Challenges and Scope Of Hiring For OPT Candidates

The OPT program is one of the most popular training programs in the USA. The OPT candidates in USA are available for an employment duration of 12 months. The STEM OPT candidates can work in their field of education. They must be enrolled in a full-time course or degree and they are eligible to work in the same field of academics only. To understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and hiring follow up on this blog for a clear understanding. 

The OPT students can contact their DSO for a better understanding of the Application process and the scope of OPT in the US job market. An OPT student must meet all the admission and application requirements. They must also submit all the documents as per the guidelines of the USCIS. For applying for the OPT they must first mail their application to the USCIS for OPT approval and Form I-765 will authorize them.

Scope of OPT candidates in USA

We have seen a gradual increase in the demand for OPT candidates, with the ongoing demand for international students F1 visa has become a popular visa category. OPT candidates have secured a fair proportion of their demand in the US job market. Recruiters in the US job market are also curious and excited about hiring international students. this is the reason we see a tremendous rise in the hiring and application of OPT. The demand in every sector tech or non-tech is on the rise. The candidates are also positive about OPT employment as it gives them global exposure, and working with top-notch companies gives the students a better understanding and practical skills about their degree.

One of the major reasons for hiring OPT students is that they are available for contractual periods. They are a source of young energy and contribute fairly to the growth of the company. There are many opportunities part-time and full-time, OPT students can do internships, volunteer, or work on a contractual basis.

Eligibility criteria for OPT candidates in USA

F1 visa students do not need visa sponsorship to get employment opportunities. For F1 visa students the hiring process and eligibility criteria revolve around different aspects such as: 

·         They must be admitted to a regular course or degree in a college or university based in the USA.

·         They must be enrolled in a full-time course, the course must be in the English language.

·         The OPT students must complete Form I-765 which is an application for employment authorization.

·         They must hold a valid EAD, the Employment Authorization Document. Which allows them to start working, without this document they cannot work. It is issued by the USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

·         They must have a valid passport and a valid F1 visa. OPT candidates in USA get a limited period from their work duration, this period may vary from 12 months to 36 months. STEM OPT students can get an extension of 24 months after working for 12 months.

·         It is important for OPT students to complete the first year of their course or degree to get OPT employment.

·         The OPT students must contact the DSO Designated School Officer must ensure to meet all the requirements.

Why OPT candidates in USA are popular among recruiters in the US job market

OPT candidates are very popular among recruiters in the US job market and the potential of OPT candidates is one of the reasons for their popularity. Recruiters also recognize this potential and hire them for their intellect and knowledge of academic courses. The demand for OPT students is increasing as they provide diversity and a new perspective to the projects, they also have specialized skills in the related field. They also offer flexibility as they fit in various kinds of employment such as short-term, full-time, contractual, full-time, internships, freelancing, and volunteering. 

They are a source of diversity as F1 students move to the USA from various parts of the world. They bring in different cultures, different intellects, and quick decision-making. They have all the relevant skills to work in a particular field. So, recruiters prefer to hire OPT students more than others. Also, OPT students can include their professional experience in the USA in their resume to find more full-time work opportunities in the future. The US job market is a hub of opportunities and other career-building options, it attracts more than a million students each year. They get enrolled and develop relevant practical specialized skills through the OPT employment program. It helps them to work in a particular field and also it gives them global exposure.