Are you looking for a job as an international student and don’t know where to start? Check out
this article below to learn about work permits and its benefits. The CPT and OPT work permits are important for international students because they allow you to stay in the U.S. after graduation and get a job while you're waiting for your H-1B visa to be approved.
The CPT work permit is valid for 12 months, but it can be extended if you have an I-20 that says your degree program is longer than one year. The OPT work permit is valid for up to 29 months (three years), but it also has some restrictions on when you can apply and how long each extension lasts.
The eligibility requirements differ depending on whether or not your degree program is
considered STEM (science, technology, engineering or math). If so: You must complete at least
1/2 of all coursework required for completion of your degree before applying for either type of
permit; AND Your school must offer an articulated sequence between its bachelor's level
program(s) leading directly into its master's level programs; OR Your school must offer both
bachelor's level programs leading directly into master's level programs without any break
between them
What is a CPT Work Permit?
CPT is a temporary work permit for international students who want to gain United States work
experience. It's available to both full-time and part-time students, but you must be studying at an eligible institution to qualify.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for CPT, you must:
● Be enrolled in an approved program at an eligible post-secondary institution (see below) or be a full-time student at an elementary or secondary school;
● Have valid study permit(s) that allow you to work on campus; and
● Have been accepted into one of these programs: Bachelor's degree; Master's degree; Doctoral degree; Graduate certificate/diploma
What is an OPT Work Permit?
An OPT work permit is a student visa that allows you to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months
after graduation.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary depending on your major, but in general,
● you must be enrolled full-time at an accredited school and have completed one year of
study with good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher).
● You'll also need to be able to prove that you have enough money saved up so that your
employer won't have to pay any taxes or other fees related to hiring international
students like yourself--the amount varies depending on whether or not they're paying
you through W-2 wages or 1099 independent contractor status;
The Benefits of CPT and OPT Work Permits
CPT and OPT work permits are a great way to gain valuable work experience, build your
resume and explore career paths. You can also use this time to figure out whether you want to
pursue further education or enter the workforce directly after graduation.
How to find employers that Offer CPT and OPT Work Permits
● Using job search engines
● Checking company websites
● Networking
● Reaching out to recruitment agencies
● Preparing Your Application
● Create a targeted resume.
Write a cover letter that explains your interest in the job and why you're qualified for it.
Assemble an up-to-date portfolio of your work, highlighting any relevant experience or skills that might be useful for this position (for example, if you have experience teaching English as a
second language).
Applying for the Job
Once you've found a job that fits your needs and qualifications, it's time to apply. The first step is following the company's guidelines for applying. This may include filling out an online application form or submitting your resume through email or fax.
Once you have submitted all of your paperwork, wait for an acknowledgement from the
employer that they have received it. If there are no questions about anything on the application form, then this should be quick! If there are questions though (and there will likely be), don't worry: most employers allow plenty of time between when they receive applications and when they need them answered by applicants so don't panic if yours takes a while longer than expected before getting back to you with answers or next steps in their process.
Interviewing for the Job
Prepare for the interview. Research the company and be prepared to talk about its mission,
vision and values. Prepare answers to common questions such as: "Why do you want this job?"
or "What are your strengths?"
Negotiating CPT and OPT Work Permits
You have a lot of negotiating power when it comes to your CPT and OPT work permits. The first
thing you should do is understand the employer's position. If they want someone with
experience, they may be willing to pay more than someone who has no experience at all. You
can also talk about salary and benefits, which are always attractive ways for employers to get
more bang for their buck: if the job pays well enough and offers good benefits like health
insurance or 401(k)s, then that might be enough reason for them not only to hire you but also
sponsor your visa application!
Conclusion
If you are an international student, CPT and OPT work permits can be a great way to gain work
experience and build your resume. You may want to consider applying for one of these
programs if:
● You want to explore career paths in the United States.
● Your degree program does not provide enough practical training opportunities.
● Your field requires specialized knowledge or skills that cannot be learned in school (e.g.,
medical doctors).
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