For CU Boulder students on F-1 visas who are graduating this spring and considering pursuing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment benefit after graduation, applications are now open.
To help with the application process and听related job search, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and Career Services have organized a workshop for Wednesday, Feb. 15.
Additionally, since听many employers are not familiar with OPT, the听upcoming workshop will teach attendees to effectively handle conversations regarding the OPT process with prospective employers.
Unfortunately, many employers are not familiar with OPT, and students applying for work under this authorization听may have to educate prospective employers on the details of the OPT process. The upcoming workshop will educate attendees on how to handle such conversations effectively.
Who: Graduating students with F-1 visa
What: OPT workshop
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: C4C, Abrams Lounge
Registration is not required鈥攋ust show up!
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training is work authorization for employment directly related to one's major field of study, as indicated on your Form听I-20.
The initial/standard authorization is for 12 months. However, if you graduate with a STEM major (science, technology, engineering听and mathematics), you can request to extend your OPT for another 24 months, for a total of 3 years OPT authorization.
How to apply for OPT?
To apply for OPT,听you need to carefully review and follow the directions outlined by the USCIS. You can find the .
You will arrange this application together with ISSS听and then send it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for final approval.听Students are听encouraged听to apply as early as possible.
How to secure OPT?
For OPT, you must have maintained your F-1 status and completed your degree at CU. You will need to find an employer willing to hire you on your own and may听have to educate the employer on the details of the OPT process.
Students seeking work under the OPT authorization should听consider attending Career Services鈥� job fairs and industry events, conducting your own search on job portals, networking on LinkedIn and reaching out to your social network.
If you need help writing a resume or conducting a job search, make sure to and schedule an appointment with a counselor.听A solid resume is a necessary component of the job application process.
If you have specific questions, come to the Feb. 15 workshop, email isss@colorado.edu or visit an ISSS advisor during office hours, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
