What is an F-1 OPT visa?

Olivia Smith
5 min readMay 6, 2022

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The state of the American dream of getting settled in the United States is the dream of many immigrants. Millions of international students look up to applying for OPT opportunity jobs in the USA. But getting into the radar of companies that hire opt students can be a tough nut to crack. The OPT jobs for international students are limited, and competition is cutthroat.

f1 opt visa

So how to get started?

If you’re also in a hurry to gain on-the-job experience and practical skills, then applying for opt jobs in USA has been the best fit for you historically. The term OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which allows international students enrolled on F1 opt visa status to work freely in the USA. This program allows students to deepen their skills in their field of study and get on-the-job experience with well-reputed companies headquartered in the USA.

But that’s necessary doesn’t mean that you will start making a good salary at the initial stages. Many OPT students get placed as interns with optional practical training jobs where they learn about the work culture and workflow.

Eligibility

F-1 students who have enrolled in valid F1 opt visa students immigration of a minimum of nine months can work freely in the United States and apply for US citizenship.

How long is the optional practical training?

This varies from subject to subject. Although the opt program can last one year. Opt students in the STEM area have a perk of opt extension of up to 24 months.

How can you apply for OPT jobs in the USA?

The simplest way to apply for the opt jobs in USA is to register yourself on various opt job portals. The idea of working with the well-reputed brand Of the business world is drawing many international students from every corner of the world. On the dark end, it’s advised to be cautious of the pirate (fake) job portals that can misuse your personal details.

If the salary sounds too good, or if someone promises a guaranteed job in F1 opt visa, just don’t do it. Only apply on trusted and verified job portals, such as OPTnation. Millions of international students trust OPTnation. This job portal provides 100% real leads and gives other important services that are paid but worth some investment.

Also, don’t forget to apply for an opt card. The process of your opt card application can nearly take 2 to 3 months. If the process takes longer than that, you can file an inquiry for your case to the representatives. You can also contact them on their register hotline services- 1800–375–5283.

Is it important that opt jobs should be of your field of study?

Yes, the main purpose of opt jobs is to allow international students to come from their homeland and sharpen their skills to compete on a global platform. Also, it helps students to deepen their knowledge in their field of studies and gain practical knowledge without disturbing their studies. Hence, optional practical training is chosen based on your degree subject.

Do I need a job offer for OPT?

No, it’s not mandatory to have a job offer to get eligible for opt. In OPT, students are allowed 90 days of unemployment during the initial stages of 12 months authorization period.

How to get selected for the OPT jobs in the USA?

To ace OPT job interview, you need to have head-to-toe information about the company you’re applying for. Go with the mindset of how you can deliver superlative results that benefit the organization. The initial step is that you should have a perfect opt resume that consists of your internship, academic grades, skills, and hobbies.

Your resume is the first paper that decides your future career, as it’s the first thing that a recruiter sees. Try OPTnation resume making services to get into the radar of companies hiring in the USA.

How much can you earn in the USA?

There are no exact numbers, but the annual salaries can go as high as $120,500 and as low as $16,000. But don’t go with the illusion that you will start bringing heavy amounts at home. You might start from scratch by doing an unpaid internship and volunteering in the initial stages. For now, you should be on scoring good grades in your academics because people with high grades and good academic history are more likely to get selected.

Is it a good step to apply for unpaid internships in the US?

Students often take an unpaid internship for granted but do you know they are a blessing in disguise. Working as an intern can help students mark their place in the organization; all you have to do is work within the deadline without messing it up. By doing an internship for well-reputed companies, you will get hand-selected in future by recruiters, and that’s how you can ace your job interviews with relevant on-job experience.

Closing thoughts

OPT is historically the best way to slingshot your career in the right direction. You can make it true for those who always dream of working or pursuing higher studies in the US. The idea of getting graduated and starting working is outdated. If you’re dead serious about your future, then just doing graduation is not enough. OPT has changed the loop of the education system. This program helps students find their true potential and excel in their field of study.

OPT is a perfect way to nurture your experience, which will look great on your resume. It will benefit you hugely by making your future-ready and financially dependent while working with many prestigious companies headquartered in the USA.

America has so much for everyone; the country doesn’t care who you’re or from where you started. It takes hard work and the right mindset to make your dream a living reality. Optional Training Program is just a first step to excel in your career in the right direction.

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Olivia Smith

OPTnation is one of the most prominent US-based OPT CPT job portal, which offers the best OPT Jobs In USA.