INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISAS
F-1 VISA
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J-1 VISA
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OPT : EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS
A student in F-1 status may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows the individual to work in a position directly related to his/her field of study. This program can provide a student with invaluable experience, and a paycheck, if the position is for pay. However, an F-1 student using OPT must be careful to comply with the various relevant regulations. An F-1 student may be authorized up to a total of 12 months of full-time practical training at each educational level (e.g., undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate). Students who graduate with a qualified Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree, and are currently in an approved post-completion OPT period based on a designated STEM degree may apply for a 17-month STEM extension of their post-completion OPT.