how to know if my opt job is directly related to the course of study

DSOs may direct students to report their OPT information via the Portal. The determination of whether a job opportunity is directly related a student’s major area of study (and in the case of STEM OPT students directly related to the degree), requires both the student and the DSO to work collaboratively to comply with new policy guidelines.

Full Answer

Is the opt position “directly related to the major”?

This blog post will share three factors that OPT participants can think about when they write how the OPT position is “directly related to the major.” An eligible student may request employment authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to his or her major area of study.

What do graduate students need to know about opt direct relationships?

On top of the aforementioned three factors, graduate students might want to illustrate how the position is related to your research that you worked on to strengthen why you need that practical training. Graduate level OPT direct relationship example 1. Computer Science

When can I apply for opt After completing my degree?

May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree. You may begin your OPT only after we approve your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Can I work part time and full time on opt?

You may work full time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time.

How job is related to degree OPT?

All OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study and commensurate with the degree level. The following types of paid and unpaid experiences are considered valid OPT activities according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and should be reported to the ISSO.

What do you write in relation to field of study OPT?

The written explanation should include the student's job title, employer name, major area of study, whether full-time or the average hours worked per week, and a brief explanation of how the job is directly related to the student's degree/major field of study.

Does OPT has to related to major?

Purpose: Federal regulation permits F-1 nonimmigrant students to apply for authorization to engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT) that is directly related to their major area of study.

How do I prove my OPT job?

Which documents should I have to prove that I have been employed?Copies of job offer letters and agreements/contracts with all OPT employers including start and end dates.Copies of job descriptions including job title, duties, location, pay rate and proposed number of hours to be worked per week.More items...

Can OPT student work 2 jobs?

Are multiple OPT jobs allowed? Multiple post-completion OPT jobs can be carried out once you complete your studies in a college or a university. You may work for more than one employer or job, but all employment must be related to your degree program. The cumulative number of hours should be 20 or more in a week.

Can you study while on OPT?

Studying While on OPT Because your primary purpose is to pursue employment/an internship/practical training, any study while on OPT must be incidental. This means you cannot be studying full-time and you cannot be obtaining a new degree or certificate.

Can I get OPT twice?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

Does internship count as OPT?

Volunteers or unpaid interns (for standard pre or post-completion OPT): Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT.

Can international students work 2 jobs?

May an F-1 student work at more than one on-campus job? Yes. However, the F-1 student's total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term. The F-1 student may work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the student's annual break.

How should a student report employment during OPT?

Note: While on OPT, the student must report to the DSO within 10 days any changes in the student's name or address, and employment information. The DSO must update SEVIS within 21 days with the employment information and any name or address changes.

Can I work for non e verified company on OPT?

Yes, in order to apply for STEM OPT your employer must be e-verified. If you switch employer while your STEM OPT is pending, the new employer must be e-verified and a new I-20 must be created.

How long can you stay on EAD without job?

There is no time limit. With your I-485 having been filed and pending for more than 180 days you are in great shape to "port" to another employer, as long as in the "same" or "similar" "occupation"...

How many hours can I work after completion of OPT?

If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time. If you participated in pre-completion OPT, USCIS will deduct that amount of time from your post-completion OPT authorization period.

How long before I can apply for OPT?

May apply up to 90 days before you complete a full academic year, as long as you do not start OPT employment until you complete one full academic year. May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.

What is OPT in F1?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).

How long does it take to get an extension for OPT?

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:

How long is post completion OPT?

For example, if you participated in 10 months of pre-completion OPT, you would be eligible for only up to 2 months of post-completion OPT.

What is an OPT degree?

OPT : For students engaged in post-secondary schools or at conservatories. Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree).

How many months of OPT are there?

There are three general types of OPT: OPT : For students engaged in post-secondary schools or at conservatories. Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree).

What if SEVIS does not reflect applications filed with or decisions made by USCIS?

If OPT information in SEVIS does not reflect applications filed with or decisions made by USCIS, DSOs can ask to have the record corrected. There are two ways to correct data in a student record.

What is an OPT in SEVIS?

While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

How long can a student be unemployed after completing OPT?

A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days.

Can SEVIS request overlapping OPT?

SEVIS will not allow DSOs to request overlapping segments of OPT. You must specify if the OPT is pre-completion vs. post-completion OPT and must be either full vs. part time.