Posts Tagged ‘OPT’
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 »
Upcoming Presentations by Gali Schaham Gordon
NAFSA Regional Conference Region XII
The NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a member organization promoting international education. Its regional conference for 2009 – titled International Education – Navigating Across Borders – will be held in San Diego, California, at the end of October. Gali is speaking at the conference in a session titled Beyond OPT: How students can stay in the US. The details are as follows:
October 26 – 30, 2009 in San Diego, California
Pre-conference Workshops Oct 26-27
Main Conference Sessions Oct 28-30
Registration: http://www.nafsa.org/events.sec/conferences.pg/nafsa_regional_conferences/
HR Wine & Agriculture Conference
The NCHRA (Northern CA HR Association) Wine & Agriculture Conference is an opportunity for HR management personnel in the wine and agriculture industries to attend various workshops relevant to these fields. Gali will be speaking on immigration issues relevant to the wine industry. The details are as follows:
November 16, 2009
The Meritage Resort and Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California 94558
NCHRA Members: $340 / General: $425 (Join NCHRA for $150 and attend at the member rate)
Scholarships & Group Rates Available
Registration: http://www.nchra.org/staticcontent/download/CF90701.pdf
Tags: agriculture, green card, H-1B, H-2A, H-2b, human resources, international, OPT, student, visa, wine
Posted in Events and Presentations | Read More »
