Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a special benefit granted to F-1 student visa holders. This allows international students residing in Boston to work in their chosen field of study. However, there are some limitations on employment, as a knowledgeable immigration attorney at our firm could explain. Those interested in Optional Practical Training for F-1 students in Boston should consult legal counsel on pursuing this opportunity.
Every student on an F-1 visa is eligible for up to 12 months of work authorization through OPT. This option is available following your first academic year, and the work must occur in your field of study.
Once you complete your first year of academic enrollment, you may immediately begin working in your field of study. However, many students save their year of eligibility until after they have graduated to remain in the United States after their graduation, and to maximize the value that they offer to US employers. This is called “post-conclusion OPT.” Post-conclusion OPT is often vital, as it allows foreign students one or more chances to apply for the H-1B lottery registration and increases the chances that they could apply for the coveted H-1B Visa with a US employer.
In addition to the other requirements, students must be currently enrolled and in good standing with an approved college or university to be eligible for OPT.
It is important to be aware of the limitations on OPT. If you spent the previous year in an English language training program, you are not authorized to work under OPT even if you meet all the other requirements. Students that are not in good standing or are on leave from school are also ineligible.
Some F-1 visa holders are ineligible for OPT because of other prior work exceptions. Anyone that has exhausted the OPT time or has been previously allowed to work in the United States under different programs might not qualify. Our experienced lawyers can further advise students in Boston on whether they are eligible for Optional Practical Training.
There are two types of OPT available to F-1 student visa holders: pre-completion and post-completion. The differences between these two types are important. Not only do they take place at different times in a student’s academic career, but there are additional requirements for each option as well.
Pre-completion OPT is when a foreign student uses their OPT time during their program of study. This applies for students who work in their field of study while in school. OPT must be part-time during semesters, as students are expected to focus on their studies. However, these limitations are removed during holidays and breaks.
Post-completion OPT is when an international student uses their OPT time after graduating. To apply for this type of OPT, a foreign student must provide documentation verifying they have graduated or confirming their date of expected completion of their studies. The experienced OPT attorneys at our Boston office could help with these requirements if you are considering employment options after graduation.
Students who receive degrees in the sciences, engineering, mathematics, and technology are eligible for a one-year STEM extension. A student must already old a four-year degree in a field approved by Homeland Security. This list includes fields of study in engineering, biological and biomedical science, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences. As of 2022, the list also includes related fields such as: communications, psychology, actuarial and management science, even “military media relations.”
Some might assume that the STEM extension is only for people in the “hard” sciences, but the inclusion of social sciences and interdisciplinary studies on Homeland Security’s list expands opportunities available to graduates of American colleges.
If a student has completed a four-year degree in a STEM field, but then goes on to pursue a graduate degree in a different field, the student can still qualify for a STEM OPT extension – for example, a student with a degree in biochemical engineering who then gets a Masters of Fine Arts can still apply for a STEM OPT extension based on the previously-obtained degree.
OPT is an excellent opportunity for international students studying in the United States. By carefully following the rules and guidelines, you can take advantage of this special status to gain work experience in your field of study. The dedicated attorneys at our firm are here to advise you on Optional Practical Training for F-1 students in Boston, so give us a call today to learn more and discuss your situation.
