If you’re a Nepali student on an F-1 visa, optional practical training (OPT) may be your first chance to get full-time work experience in the United States. OPT allows you to apply the skills you gained during your master’s program in a real job while staying in legal status. It can also open the door to longer-term career options, such as H-1B sponsorship or a STEM OPT extension.
Unlike Nepal, where most job placements are coordinated through academic institutions or networks, finding a job under OPT in the U.S. requires more personal effort. You’ll need to search for employers, understand your visa timelines and navigate different rules around work authorization for international students.
This article explains how OPT jobs work, how to apply and how to use this program to gain real career traction after graduation..
What is optional practical training?
Optional practical training (OPT) is a form of temporary employment that allows eligible international students with F-1 visas to work in the United States in a job related to their major. It is one of the most important pathways for Nepali students to gain U.S. work experience after completing a master’s degree.
There are two types of OPT:
- Pre-completion OPT: You can work part time while still studying (up to 20 hours per week). This is less common because most students use CPT during their program.
- Post-completion OPT: You can work full time after you graduate for up to 12 months.
If you studied in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you up to three total years of work authorization.
Who is eligible for OPT?
To apply for OPT, you must:
- Hold a valid F-1 visa
- Be enrolled full time in a U.S. university for at least one academic year
- Have not used 12 months or more of full-time CPT
- Have a job that directly relates to your major field of study
You do not need a job offer to apply for post-completion OPT, but you must find employment within 90 days of your OPT start date to avoid losing your status.
When can I apply for OPT as an international student?You can apply up to 90 days before your graduation date and no later than 60 days after. It’s best to apply early, as USCIS processing can take two to three months.
Do I need a job offer to apply for OPT?Not for post-completion OPT. You can apply without a job offer, but you must find a qualifying job within 90 days of your OPT start date.
Can I apply for both OPT and STEM OPT at the same time?No. You must first apply for standard post-completion OPT. Once approved and employed in a qualifying job, you can apply for the STEM OPT extension.
