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• Purpose: OPT is designed to provide international students with an opportunity to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study, supplementing their academic education with practical training. It allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world professional settings and enhance their employability.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in an academic program for at least one academic year (nine months) and must have maintained valid F-1 student status. OPT is available for students at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
• Duration: OPT is typically authorized for a maximum period of 12 months per academic level (e.g., bachelor's, master's, or doctoral). Students may choose to use their OPT authorization period either before or after completing their academic program, or a combination of both.
• Application Process: Students must apply for OPT through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with supporting documentation and the required fee. The application must be submitted within specific timelines, usually while the student is still enrolled or within 60 days of completing their academic program.
• Types of CPT: There are two main types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during scheduled breaks. Post-completion OPT allows students to work full-time after completing their academic program.
• STEM OPT Extension: Students with degrees in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT period, allowing them to work for an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12-month OPT period.
• Employment Restrictions: Employment during OPT must be directly related to the student's major field of study listed on their Form I-20. Students are responsible for securing their own employment opportunities and must report their employment details to their designated school official (DSO).
• Impact on Visa Status: Students on OPT remain in F-1 student status during the authorized period of OPT. However, they are subject to certain reporting requirements and must maintain their F-1 status by complying with OPT regulations.

Overall, OPT provides valuable opportunities for international students in the USA to gain practical work experience, explore career options, and enhance their professional skills while pursuing their academic studies. It is an essential component of many academic programs and can help students transition from student life to the workforce.