1 visa holder is eligible for an OPT prior to graduation if:

    - You have been enrolled as a full-time student for a minimum duration of one academic year at a US Government certified academic institution.

    - With this OPT authorization you are entitled to work part time (max 20 hours per week) during your studies, while the academic semesters are in place. Outside of academic semesters, you are allowed to work full time.

Post-completion OPT:


In this category, an F-1 visa holder is eligible for an OPT post graduation if:

    - You have finished your studies as a full-time student from a US Government certified         institution.
    - With this OPT authorization you are entitled to work part time (max 20 hours per week) or full time.
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Eligibility

To be eligible for the OPT there are specific requirements which an applicant must fulfill in order to qualify for this authorization. These requirements are the following:

You have been a registered full-time student for a minimum of one academic year at a SEVP-certified academic institution.

The OPT is in a relevant field to your full-time study major.

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Benefits & Restrictions

What are the benefits of completing an OPT? 

Participating in an OPT allows you to gain invaluable work experience in your chosen field of studies in the USA.

Participating in an OPT at the end of your studies is a great way to extend your stay in the USA after finishing your studies, while gaining valuable experience in an established hospitality organization.


Restrictions of the OPT visa to be aware of:

If you are studying English as a Second Language, you will not be eligible for the OPT.

You will not be eligible to apply for the OPT if you have already used the designated months allotted for OPT.

You will not be eligible to apply for the OPT if you have received a prior authorization for a 12 month CPT (Curricular Practical Training at an institution of the same level.

The OPT program category (pre or post completion)

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How to apply

The application process for the F-1 visa is less complex than some of the other visa application processes, but despite this, does require some time and specific documentation to complete successfully. In addition, to apply for this type of visa, an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is required.


The visa application process includes:

Enroll in a SEVP-approved school within the USA.

Once the school has accepted your enrollment, you will be registered to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (registration fee).

Once the payment has been made, your school will issue you the Form I-20.

After you have received your Form I-20, you will be able to book your embassy interview for the student (F) visa, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Fill in the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.

Payment of Embassy Appointment fee.

Booking and attending an Embassy Appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DSO?

DSO is the abbreviation used for the Designated School Official. This official is responsible for submitting your official recommendation for the OPT to SEVIS.

What is an EAD?

EAD is the abbreviation for Employment Authorization Document, which is the official document all nonimmigrants and temporary workers will be required to obtain from the USCIS. This document states your permission to work in the United States.

What is the Form I-20?

The Form I-20 is the official Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

What is the Form I-765?

The Form I-765 is the official Application and Document for Employment Authorization.

What is the Form I-766?

The Form I-766 is the official Employment Authorization Document, which is presented in card format. This is sometimes referred to as the EAD.

What does OPT stand for?

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. This is a program which grants temporary employment authorization for nonimmigrants residing in the USA under the F-1 visa.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is the official government database for all students and exchange visitors. This system maintains records of all nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors and their studies and training, while in the USA. All official information regarding your program is registered in this system by your academic institution.

What is USCIS?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is the official branch of the U.S. Government which handles the processing of matters related to immigration and various non-immigrant permits.

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