OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students in the U.S.

As a Pakistani student in the U.S., working in your field is a great way to gain experience and improve your job prospects. However, visa restrictions and complicated work authorisation processes can make it difficult for Pakistani students to find work during or after their studies. That’s where optional practical training (OPT)-approved jobs can be an enormous benefit. If you have an F-1 visa, OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students allow you to work in the U.S. in a job related to your field of study, providing you with hands-on experience and helping you build a stronger foundation for your career.

1. Optional practical training (OPT) U.S. statisticsAccording to recent data, approximately 23% of F-1 and M-1 students and recent graduates in the United States were authorized to work through optional practical training (OPT) in 2023, with a total of 344,686 individuals utilizing the programme; this represents a significant increase in OPT participation over recent years, highlighting the growing interest of international students in gaining post-graduation work experience within the U.S.Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS)
2. Impact of optional practical training (OPT) on career outcomes:The optional practical training (OPT) programme allows international students in the United States to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates. Research indicates that participation in OPT significantly enhances career prospects for international students, leading to higher employment rates and increased earnings. A study by the Niskanen Center found that regions with higher concentrations of OPT participants experienced increased innovation, as measured by patent filings and higher average earnings among the college-educated population.Source: Niskanen Center – Optional Practical Training (OPT) and International Students After Graduation
3. A sharp increase in Pakistani students studying abroadAs of 2022, over 103,000 students from Pakistan were studying abroad, highlighting the growing interest in international education. The British Council projects that Pakistan will experience some of the highest growth in outbound student mobility over the next decade, alongside countries like China, India, Nigeria and Bangladesh, offering you exciting opportunities to study and expand your horizons globally..Source: The Pie

The optional practical training (OPT) programme provides temporary work permits for Pakistani students studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. Jobs must be directly related to your major field of study. OPT allows you to gain deeper experience and apply what you’ve learned through coursework to real-world settings.

Types of OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students

There are two types of OPT jobs:

1. Pre-completion OPT jobs allow you to work while you’re still studying abroad. You’re allowed to work part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the school year and full time during breaks.
2. Post-completion OPT jobs allow you to work full time after you graduate. This provides valuable work experience as you start your professional career in the U.S.

If you’re pursuing a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering or mathematics), you can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing you to work for up to 36 months after graduation.

Eligibility requirements for Pakistani students

To apply for OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students, you must:

• Have a valid F-1 visa
• Be enrolled in a full-time academic programme for at least one year
• Work in a job related to your major
• Have not performed more than 12 months of full-time curricular practical training (CPT)

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for OPT jobs for Pakistani students:

1. Talk to your DSO: Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) will help you understand the process and update your Form I-20.
2. Submit Form I-765: This is your application for work authorisation for international students. You need to send it to USCIS with supporting documents and fees.
3. Wait for approval: It can take a few months to get approval, so apply early.
4. Get your EAD card: Once approved, you’ll receive your Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) allowing you to work.

Learn More

Finding OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students requires time and patience. Here are some suggestions to help you find the best opportunities:

• Use your school’s career services: Many universities have career centres that offer job search assistance, resume workshops and interview preparation. They can connect you with employers looking for Pakistani students and may have exclusive postings for international student job opportunities.
• Network with professionals: Attend career fairs, workshops and alumni networking events to meet potential employers. Building professional connections can open doors to job opportunities and help you stay informed about the job market.
• Use online job boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor are great resources for finding OPT-friendly employers and job openings that fit your skills. Be sure to tailor your profile and resume to highlight your eligibility for OPT.
• Look for OPT-friendly employers: Some companies have experience hiring Pakistani students and understand the work authorisation process, making it easier to secure a job. Research companies known for hiring OPT students and apply to positions that align with your field of study.
• Use international student resources: Various organisations provide support, guidance and job placement services specifically for Pakistani students. These resources can help you navigate the job market effectively and provide insights into potential employers and industries.

Curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) are both employment options for Pakistani students, but they have important differences. CPT for international students is a type of work authorisation that allows students to work while they’re still studying if the work is a required part of their academic programme. CPT requires a job offer before applying and is usually granted for cooperative education programmes or internships for international students in the USA.

On the other hand, OPT allows Pakistani students to work in their field of study typically after graduation, does not require a job offer at the time of application, and offers more flexibility in terms of work options. Additionally, OPT provides authorisation for a longer period, especially for STEM students who can apply for a 24-month extension, in addition to the initial 12 months authorised. In contrast, CPT is limited to the length of the academic programme and the work must be directly tied to coursework.

MPOWER Financing is dedicated to helping Pakistani students finance an education in the U.S. or Canada by removing financial obstacles. MPOWER provides international loans that don’t require a cosigner or collateral, making it easier and more affordable to fund your education on your own. Additionally, MPOWER offers a variety of international scholarships, student health insurance options and other international student resources.

When it comes to OPT-approved jobs for Pakistani students, MPOWER’s Path2Success program provides visa and career services that can help you navigate the process of applying for OPT work. In addition, you can take advantage of MPOWER’s internship/job search tool for F-1 students. You’ll also find a resume builder and a directory of F-1-eligible jobs in your field.