Optional Practical Training for F-1 Visa Flight Training Programs
What Is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa in the United States to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. This opportunity is designed to help students apply the knowledge they’ve gained in school to real-world jobs, improving their skills and expanding their career opportunities.
Why is OPT Important for Flight School Students?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a crucial opportunity for flight school students as it allows them to gain real-world aviation experience after completing their academic program. For international students pursuing careers as pilots, aviation engineers, or other related roles, OPT provides a stepping stone between training and employment.
Here’s why OPT is especially important for flight school students:
- Hands-On Experience: Aviation is a highly practical field, and OPT allows students to put their flight training into action. They can work with airlines, flight schools, or aviation companies to gain on-the-job experience, enhancing their piloting and operational skills.
- Career Development: OPT offers a chance for flight school graduates to develop their professional network and build a strong foundation in the aviation industry. Many students secure jobs or future opportunities through the experience gained during their OPT period.
- Work Eligibility: For international students, OPT provides a legal way to work in the U.S. aviation industry, which is one of the largest in the world. It increases their chances of landing high-quality jobs in the sector.
- Bridge to Long-Term Employment: OPT can act as a pathway to obtaining longer-term work visas, such as the H-1B, allowing students to continue their aviation careers in the U.S. beyond the initial 12 or 24 months of OPT.
What I need to do to get OPT
To get OPT (Optional Practical Training), follow these steps:
Check Eligibility
Ensure you are an F-1 visa holder and have completed at least one full academic year in the U.S. You should also be in good academic standing.
Request OPT from Your DSO
Meet with your Designated School Official (DSO) at your university or flight school. The DSO will recommend you for OPT by updating your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record.
Receive Updated I-20
After your DSO approves your request, they will provide you with an updated I-20 form showing the OPT recommendation. You will need this document for the next steps.
Complete Form I-765
Fill out Form I-765, which is the application for employment authorization. This form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for OPT approval.
Submit Your Application
Mail Form I-765, your updated I-20, passport-sized photos, a copy of your passport, visa, and any required fees to USCIS. It’s important to apply early—ideally 90 days before you finish your program.
Wait for Approval
Once your application is processed, USCIS will send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You must wait for this approval before you begin working.
Start Working
After receiving your EAD, you can start working in a job related to your field of study, such as aviation, if you attended a flight school.
Types of OPT
This type of OPT allows students to gain work experience before they finish their academic program. While enrolled in school, students can apply for pre-completion OPT and work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year or full-time during breaks. It’s ideal for students who want to build experience while studying, but keep in mind that the time used under pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance.
After graduating, students can apply for post-completion OPT to work full-time in their field of study. This is the most common form of OPT and gives graduates the opportunity to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom to real-world job settings. The post-completion OPT lasts for 12 months but can be a critical stepping stone to securing long-term employment.
Students who graduate with a degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) are eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. This extension allows them to work for a total of 36 months in the U.S. It’s a great opportunity for STEM graduates to further their professional skills and explore advanced job roles within their field. However, students need to ensure their employer participates in E-Verify, a system that confirms employee eligibility to work in the U.S.
When does OPT start?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) typically begins after a student has completed their degree program. However, it is crucial to remember that the OPT application must be submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no later than 60 days after graduation, and students are encouraged to apply as early as 90 days before their program ends to allow for processing time. Once approved, students can start working as soon as their chosen OPT start date arrives. For those opting for pre-completion OPT, the work authorization can start while the student is still enrolled, but it must be part-time during the school semester. Understanding the timing and application requirements for OPT is essential for international students to effectively plan their transition from academics to practical work experience in their field.
How long is the OPT provided?
For non-STEM students, the standard OPT duration is 12 months. This applies to most international students completing undergraduate or graduate programs in non-STEM fields. You can use this 12-month period either during your studies (pre-completion OPT) or after you graduate (post-completion OPT).
For students in STEM fields, there is a significant advantage: you may be eligible for a 24-month extension after the initial 12 months, resulting in a total of 36 months of OPT. This extended period allows students in high-demand STEM fields to continue working and gaining valuable professional experience in the U.S.
Eligibility for OPT
To qualify for OPT as a flight school student, you need to meet certain requirements:
F-1 Visa Status
You must be an international student on an F-1 visa
Full-Time Enrollment
You must have completed at least one full academic year of study at your flight school
Completion of Flight Training
OPT is typically applied for before or immediately after completing your flight training program.
Direct Relation to Field of Study
Your OPT work must be related to your field of study, meaning you’ll need to find positions within the aviation industry.
When to Apply for OPT
Timing is key when applying for OPT. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides clear guidelines for when you should begin your application:
- Apply Up to 90 Days Before Completion: You can apply for OPT as early as 90 days before completing your flight school program.
- No Later Than 60 Days After Completion: After finishing your studies, you have a 60-day window to submit your OPT application. Missing this deadline may jeopardize your chances of securing OPT.
Your OPT application can take up to 3-5 months to be processed, so it’s critical to plan accordingly to avoid delays.
FAQ
Is OPT Full-Time or Part-Time?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) can be either full-time or part-time, depending on when you are using it:
- Pre-completion OPT: While you’re still a student, you are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the school year, and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during breaks.
- Post-completion OPT: After you complete your studies, you can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) in a job directly related to your field of study.
How Long is OPT?
The standard duration of OPT depends on your degree:
- Non-STEM students: You can work for up to 12 months of OPT, which can be split between pre- and post-completion.
- STEM students: If you are in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension after the initial 12 months, giving you a total of 36 months of OPT.
What is the Salary for OPT?
There is no set salary for OPT; it varies depending on the industry, job role, and employer. OPT is not tied to a minimum salary requirement, and students can be paid or unpaid depending on the position. However, many OPT students find paid internships or entry-level jobs related to their field of study. It’s important to ensure that any job or internship is related to your academic major, regardless of salary.