OPT or Optional Practical training in the USA is a great way to earn work experience in this country. This also enables them to connect with potential employers and build a professional network. OPT programs are popular in the United States because they allow the students to work and earn while they learn. The OPT students in USA are allowed by the government to stay in the country for three years. This in turn not only enhances their ability to gain a green card in the USA, but also enhances their chance of getting employment in any other part of the world. This is because the education system and its standards in the USA are excellent. You can easily develop the skills required to create an excellent career anywhere in the world.
Requirements of OPT
The F-1 visa holders can opt for the OPT program and the students can get up to 12 months of employment authorization before they complete their academic studies under the OPT program. Student can also apply for this program and complete it after they finish their studies. This gives them the time to gain long term employment immediately after they complete the course of one year in the OPT program when they are studying.
The OPT students are more likely to get permanent employment and sponsorship from an employer compared to other applicants. The OPT programs are constructed in a manner that is suitable for different requirement of the students. The program in question can be a combination of training or an internship. It can also complement the students’ current experience in college or university.
What is the eligibility for OPT?
If you are a student holding an F1 visa and are currently studying in a US university after completing your first year of studies then you can take help of the OPT program to stay on in this country for one more year. Of course there are three different types of visas for international students in the US but the F1 visa is the most popular option. If you want to be considered for OPT then you should meet the following criteria:
· You should maintain an active F 1 student status throughout your sojourn
· Your study curriculum should be full time in a college or university
· You should be agreeable to volunteer for work in the country when applying for the program
· OPT students in the USA do not need to be working when they apply for OPT
· Whatever work they do should be related to their field of study even if they have to volunteer for it
· If you have a bachelor’s degree in Science, technology or engineering you will become eligible for a 12 month extension to their one year program
The main challenge for employers
Employers in the United States prefer to hire international students in order to get a fresh and varied intelligence pool active in their organization. At the same time, the b usually charge less salary compared to other candidates and they may also volunteer to work without pay. However, the challenge for employers wanting to hire OPT candidates have to run from pillar to post in order to interview them. Of course, there are the usual university or college campus interviews, but the best method to get access to a vast data bank of OPT students in USA is to look up the online databanks provided by some reputable companies. These data banks are regularly updated and the students can take help to update and replenish their resumes. The companies maintaining these databanks charge a nominal fee from recruiters in exchange for access to a very large number of OPT candidate profiles. This becomes a win win situation for the students and employers. How To Hire OPT Students In USA
