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Optional practical training: A stepping stone for Nepali students in the U.S.

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How Nepali students can apply for OPT

Applying for OPT takes time and careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what Nepali students should do:

  1. Meet with your DSO: Talk to your school’s designated school official (DSO). They’ll help confirm that you’re eligible and will update your I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
  2. Submit Form I-765: This form goes to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You’ll need to include supporting documents and pay the application fee.
  3. Wait for your EAD: After you apply, USCIS will review your case. If approved, you’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is your official work permit.
  4. Start working: Once you get your EAD and your start date arrives, you can begin working in the U.S. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD unless you qualify for an extension.

USCIS processing times can take up to three months or more, so apply early. Many Nepali students start the process 90 days before their graduation.

Optional practical training, or OPT, is one of the best ways for Nepali international students to gain real-world work experience after finishing a degree in the U.S. If you’re on an F-1 student visa, OPT gives you a legal way to work in the U.S. in a job related to your major. For many students from Nepal, OPT becomes a key stepping stone toward longer-term job opportunities and even visa sponsorship.

It’s important to know that OPT doesn’t guarantee you a job; you still need to search, apply and go through the hiring process. But it gives you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned in the classroom in a real company setting, whether that’s in tech, health care, finance or research.

This page breaks down what OPT is, how it works and what Nepali students should do to make the most of this opportunity.

What is optional practical training?

Optional practical training is a type of work authorization for international students in the U.S. with an F-1 visa. It lets you work in a role directly related to your field of study, either during your program (pre completion OPT) or after graduation (post completion OPT).

Most students from Nepal apply for post completion OPT so they can gain full-time work experience after completing their master’s degree. This work period can last up to 12 months.

If you’re in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) program, you may also qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.

To be eligible for OPT:

  • You must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year.
  • Your job must be related to your major.
  • You must not have already used 12 months of full-time CPT.
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OPT vs. other work authorization options

If you’re trying to figure out which type of student visa work authorization fits your goals, here’s how OPT compares to other options like curricular practical training (CPT).

  • CPT for international students allows you to work during your studies if the job is part of your academic program. You must already have a job offer to apply, and the work must be tied to a course.
  • OPT gives you more flexibility. You don’t need a job offer to apply. You can work full time after graduation and explore different opportunities that align with your major.
  • STEM OPT adds another 24 months to your OPT if your degree is on the approved STEM list and you have a qualifying employer.

If you’re looking to stay longer and grow your career in the U.S., OPT is the first step to building that path. It can lead to job offers, visa sponsorship or even graduate jobs in the U.S. for international students.

Tips for finding OPT jobs as a Nepali student

While OPT gives you permission to work, finding a job still takes effort. Many Nepali students find the U.S. job market very different from Nepal. You’ll need to get comfortable with networking, writing resumes in the U.S. style and talking about your visa status during interviews.

Here are some tips to help:

  • Start early
    • Don’t wait until after graduation. Begin your job search while you’re still finishing your program.
  • Take advantage of university resources 
    • Career centers, professors and alumni networks can help you find job opportunities for international students. They often know which employers are familiar with OPT and willing to hire international candidates.
  • Focus on jobs related to your major
    • OPT rules require your work to align with your field of study. Make sure to connect your coursework and skills to the job in your application.
  • Be clear about your visa status
    • Many employers don’t understand the F-1 visa or work authorization for international students. Be ready to explain what OPT is and show that you’re authorized to work without needing immediate sponsorship.
  • Track your unemployment days
    • You’re only allowed 90 days of unemployment during OPT. That includes time spent between jobs, so keep good records and stay in touch with your DSO.
  • Look into STEM OPT
    • If you’re in a STEM field, plan ahead for the 24 month extension. Make sure your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and will support the required training plan.

For students from Nepal, working in the U.S. can be a big adjustment. But it also opens doors that might not be available back home, especially in fields like tech, data science, research or biotech. OPT is an opportunity to build those skills in a global setting.

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What is MPOWER Financing?

Many Nepali students studying in the U.S. face financial challenges, especially during the final stages of their degree. That’s when optional practical training becomes a key goal, but preparing for it can come with added expenses like rent, transportation or professional tools.

MPOWER Financing offers no-cosigner education loans to help eligible students from Nepal complete their degree and reach the OPT stage with confidence. Because MPOWER loans are based on your future potential, not family income or collateral, they’re often more accessible for Nepali families.

MPOWER also provides career development tools that can support your transition into OPT jobs for international students:

  • Guides to internships, CPT and OPT rules
  • Visa and work authorization education
  • Interview preparation resources
  • Path2Success, offer visa and career support  to help you stay on track toward your career goals

If you’re aiming to use OPT to gain U.S. work experience and expand your future options, whether in Nepal or abroad, MPOWER can help you get there.

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FAQs

When can I apply for optional practical training (OPT)?

 

You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program ends and no later than 60 days after your program completion date. It’s best to apply as early as possible since processing times can be long.

Do I need a job offer before applying for OPT?

 

No. You don’t need a job offer to apply for OPT, but once approved, you must find a job related to your major and begin work before reaching the 90-day unemployment limit.

What’s the difference between OPT and CPT?

 

CPT (curricular practical training) is used while you’re still studying and requires a job tied to your academic coursework. OPT (optional practical training) can be used during or after your program and is not tied to a specific course.

Can I switch employers while on OPT?

 

Yes, you can switch employers as long as your new job is still related to your field of study and you report the change to your DSO. Be sure to track all employment dates to avoid gaps.

What happens if I don’t get a job within 90 days on OPT?

 

If you reach 90 days of unemployment while on OPT, your F-1 visa requirements and status may be at risk. You’ll need to leave the U.S., transfer to another school or change your visa status.

Can I travel outside the U.S. while on OPT?

 

Yes, but travel during OPT requires careful planning. You should carry your EAD card, valid F-1 visa, I-20 signed for travel and a job offer letter or proof of employment. Re-entry can be risky if you don’t have a job secured.

How can I qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

 

To qualify, you must have a degree on the DHS-approved STEM list, work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify, and submit a training plan (Form I-983) with your application.


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