Temporary Employment Opportunities for International Students after Graduation
Oberlin University, a renowned institution in the United States, offers F-1 students the opportunity to gain practical work experience through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. Here's a comprehensive guide to help students navigate this employment training benefit.
The OPT application process involves several steps. First, a recommendation from the Designated School Official (DSO) in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is required. This is followed by the issuance of a new I-20 and the student's filing of form I-765 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Students can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before their program end date. Upon approval, they receive an employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS. The EAD card determines the start date for OPT employment.
It's important to note that there are three types of OPT: pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, and STEM OPT. Post-completion OPT allows a student to work up to 12 months, while STEM OPT offers a 24-month extension for students in select fields in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
To be eligible for post-completion OPT, students must be in good F-1 status, have worked fewer than 12 months, full-time, in curricular practical training, receive an EAD before beginning employment, work or seek work that is directly related to the major field of study, and not accumulate more than 90 cumulative days of unemployment during the authorized period of OPT.
At Oberlin, students typically use curricular practical training before graduation and OPT after graduation. However, if it's not clear from the job description that the work is related to the student's degree, SEVP may ask that the student obtain a signed letter from their hiring official, supervisor, or manager stating how the student's degree is related to the work performed.
To demonstrate that employment is directly related to their degree program, students should maintain evidence for each job, including job title, duration, contact information for their supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. Students must work at least 20 hours per week to be considered full-time and avoid accumulating days of unemployment.
The 12-month clock for post-completion OPT starts on the EAD start date, regardless of employment status. Any prior authorized periods of pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT at the same degree level are to be deducted from the 12-month post-completion OPT authorization period.
Students are responsible for providing up-to-date information regarding their address, employer's name, address, and any periods of unemployment while on OPT to one of the designated school officials at Oberlin within 10 days of any change.
The process of applying for the STEM extension can begin no more than 90 days before the end of the original period of post-completion OPT. The OPT Checklist is a helpful resource for students navigating the OPT application process.
In summary, the OPT programme offers F-1 students at Oberlin University an opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and responsibilities, students can make the most of this employment training benefit.
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