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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.

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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

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Understanding the Cost of Living for International Students in Germany

The living cost in Germany might be an issue for many students who wish to pursue their education there. In this blog, we will discuss the costs of studying and staying in Germany and various other factors.

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https://experteducation.com/global/blog/international-students/7-reasons-international-students-should-consider-studying-in-the-usa/

Expert education going to enlist seven main reasons why international students can choose to study in the USA.

For more detail contact us - Expert Education and Visa Services

info@experteducation.com.au

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

(+61) 2 9269 0070

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It takes some preparation to get through the F1 US student visa interview and crack it. Let's explore the different types of US student F1 visa interview questions and their answers in this blog.

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https://experteducation.com/global/blog/international-students/covid-19-assistance/

To assist international students experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, several universities and colleges are offering varied support initiatives. Here are some of the institution with their COVID-19 support offers.

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Bachelor of IT at the Central Queensland University - Expert Education Global

Bachelor of IT at Central Queensland University is systematically constructed to provide all the required knowledge and skills of IT and put it into practice for a successful IT career.

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

info@experteducation.com.au

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

(+61) 2 9269 0070

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IELTS preparation class | Expert Education Global

Planning to study abroad? You have to get ready for a English test IELTS. We at Expert Education provide IELTS preparation class with intelligent technology to allow every student to learn to their full potential.

For more detail contact us at: Expert Education and Visa Services, info@experteducation.com.au, Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000, (+61) 2 9269 0070

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Top Countries to Boost Your Global Education

Are you confused about which country to choose to pursue your education? With so many options to choose from, study abroad choosing the best country and the best university to pursue your education can be a laborious task. For more information contact us at Expert Education and Visa Services, info@experteducation.com.au, Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000, (+61) 2 9269 0070

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A Guide to Expenses in New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular choice amongst international students. So, if you are planning to start your Study in New Zealand you should be aware of certain aspects of your life there such as what you should expect while studying there, the cost of living and what affects the cost of living. For more detail contact us at Expert Education and Visa Services, info@experteducation.com.au, Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000, (+61) 2 9269 0070

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Crafting a Compelling Letter of Recommendation for Admissions

Crafting an impactful letter of recommendation for admissions can make all the difference in a student's college admissions journey. Learn proven strategies to highlight their academic achievements, leadership skills, and personal qualities that set them apart. For more information contact us at Expert Education and Visa Services, info@experteducation.com.au, Level 6, 263 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000, (+61) 2 9269 0070

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US Student F1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers: Getting it Right

It takes some preparation to get through the F1 US student visa interview and crack it. Let's explore the different types of US student F1 visa interview questions and their answers in this blog.

Source: https://experteducation.com/global/blog/education-services/f1-visa-interview-questions-and-answers/