Are you an employer looking to hire an international student on Optional Practical Training (OPT)? OPT is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. after graduation, but it can also be a complex process for employers. This guide will provide everything you need to know about hiring OPT candidates, from understanding the OPT resume in usa program to navigating the hiring process.
What is OPT?
OPT program allows international students with an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. OPT is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in their field of study and an opportunity to improve their English language skills.
Who is eligible for OPT?
To be eligible for OPT, a student must have been enrolled full-time in an academic program for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing. The student must also apply for OPT through their school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Types of OPT
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. Post-completion OPT allows students to work full-time after completing their academic program.
How long does OPT last?
Most OPT periods last for 12 months, although STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT.
The Hiring Process for OPT Candidates
Job Offer and Acceptance
To hire an OPT candidate, you will need to offer them a job that is related to their field of study. Once the candidate accepts the job offer, they must provide you with their EAD card and other documents to prove their eligibility to work in the U.S.
Employer Responsibilities
As an employer, you must ensure the OPT candidate is eligible to work for you. This includes verifying their employment authorization and ensuring their employment is related to their field of study. You must also provide the OPT candidate with a safe and non-discriminatory work environment.
Employee Responsibilities
The OPT candidate must maintain their status as a student while working for you. This means they must continue progressing towards their degree and report any changes in their address or employment status to their DSO. The OPT candidate must also adhere to any reporting requirements set by USCIS.
Reporting Requirements
As an employer, you must report certain information about the OPT candidate to USCIS, such as their name, address, and employment start and end dates. The OPT candidate must also report any changes in their employment status to USCIS.
How to verify OPT employment authorization
To verify an OPT candidate’s employment authorization, you will need to review their EAD card, which should indicate that they are authorized to work in the U.S. You may also use the USCIS E-Verify program to verify the candidate’s employment eligibility.
What happens after OPT?
After their OPT period ends, the international student must either leave the U.S. or obtain a different visa status. Some students may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, which allows them to work an additional 24 months. Employers may also consider sponsoring the OPT candidate for an H-1B visa, a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations temporarily.
Benefits of hiring OPT candidates
Hiring OPT candidates can provide several benefits for employers, including:
- Access to a diverse pool of talented and motivated candidates
- Increased productivity and creativity in the workplace
- A potential source of future employees who are familiar with the company and its culture
- A way to fill temporary or seasonal positions
Potential challenges of hiring OPT candidates
Hiring OPT candidates can also present some challenges for employers, including:
- The need to navigate a complex legal and regulatory environment
- Limited flexibility in terms of work hours and start and end dates.
- The potential for the candidate to return to their home country after their OPT period ends
- The need to provide additional training or support for candidates who are not familiar with U.S. workplace culture or practices
Tips for hiring OPT candidates
To successfully hire and onboard OPT candidates, employers should consider the following tips:
- Familiarize themselves with the OPT program and its requirements.
- Ensure that the job offer and the candidate’s employment are related to their field of study.
- Verify the candidate’s employment authorization and maintain accurate records.
- Provide a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters diversity and inclusion.
- Provide additional training or support as needed to help the candidate acclimate to the workplace.
Conclusion
Hiring OPT candidates can be an excellent way for employers to access a talented and diverse pool of candidates while also helping international students gain valuable work experience in the U.S. However, it is essential for employers to understand the OPT program and its requirements and to provide a supportive and inclusive work environment for OPT candidates.
FAQs
- Can OPT candidates work part-time?Yes, OPT candidates may work part-time or full-time depending on the OPT they have been granted.
- Can OPT candidates work for multiple employers?
Yes, OPT candidates may work for multiple employers as long as each job is related to their field of study and they report all employment to their DSO.
3. Can OPT candidates work remotely?
Yes, OPT candidates may work remotely if the employer has an established presence in the U.S.
4. Can employers sponsor OPT candidates for a green card?
Employers may sponsor OPT candidates for a green card, although the process can be lengthy and complex.
5. How can I learn more about hiring OPT candidates?
You can consult with your school’s DSO, contact a U.S. immigration attorney, or visit the USCIS website for more information.
