30 Days, 30 Hacks: Mastering Your US Master's Journey

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an essential component of the U.S. student visa program, allowing international students, including Master of Computer Science students, to gain valuable practical work experience in their field of study. Here's an overview of OPT for Master’s students:

1. Eligibility:

• To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 visa holder in good academic standing and have completed at least one full academic year (typically two semesters) of your Master's program.

• Generally the OPT period starts post completion of your degree unless you have extended your degree and exhausted the available CPT period. Refer to Day 11 newsletter where I have discussed the circumstances under which your CPT is exhausted and OPT period is cut.

2. Types of OPT:

There are two types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT.

• Pre-completion OPT allows you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while classes are in session and full-time during breaks. Linked to the previous point.

• Post-completion OPT enables you to work full-time after completing your degree. It can last for up to 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) extension for eligible fields, including computer science.

3. Application Process:

• To apply for OPT, you must request an OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) at your university. Your DSO will provide you with an updated Form I-20.

• You'll then submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required supporting documents, including the I-20 with OPT recommendation, proof of payment for the application fee, and other necessary forms which include but are not limited to offer letter, application from the International Student Services.

• USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approval, which serves as your work permit. Please note an approval from USCIS for an EAD card cannot be used as a work permit, an individual is required to have the EAD card in hand to start employment. This is primarily because an EAD card is to be submitted as proof (digital copy) to the company for I-9 verification latest by the 4th day of work, could also be different for different companies, please reach out to your recruiter to learn more about I-9 verification process.
  Since March 6th 2023, USCIS has started a “service” known as “Premium Processing” which can speed up the process of approval from 60 days to 3 days but this service as of today is $1500 additional to the fees you pay for the EAD. Keep in mind this service is only applicable till approval and there is no impact on scheduled delivery, there have been cases where the EAD has been approved through Premium Processing but took a month to get delivered thereby delaying the start date.

• You can, in ideal circumstances, apply for OPT - 3 months prior to your graduation and your employment start date shouldn’t be any later than 3 months from the end of your program, as is mentioned on the I-20. EAD is supposed to be applied for within 30 days of receiving the OPT letter from the International Student Services.

4. Employment Restrictions:

• While on OPT, you can work for any employer in a position related to your field of study. You can also change employers as long as you report it to your DSO.

• For post-completion OPT, you must have a job related to your field within 90 days of the start date of your OPT. As has been explained in the previous points.

5. Reporting Requirements:

• OPT students must report their employment status, including changes in employment, to their DSO within specified timeframes. Failure to do so can result in a loss of status. Usually within 10 days of receiving an EAD card a candidate must update the SEVIS portal as well as your Universities systems to reflect your employment.

6. Unemployment:

• While on post-completion OPT, you are allowed a total of 90 days of unemployment. During STEM OPT extension, you receive an additional 60 days of unemployment.

• Please do not consider the available unemployment days as a combination of OPT and STEM OPT extension, you are not allowed to be unemployed for more than 90 days during OPT (i.e. first year of employment post completion of your degree).

7. STEM Extension:

• If your Master's program is in a STEM field like computer science, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period. This extension allows for an extended period of work authorization and can be highly beneficial for career advancement.

• Keep in mind OPT and STEM OPT extension are two different things and need to be applied for individually if you aren’t already selected in the H1-B lottery.

8. Traveling and Reentry:

• Traveling abroad during OPT requires careful planning. Ensure that you have the necessary documents, such as a valid EAD card, a job offer, and an updated I-20, to facilitate reentry into the United States. Without these documents you will not be allowed reentry into the United States.

OPT is a valuable opportunity for Master of Computer Science students to gain practical experience in the U.S. job market, enhancing their career prospects and applying the knowledge gained during their academic program. However, it's essential to follow all regulations and guidelines, maintain visa status, and adhere to reporting requirements to make the most of this opportunity.