Navigating OPT: A Guide to Your Employment Journey in the U.S.

Hello and welcome to today's episode, where we'll be diving into a crucial topic for many international students in the US the opt, the optical or sorry, not optical. I would say that the optional practical training and the ID card, which is the employment authorization document. Understanding this can be a game changer for your career path in the US. So let's get started. 1.6s The OPC is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students, um with F-1 student status and who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months, are permitted by the US to work in the US for up to 12 months on a student visa. And the essence of this is so you can get practical training which complements their field of study. So for students in the Stem field, they can extend this by another 24 months. And that is known as the stem opt extension. So what is the purpose of Opt. The main goal of Oppt is to provide an opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study. So whether you're an engineer, a graphic designer, a finance major, Oppt allows you to apply what you've learned in the classroom to a professional setting, which enhances your education and your resume. So kind of gives you, um, some, uh, experience, so to speak. Now what is the ID? The ID is essentially your ticket to legally work in the US. So it's a document. It's essentially a card that is issued by USCIS that proves you are allowed to work in the US for a specified period of time. For those on opt the ID card, specify the start and end date of your employment authorization. So how do you get your ID to work under Opt? You must apply for the ID. You cannot start working until you have this card. Even if you find a job related to your field of study, the application process involves filling out USCIS from i7 65. You pay the fees and you submit the necessary documentation, including approval of your student status, and your degree would get to that in the next field. Just just give you an overview. 1s Um, so understanding the, uh, intricate details of the oppt and EAD is foundational, uh, for taking advantage of your, um, rights and opportunities as an international student. So today's episode will continue to explore how you can navigate this process effectively. 1s Starting out with setting your start date with your employer. Uh, in the next segment. So here we go. 2.4s Now the opt process can be, you know, very daunting, but you have to prepare properly. You have to work closely with your, uh, designated school official. Um, the rule is that you can submit your application up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you graduate. So. If you know you're going to graduate, uh, in a summer, you can apply 90 days before that period, uh, so that you can take advantage because there's a processing time delay, typically. And after you graduate, you have to apply within 60 days of your graduation. So so you don't fall out of status. Um, and you do this to avoid any gaps between your graduation and your start date of employment due to processing delays. So what do you need to what do you need to apply for your opt? So you need your 765. This is the application form um the application itself. Make sure every section is completed accurately to avoid delays or denials. 1s Up next, you need your official transcripts and diploma. Uh, this proves that you are eligible for OpEd and that you have either completed your studies or you are close to doing so. So you can get your full transcript. Or you can get, um, your diploma. 1.3s Uh, then you need passport photographs. You would need two recent passport style photographs. To go with that, you need a copy of your passport ID page. This should include your data page. Include your photo and personal details. Then you need a copy of your most recent I-94 record. This shows your most recent entry into the US to want to make sure that you've kept status. So you have an entry and exit record so they know that exit. If you've traveled since you became a student, they want to know that, um, you know, you you you're keeping your I-94. Then you need a check. Um, for you need a check or a money order for the application fee. Uh, please check on the USCIS website. Uh, the prices do change, but do check. Um, us giving a value on this episode might change the next time someone listens to it. So make sure you double check what the current cost of application is. So once you've gathered all the required document, you will send your application packet to USCIS. Make sure you keep copies of everything you submit for your records. After submitting, you can track your application status online through the USCIS website. So some common mistakes to avoid. Please remember the deadlines. Remember 90 days before you graduate and 60 days post completion. Double check your form. Your seven, six, five. Double check for things like signature. Um, one thing I would say is please do not digitally sign your forms. Sign it with a black ink. I have seen records. I have seen cases rather where people signed digitally, but it was rejected by USCIS and that can that's an automatic denial. It doesn't mean you cannot apply. Again it just means that you just missed a window of, you know, getting everything right. So make sure you double check for any other errors or omissions, fill all the sections properly, go over it as many times as you can. Incorrect fee. 1s That's why I didn't mention the particular amount on this episode, because the episodes can. Sorry, because the value that I mentioned could change in two years. So please make sure you go on the website to double check how much it costs for the EDI. Opt 765 forms. Now some tips for you. Make sure you, you know, speak to your international office, to that office. Your DSO is your best point of call. They can offer valuable guidance and even review the application materials. And I think you should give it to them for them to review. Stay informed of any changes in immigration policy. So these things are very fluid. Regulations can change. Staying up to date helps ensure you meet all the current requirements. These requirements are very fluid. They can change also plan for delays. Processing times can vary, so it's wise to plan for potential delays by applying as early as you can. So in conclusion for this little things, we talked about getting your optics an exciting step towards your career in the US. By following these guidelines and preparing thoroughly, you would enhance your chances of a smooth transition from student to working professional. Now let's discuss how you set up your start date. With your employer. Once you have your ID card in hand. So, um, this this episode is assuming that you've finished all your degree programs. You know, the last episode that I had of this podcast, I talked about the best time to graduate. So we've just graduated. So now you want to set your start date with your employer. So to do that, you need to have received your opt EAD card. So once you've received your opt card, the next step is to coordinate with your, uh, to coordinate your start date with your employer. This is a critical step as it ensures that you begin your employment legally and on the right foot. Now let's discuss, um, effectively how to do this. Your ID card will have a start date and an end date. Make a mental note of that. It is crucial that you do not begin working before the start date on the card. If your employer proposes a start date that is before your ID card, you will need to negotiate a later start date. 1.6s Or you would possibly risk your visa, your visa condition. So but most companies know that. So typically what happens is if you're working for a big company, the immigration officers will reach out to you and they will ask for the details of your ID card. And then once the verify the start and end date, they would then authorize you to set a start date for your employment with your manager. So. Typically what you need to do is you have to be very transparent with the communication with your employer. So first be transparent. Be upfront with your employer about your Opt status and restrictions. This includes your availability, your available start date as per the Ed so you have to date. This is for companies that probably don't know the rules. If it's an employer that has never employed an Opt student, you have to be transparent and let them understand, um, that, you know, if you're still waiting for the card, you're still waiting for the card, and they can adjust your studies accordingly. Uh, next, provide your employer with a copy of your ID card once to receive it. This will serve as your proof of your work authorization in the US. And you know, like I said, if there's any delays in receiving your ID card, keep them informed and they can adjust, uh, the start date accordingly. Now you know you've explained if you prefer this as a start. Uh, what doesn't align with the ID card? You can negotiate with them. So you have to explain the legal requirements. Um, then you can also, uh, suggest remote preparation. Uh, things like, um, you know, what do I need to start learning about the job? So you haven't started the job, but you want to do things like, uh, is there any kind of training or any kind of reading that you want them to that you that they want to do and things like that? So just be aware of that. You can you can always ask them. But most companies understand this process enough that they would typically just wait, uh, for for that ead to come. So setting a study with employers about balancing legal compliance with your career aspirations, and by maintaining open lines of communication and being transparent about your open restrictions, you can set a realistic expectation and, uh, start your professional journey in the US on the right note. Um, and then the next phase of this is after you get the, um, ID card, what happens? So once they set up, um, your start date and you've finalized everything, uh, the next thing to do is to do what they call the I-9 verification process. And now. Everybody. Most people that I know do an I-9 verification. So the verification is used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the US. So the purpose is to document that each new employee, both citizens and non citizens. Now a hired after 1986 November 6th of 1986. It is authorized to work in the US. So it's a it's a law. 1.1s So what happens is that the there's a section that you would feel which is the employee information attestation. Um, you fill that section, the employee on behalf, sorry, on or before the first day of your employment, you would need to provide your full legal name. Date of birth, Social security number, and also your immigration status. So essentially you're going to be mentioning that, hey, I'm, uh, an some and an alien authorized to work until someone so date. Ensure that the information matches exactly documents you present for verification, so you would need to write that section. The next section is that you have to do an employer review and employer. You would go into the day, your first day of work, typically your first day, and then you would present these documents, your ID card, your I-94, um, and you know, your passport that has your identification and your visa, uh, to the employer and your employer. Physically not not photocopies physically have to view those documents, which proves that you allow to work. Once you're allowed to. Once that is done, your I-9 is passed and you are authorized to work fully. Remember, you must have all these documents. In physical form. Not printed. Not photocopied. Once you do that, you have to make a mental note that your I-9, the end of your I-9 at the end of your opt card coincides with the end of your the last day of your work. So there's always a re verification process if you have to keep doing it. So you have to consistently go back and do your I-9 verification every single time. So typically the first EAD card is for the first 12 months. When the 12 months are over, you'll have to get the stem opt, which is a 24 month extension. This is if you are in a Stem program, and then you have to do the I-9 all over again. If you change jobs in between the 12 months and you go to another place, you have to do I-9, that new office. So that's how it works. You have to consistently, um, you know, keep it updated. So the I-9 verification is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You have to be able to, you know, essentially keep up with, um, with the immigration rules. So. In conclusion, the verification is straightforward but requires attention to detail. As an international student and Opt, ensuring that you have the correct documentation for your employer goes a long way in helping you. So make sure you are able to keep well, not memorable, but make sure you have a copy of all your documents so that you do not fall out of status, because it's quite vital that you that you do that. Okay, so what's the next thing you said at work? You have to find a place to live. 1.5s So I've talked about looking for a place to live as an international student when you're coming as a grad student. So you can refer to that episode, but this is for full time work. So as an international student transitioning to work in the US, um, finding suitable accommodation can be a significant challenge. So you have to understand things like leases and things like that. Uh, different parts of the year, different times of the year, have different price points. I'll give you an example. If you're looking for accommodation in the summer when people are trying to move to an area that is very popular, like, say, in California during the summer, the leases are expensive. The best time to get a lease is probably in January. No one is looking for homes at this time, so. But in this case, if you graduated in spring and you are starting work in May or June, accommodation might be, uh, sort of a, you know, a problem. So what do you what are the things you need to know? Choose a location that balances commute time to your workplace safety and access to amenities like groceries, healthcare, and public transport. So look for a place that you can easily drive from. Don't pick a place an hour away. Be aware of the times you have to be in the office. Um, how to budget. So if you are single, uh, with a one bedroom, be enough. Or do you share a two bedroom apartment with someone? That's a that's a consideration. Determine your budget. Consider your expenses, not just rent. Remember to account for utilities, internet, and possibly rentals. Insurance. Very vital rental insurance means that if anything happens to your stuff in your house, you are covered. So that's one advantage. So how do you search for housing? You can use online platforms like Zillow rental.com apartments that com can be useful starting points. University forums or community boards can also offer rental listings suited to students and young professionals. So you can look in universities in those areas. What advantage? The one thing I would mention is, um, if you have friends in that area, let them go round for you. So for me, um, I was able to get a friend. I had done an internship in San Jose, and I was able to get my friend, uh, Jeremy, who drove around different apartment complexes and chose one for me and said, you should take this because I had a young family. So that's one option. Uh, look for people now, be willing to, uh, go around, um, considerations when signing a lease. Be be aware of the length of the lease. Uh, the social sorry, the security deposit requirements and also the policies on breaking the lease early. So if you want, if you probably move to the place and you don't like it and you want to break the lease, typically leases are between, uh, either six months or 12 months or longer. 1.1s Um. Before signing anything, inspect the property for any existing damages and ensure the documents take pictures of the place before you move in. Do not be naive and just assume that everything is fine. There might be broken pipes, uh, paint stains, uh, bad carpets, bad appliances. Making mental note of that. Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in your city, state, or city so they don't treat you unfairly. Be aware of how much. Rent goes up every year. So, you know, um, how to manage that. Um, so that's one thing. So, 1s uh, start early, begin your search very early in advance so you don't rush. So when you apply for your EAD card and you set, um, your start before you set your start date, reach out to all the, uh, accommodations in that area. Tell them you're coming in three months. Find out. Uh, because usually what happens is, um, rental places. Try to plan ahead. Then they want to know when, uh, people are moving in or moving out. So if you give them enough lead time, they might be able to find something for you before your, uh, ID card comes. So, uh, start early, be thorough. Uh, visit multiple properties. Uh, in this case, if you cannot go, uh, try and find the. 1.3s Somewhere that can go on your behalf. Someone that can go to the area. Take a look at the area. Read on forums to find out what people think about the area. Um, also get your, uh, documentations employment letter to let them know how you know, because sometimes they want to know if you're able to pay the rent. So you're showing them an employment letter goes a long way, uh, to be able to show and give that kind of proof. So. Find the right amount. Finding the right accommodation is crucial as it will be your home away from home. So with the right approach and resources, you can find a place that not only fits your budget but also supports your new lifestyle in the US. So, um, in conclusion, I'd like to thank you very much for listening to today's episode on applying for your OpEd. Uh, and I've covered everything from understanding, um, applying for the Liberty, setting your start date, uh, navigating your I-9 verification process, and, you know, finding accommodation. I hope this has been informative and provided you with the tools you need to succeed. Remember, while this process may be daunting, being prepared and informed can make all the difference. Don't hesitate to reach out to your university, international student office or legal advisers if you need further assistance. Well, I wish you luck on this. Um, now that you have picked the job on this exciting, uh, phase of your career in the US. Stay tuned for more helpful episodes that aim to support your success as an international student and beyond. In addition to that, I would like to say thank you for everyone that has been watching our interview series on YouTube. It's been growing substantially. Um, so there will be two tracks. Those are going to be the audio, one audio for the podcast, and then the video episodes would be the interviews that I have with people. I have great interviews lined up for the rest of the year, and I hope that you join me in, you know, enjoying this process and this journey. Thank you very much. Enjoy the rest of your day. 1.3s