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How to Professionally Work While Studying Abroad?

Most students studying abroad choose to work while studying. Here are some tips to balance your work with your studies without getting overwhelmed.

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How Can You Plan Your Child’s Journey to Study Abroad, and from Which Age?

There is no specific age at which you can start planning your child's study abroad. You should have an effective plan to provide all the support your child needs to embark on their abroad education journey. Follow the framework given below to make your plan.

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How to Build Financial Plan for Your Child's Study Abroad Dreams?

A Financial Plan is key to make your child's education abroad plan successful. Study abroad education consultants can provide in-depth guidance customized according to your financial situation and goal.

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How to Prepare for Visa Application to Study Abroad?

In this blog, we have broken down the entire process step by step so that you can make an international Student Visa Application without any confusion.

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How Studying Abroad Can Boost Your Resume And Stand Out to Employers?

Studying abroad creates the opportunity to land a high-paying job anywhere in the world and helps you level up your personality and skills immensely.

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Packing Hacks for Students Going to Study Abroad

In this blog we will discuss all the essential packing hacks for students going to study abroad to make their journey entirely stress-free and sustain for two to three years in a foreign country.

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Student’s Guide on Adapting to the New Zealand Culture

This guide will provide you with valuable insights into New Zealand Culture's social customs, food traditions, and communication styles, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience.

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What are the Common Mistakes when Applying for Thailand Visa?

Familiarizing yourself with the common mistakes when applying for Thailand visa usually committed by applicants can help you avoid them and help you save time, money as well as effort.

For more detail contact us -

Expert Education and Visa Services

info@experteducation.com.au

Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000

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Optional Practical Training: Work Opportunity for Students in the US and how to acquire it

OPT is a temporary job opportunity for international students studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa. It can last for 12 months and can be taken before or after completing your degree, but any work done before completing your studies will reduce the total 12-month period available post-graduation.

What is the eligibility for obtaining an OPT?

Any F1 student with a valid F1-student status pursuing a degree for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will be eligible to obtain up to 12 months of OPT work authorization.

The student must fulfil these conditions to be eligible for obtaining an OPT:

Maintain a valid F1 status at the time of application.

Be enrolled on a full-time course in the US that lasts for a minimum of one academic year.

Be physically present in the United States when the student submits the application by mail or online.

How to be eligible for F1 status as a non-citizen student?

For obtaining a F1 status:

You must hold the qualification to pursue a complete course of study.

You must enter the U.S temporarily solely to pursue a full-time course of study (for at least one academic year) at an institution that has received certification from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)to admit non-immigrant students.

You must hold a foreign residence with no intention of abandoning it.

You should hold a certificate of eligibility for Non-immigrant student status (Form I-20) issued by your DSO (designated school official).

You should hold sufficient funds to support yourself during the course.

You need to provide proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee on payment of Fee Remittance for F, J and M non-immigrants if applicable (form I-901). 

What are the types of OPT? 

You are eligible to receive OPT authorization only in your major study course.

As an F1 student, you will be eligible for three types of OPT:

1. Pre-completion OPT

Once you have been lawfully admitted to a full-time academic course (a minimum of 1-year course) at a university, college, seminary or conservatory certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for enrollment in F1 students, you can apply for pre-completion OPT. 

Even if you have not had the F1 status for the full academic year, you can fulfil this requirement with any other non-immigrant status you may have held during your academic period. Once you receive the pre-completion OPT authorization, you can work 20 hours a week when your school is in session and full-time when your school is not in session.

2. Post-completion OPT

You can apply for post-completion OPT only after completing your degree. You can work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time if you are permitted for the same.

3. STEM OPT Extension

If you have graduated in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment period. You need to fulfil these conditions to apply for the same:

You are an F1 student who has received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF).

You are under an employer who is enrolled in and using E-Verify.

You have already received a post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

How to apply for OPT?

To apply for OPT:

You need to request the DSO (Designated School Official) of your academic institution to recommend you for OPT. By endorsing your form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status and making the suitable notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), your DSO can make the required recommendation for your OPT. 

Properly file the Form I-765 application for employment authorization with USCIS. You can provide this form along with the prescribed fee and supporting documents mentioned clearly in the instruction form.

What are the timing considerations to obtain OPT?

There are different timelines to consider while applying for the multiple types of OPT, depending on whether you are a STEM student or a non-STEM student.

For STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

Apply after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year, only if you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year.

2. For initial post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of the degree.

3. For STEM OPT extension

Apply within sixty days after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You may also apply up to ninety days before the expiry date of your OPT employment authorization.

For NON-STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

After your DSO registers your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, you can apply for it.

If you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year, you can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year.

2.  For post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of your degree.

Some other important points to keep in mind:

Transferring to a different school or beginning study at a different educational level

If you either transfer to another institution or begin your study at another educational level. For instance, your OTP authorization will be terminated automatically if you started your master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility for CAP-GAP extension

If you are an F1 student who has filed on time an H-1 B petition and a request for a change of status, and your F1 status and OTP authorization expires before the change of status to H-1B occurs, you will be eligible for a CAP GAP Extension.

Limited unemployment

Non-STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 90 days of unemployment cumulatively.

STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 150 days of unemployment cumulatively

Volunteer work and unpaid internships in OPT

For the initial 12-month post-completion OPT period, you can report even volunteering and unpaid internship work in SEVIS as valid OPT employment. The volunteering or training opportunity has to comply with all the state labour laws and applicable federal laws. The Department of Labour website contains a set of criteria and resources to evaluate what constitutes valid employment (if the unpaid internship or volunteer activity is legitimate).

Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a brilliant way for students to enhance their practical skills and knowledge, and prepare themselves for the professional world. It provides a huge competitive edge over any other student who has not received the same. With proper planning and applying at the right time, you can successfully apply for OPT.

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Canada student visa application and Admission process | Expert Education

Wish to study abroad in Canada? Know more applying for Canada student visa application, fees, and scholarship to study in Canada with Expert Education.

For more detail contact us -

Expert Education and Visa Services

info@experteducation.com.au

Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000

(+61)292690070

[experteducationglobal]

Travelling to Canada: Visa vs. eTA - Know Your Entry Requirement

Travelling to Canada? The Canadian Visa are slightly different from other popular study destinations. Let's dive into the details about the difference between an eTA and a Visitor Visa.

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STEM OPT Extension: Boost Your Career After Graduation in USA

The STEM optional practical training facility helps students to get practical experience in their chosen career field. There are diverse career fields you can explore as a student after graduating in the USA.

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Optional Practical Training: Work Opportunity for Students in the US and how to acquire it

OPT is a temporary job opportunity for international students studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa. It can last for 12 months and can be taken before or after completing your degree, but any work done before completing your studies will reduce the total 12-month period available post-graduation.

What is the eligibility for obtaining an OPT?

Any F1 student with a valid F1-student status pursuing a degree for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will be eligible to obtain up to 12 months of OPT work authorization.

The student must fulfil these conditions to be eligible for obtaining an OPT:

Maintain a valid F1 status at the time of application.

Be enrolled on a full-time course in the US that lasts for a minimum of one academic year.

Be physically present in the United States when the student submits the application by mail or online.

How to be eligible for F1 status as a non-citizen student?

For obtaining a F1 status:

You must hold the qualification to pursue a complete course of study.

You must enter the U.S temporarily solely to pursue a full-time course of study (for at least one academic year) at an institution that has received certification from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)to admit non-immigrant students.

You must hold a foreign residence with no intention of abandoning it.

You should hold a certificate of eligibility for Non-immigrant student status (Form I-20) issued by your DSO (designated school official).

You should hold sufficient funds to support yourself during the course.

You need to provide proof that you have paid the SEVIS fee on payment of Fee Remittance for F, J and M non-immigrants if applicable (form I-901). 

What are the types of OPT? 

You are eligible to receive OPT authorization only in your major study course.

As an F1 student, you will be eligible for three types of OPT:

1. Pre-completion OPT

Once you have been lawfully admitted to a full-time academic course (a minimum of 1-year course) at a university, college, seminary or conservatory certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for enrollment in F1 students, you can apply for pre-completion OPT. 

Even if you have not had the F1 status for the full academic year, you can fulfil this requirement with any other non-immigrant status you may have held during your academic period. Once you receive the pre-completion OPT authorization, you can work 20 hours a week when your school is in session and full-time when your school is not in session.

2. Post-completion OPT

You can apply for post-completion OPT only after completing your degree. You can work part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time if you are permitted for the same.

3. STEM OPT Extension

If you have graduated in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you are eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment period. You need to fulfil these conditions to apply for the same:

You are an F1 student who has received a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF).

You are under an employer who is enrolled in and using E-Verify.

You have already received a post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

How to apply for OPT?

To apply for OPT:

You need to request the DSO (Designated School Official) of your academic institution to recommend you for OPT. By endorsing your form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status and making the suitable notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), your DSO can make the required recommendation for your OPT. 

Properly file the Form I-765 application for employment authorization with USCIS. You can provide this form along with the prescribed fee and supporting documents mentioned clearly in the instruction form.

What are the timing considerations to obtain OPT?

There are different timelines to consider while applying for the multiple types of OPT, depending on whether you are a STEM student or a non-STEM student.

For STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

Apply after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year, only if you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year.

2. For initial post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of the degree.

3. For STEM OPT extension

Apply within sixty days after your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record.

You may also apply up to ninety days before the expiry date of your OPT employment authorization.

For NON-STEM students:

1.  For pre-completion OPT

After your DSO registers your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, you can apply for it.

If you do not start your OPT employment before you complete a full academic year, you can apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year.

2.  For post-completion OPT

After your DSO enters your OPT recommendation into the SEVIS record, apply within a period of thirty days.

You may also apply up to ninety days before your degree is complete and within a maximum of sixty days after completion of your degree.

Some other important points to keep in mind:

Transferring to a different school or beginning study at a different educational level

If you either transfer to another institution or begin your study at another educational level. For instance, your OTP authorization will be terminated automatically if you started your master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s degree.

Eligibility for CAP-GAP extension

If you are an F1 student who has filed on time an H-1 B petition and a request for a change of status, and your F1 status and OTP authorization expires before the change of status to H-1B occurs, you will be eligible for a CAP GAP Extension.

Limited unemployment

Non-STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 90 days of unemployment cumulatively.

STEM post-completion OPT students can accrue a maximum of 150 days of unemployment cumulatively

Volunteer work and unpaid internships in OPT

For the initial 12-month post-completion OPT period, you can report even volunteering and unpaid internship work in SEVIS as valid OPT employment. The volunteering or training opportunity has to comply with all the state labour laws and applicable federal laws. The Department of Labour website contains a set of criteria and resources to evaluate what constitutes valid employment (if the unpaid internship or volunteer activity is legitimate).

Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a brilliant way for students to enhance their practical skills and knowledge, and prepare themselves for the professional world. It provides a huge competitive edge over any other student who has not received the same. With proper planning and applying at the right time, you can successfully apply for OPT.

[experteducationglobal]

What is Optional Practical Training? Work Opportunity for Students

Optional Practical Training is a temporary job opportunity for international students studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa. It can last for 12 months and can be taken before or after completing your degree.

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Study options and courses for International Students in Canada

If you are applying for a Canadian student visa, you must first decide which course is appropriate for you. We'll examine some of the top study programs in Canada in this blog.

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Navigating Canadian Customs: A Guide to Permitted and Restricted Items

International students need to always be completely aware of Permitted and Restricted Items as outlined by Canadian customs regulations. Whether you are an international student or a citizen of the country.

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All-in-One Guide to Improve English Speaking Skills Before Going Abroad

Navigating language barriers can be a daunting process. However, there are things that you can do to move past this issue. Check Out the All-in-One Guide to Improve English Speaking Skills Before Going Abroad.

For more detail contact us - Expert Education and Visa Services,

info@experteducation.com.au, Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000.

(+61)292690070