Introduction

International students in the USA on F1 Visa have an option to get work authorization on OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation. Candidates having OPT visas can work for job openings that match the educational degree program.

Students under F1 Visa will always have one question in their mind once about “What jobs qualify for OPT?” or “What are the jobs that I can do on OPT?” Here is a detailed blog that will help you to understand OPT jobs that can be done.

Employment that can be done under different types of OPT:

Types of OPT:

• Pre-completion OPT

• Post-completion OPT

• STEM OPT

Know more about types of OPT and how to apply for OPT.

1. OPT Jobs allowed under Pre-completion OPT

The candidates are allowed to work a minimum of 20 hours per week. Under pre-completion OPT candidates can get employed for paid as well as unpaid OPT jobs in respect to the education major. Irrespective of work approval whether full-time or part-time depends upon the details that you submit during applying for OPT approval and will be specified on the EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Candidates can work for more than one employer under Pre-completion OPT within the total working hours allowed. It is not mandatory to get employment during the time frame of Pre-completion OPT work authorization. If the candidate fails to get employment during Pre-completion OPT, there is no need to update officials about it.

2. OPT Jobs allowed under Post-completion OPT

The candidates can work on Post-completion OPT after completion of their educational degree. The candidates are allowed to work on OPT jobs a minimum of 20 hours per week or more. Under Post-completion OPT candidates can get employed for paid as well as unpaid work in respect to the education major. Candidates need to maintain active employment status under Post-completion OPT within a minimum of 20 hours per week. The candidates can work for multiple employers within the working hours allowed for Pre-completion OPT. Under the Post-completion OPT, it is mandatory to maintain the candidate’s status active for employment throughout the 12 months of OPT work approval. The total unemployment duration should not exceed 90 days during the OPT work approval of 12 months under Post-completion OPT. The candidate must work for at least 20 hours per week or more under Post-completion OPT. If the candidate fails to maintain the total working hours for at least 20 hours per week under the Post-completion OPT job this can result against maintaining your employment status.

3. OPT Jobs allowed under STEM OPT

STEM OPT is an extension of 24 months that can be applied after working 12 months of Post-completion OPT by candidates from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) backgrounds. The candidates under STEM OPT must be working on OPT jobs for at least 20 hours per week on paid employment as per the educational degree with an E-verify employer. The candidates under STEM OPT can work for multiple E-verify employers maintaining a total employment duration of at least 20 hours per week.

Candidates for Post-Completion OPT employment:

Self Employed:

Candidates under OPT can work as an owner of a self-employed business. The candidate must keep the evidence about the business operations that occupied the total working hours. The candidate must have a legal business license to work as a self-employed business owner.

Employment via agency:

Candidates under OPT can work via an agency but must keep records of the total working hours by maintaining employment for at least 20 hours per week on OPT jobs.

Employment allowed:

Candidates can work for paid employment that matches their educational degrees. The candidate can also work as a volunteer or for unpaid employment. Candidate must maintain the working hours to be at least 20 hours per week on OPT jobs.

Multiple OPT jobs:

Candidates can work on multiple jobs for multiple employers under OPT by maintaining the total number of working hours for at least 20 hours per week or more.

Short-term employment (Performing artists):

Candidates on OPT from the background as Musicians, and performing artists can work for short-term employment (events/gigs). The candidates must keep track of the gigs worked on OPT jobs.

Work for Hire:

Candidates under OPT can work for hire (1099 employment as an individual providing services on a contract base relationship). Candidates that opt for work on hire should track and keep the evidence of the contracts served on OPT jobs.

How can I prove my employment on OPT?

• Keep a copy of job offer letters, and agreements/contracts with E-verify employers along with the start date and end date of the job.

• Keep a copy of the job descriptions that mention the job title, job role, location, payment rate, and the total number of hours to work per week.

• Keep a record of projects worked if employed by an agency or consultancy.

• Collect all the pay stubs for the jobs worked.

• Collect copies of bank statements for the deposits received by employers.

• Copy of W2 form (Tax form).

• Collect copies of diplomas, and a completion certificate if working for volunteer or unpaid work.

• You can also keep copies of attendance records for the hours worked.

FAQ’s about what jobs to do on OPT?

1. Can I work on 2 or more jobs under OPT?

Yes, you can work for multiple jobs within your educational background under OPT by ensuring the total hours for all the jobs within the permitted time of 20 hours per week.

2. Do OPT jobs need to be as per major?

Employment under OPT should always match directly to your educational background.

3. Am I eligible to apply for OPT?

International students on an F1 visa who have already participated in employment for 12 months or more while working on CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) are not eligible to apply for OPT.

4. Employer requirements with OPT?

The employment under OPT should be at least 20 hours per week and directly related the educational degree. The employer should be from an E-verify Company under STEM OPT.

5. Can I work for more than 20 hours per week under OPT?

Under OPT whether you work for multiple employers or one the total working hours should be minimum of 20 hours per week. There is no limitation for more than that therefore you can work for more than 20 hours per week if able to manage.

6. How to change employer on OPT?

For all the number of jobs changed during OPT, you should inform the concerned school within 10 days to avoid any questioning from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

7. What should I do if I lose my job on OPT?

You should inform about the unemployment status if you lose your job on OPT. The total duration that you can stay unemployed under 12 months of OPT is 90 days which includes weekends. If you exceed the time of 90 days of unemployment then you will have 60 days grace period to leave the states.

8. How to apply for OPT visa?

Here is a detailed blog about the steps to apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training).

9. Should I work on paid or unpaid internships? Which one is better?

Though it depends upon your preference, this blog will help to decide on it.

10. Do I need a job to apply for OPT?

No, you can apply for OPT without having a job offer. Read more about your journey from F1 Visa to OPT.