Archive for the ‘FAQ F-1’ Category
How long do I have to find work once my OPT is approved?
Individuals with approved Optional Practical Training (OPT) have 90 days to find employment. OPT is the period following completion of an academic or degree program in which the graduate is permitted to work for a U.S. employer in a position related to his/her field. A graduate cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during an OPT period.
This means that planning ahead regarding OPT employment is essential. A student may apply for employment authorization up to 90 days prior to the academic program end date but not later than 60 days after the end date. No job offer is required to apply for OPT, so even if an individual has no employment lined up but knows he/she wants to work, he/she should apply for OPT.
During the OPT period, an individual can work part-time, full-time or engage in self-employment provided the work is related to the individual’s field. If the individual cannot find a paid position, working in an unpaid position is acceptable and does count as OPT employment. Please don’t hesitate to contact our San Francisco immigration office if you have questions regarding OPT.
Tags: employment, F-1, OPT, optional practical training, volunteer work
Posted in F-1, FAQ F-1 | Read More »
May I use my OPT card for self-employment?
Yes. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) period following your college or university graduation may be used for self-employment, part-time employment or full-time employment in your field. This is the case regardless of whether you have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree program.
The OPT period exists to provide new graduates a chance to work in fields related to their degree program for up to one-year (in some cases, longer, provided certain conditions are met).
Please contact our immigration attorneys if you have questions about your OPT period or OPT employment.
Tags: F-1, OPT, self-employment
Posted in F-1, FAQ F-1 | Read More »
