As an international student on OPT (Optional Practical Training) hoping to stay in the US for work after your OPT expires, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Here are eight things you need to be aware of:
- Visa Options: Explore different visa options that may allow you to continue working in the US after your OPT expires. Common visas for employment include the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees
- Employer Sponsorship: Understand that many employment visas require sponsorship from a US employer. Make sure to download the FrogHire.aiextension to search for jobs that offer work sponsorship. Your best tool in searching for employers who sponsor work visas is the FrogHire.aiextension because it will help you organize your job search on a personal dashboard, while allowing you to filter jobs efficiently across all five major job sites by job title, location, and employers who offer work visa sponsorship (and more)!
- Immigration Regulations: Stay informed about US immigration regulations and policies regarding work visas. Immigration laws can change, so it’s essential to stay updated on any updates or changes that may affect your situation.
- Timing and Deadlines: Be mindful of timing, processes, and deadlines for applications like the H-1B temporary work visa. Some visas have annual caps or specific application windows, so plan ahead and ensure you submit your application in a timely manner.
- Maintaining Legal Status: It is important that you maintain your legal status throughout your OPT period and any potential visa application processes. Even if you have your employer and immigration attorney tracking this, you should keep the deadlines on a calendar for yourself. Follow all reporting requirements and regulations set forth by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to avoid jeopardizing your ability to stay in the US.
- Skills and Qualifications: Highlight your skills, qualifications, and unique abilities that may make you an attractive candidate for US employers. Emphasize your contributions and experiences during your OPT period to demonstrate your value to potential employers. By downloading the FrogHire.aiextension, you will be able to use our extension to compare the skills listed on your resume with each job post, giving you an instant “skills match” which will allow you to enhance your resume for each job you apply for.
- Networking and Job Search: Network extensively and actively search for job opportunities that align with your career goals and visa options. Attend career fairs, industry events, and professional networking events to connect with potential employers and expand your job search network. Do not forget the importance of internal networking at your company as well.
- Consult with Immigration Experts: Seeking guidance from immigration attorneys or experts who specialize in US immigration law can only help you through the difficult process of moving from an OPT employee to one with an H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. Such experts give advice and assistance tailored to your specific situation, helping you navigate the complexities of the US immigration system effectively.
TLDR: By being proactive, informed, and strategic in your approach, you can maximize your chances of securing employment and staying in the US for work after your OPT expires.