OPT AND STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students on an F1 visa to gain practical work experience in their field after graduation This opportunity enables students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their professional skills and career prospects. OPT is available for up to 12 months or up to 36 months and can be utilized during or after the completion of a degree program. It’s a valuable pathway for international students to gain U.S. work experience and build industry connections.
OPT AND STEM OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students on an F1 visa to gain practical work experience in their field of study after graduation. This opportunity enables students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their professional skills and career prospects. OPT is available for up to 12 months or up to 36 months STEM OPT and can be utilized during or after completing a degree program. It’s a valuable pathway for international students to gain U.S. internship experience.
OPTIONAL PRACTICE TRAINING (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students on an F1 visa at Southern California State University (SCSU) to gain practical work experience in their field of study. OPT offers up to 12 months of work authorization for eligible students after their degree program. This opportunity helps students apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and build professional skills that are crucial for career growth. Students must be enrolled full-time at SCSU, maintain valid F1 status, and ensure that the job they pursue is directly related to their field of study.
With OPT, international students at SCSU can transition smoothly from academia to the professional world, gaining hands-on experience in their chosen industry. This experience not only enhances their resume but also allows them to establish a professional network in the U.S., paving the way for further career advancements both locally and globally.
OPTIONAL PRACTICE TRAINING (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students on an F1 visa at Southern California State University (SCSU) to gain practical work experience in their field of study. OPT offers up to 12 months of work authorization for eligible students after their degree program. This opportunity helps students apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and build professional skills crucial for career growth. Students must be enrolled full-time at SCSU, maintain valid F1 status, and ensure that the job they pursue is directly related to their field of study.
With OPT, international students at SCSU can transition smoothly from academia to the professional world, gaining hands-on experience in their field of study.
STEM OPT EXTENSION
The STEM OPT extension at Southern California State University (SCSU) allows students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization. This extension is designed for international students who have completed a degree in a STEM field, enabling them to gain deeper industry experience and further develop specialized skills that align with their academic training.
OPT REQUIREMENTS
- Valid I-20
Students must have a valid I-20 and be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-certified institution, like Southern California State University (SCSU). - Maintain Academic and Attendance StandardsStudents must maintain their F1 visa requirements by staying in good academic standing and meeting the required attendance standards throughout their program.
- Timing of Application
Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program completion date and no later than 60 days after completing the program. - Field of Study Relevance
The employment obtained through OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study. - USCIS Application and ApprovalStudents need to submit Form I-765 to get USCIS approval along with the required fee and documentation. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
OPT REQUIREMENTS
- Valid I-20
Students must have a valid I-20 and be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-certified institution, like Southern California State University (SCSU). - Maintain Academic and Attendance StandardsStudents must maintain their F1 visa requirements by staying in good academic standing and meeting the required attendance standards throughout their program.
- Timing of Application
Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program completion date and no later than 60 days after completing the program. - Field of Study Relevance
The employment obtained through OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study. - USCIS Application and ApprovalStudents need to submit Form I-765 to get USCIS approval along with the required fee and documentation. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
OPT
STEP-BY-STEP
GUIDE

OPTIONAL PRACTICE
TRAINING FAQ
OPT allows international students on an F1 visa to gain work experience in their field of study after graduating. This work authorization is available for up to 12 months and helps graduates apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their professional skills and career prospects.
To be eligible for OPT, students must have maintained their F1 visa status, completed a full-time program, and have a valid I-20 with a recommendation from their DSO. OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study and is available after finishing their degree program.
You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program completion date and no later than 60 days after completing your program. It’s recommended to apply as early as possible to allow enough time for processing by USCIS.
It is generally not recommended to travel outside the U.S. while your OPT application is pending. If you leave the country without an approved EAD card, re-entry could be difficult, and it may jeopardize your OPT application.
No, you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. You can apply for OPT without having secured employment. However, once your OPT period starts, you should secure a job related to your field of study within 90 days to avoid exceeding the unemployment limit.
The processing time for an OPT application typically ranges from 2 to 5 months. It is advisable to apply early to avoid delays, as starting your job without an EAD card is not allowed.
Jobs under OPT must be directly related to your field of study. This includes full-time, part-time, paid, or unpaid positions, internships, or contract work. It’s important that the job aligns with the skills and knowledge gained through your academic program.
During your OPT period, you are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment. If you exceed this limit, you may be considered out of status. It is crucial to track your employment days and report any job changes to your DSO.
Yes, if you have completed a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of practical training.
While on OPT, you must report your employment details, including job location, employer information, and any changes in your job status, to your DSO. This can often be done through your school’s SEVIS portal or by directly contacting your DSO.
STEM OPT EXTENSION
The STEM OPT extension at Southern California State University (SCSU) allows students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, giving them a total up to 36 months of work authorization. This extension is designed for international students who have completed a degree in a STEM field, enabling them to more profound experience and further develop specialized skills that align with their academic training.
OPT REQUIREMENTS
- Valid I-20
Students must have a valid I-20 and be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-certified institution, like Southern California State University (SCSU). - Maintain Academic and Attendance StandardsStudents must maintain their F1 visa requirements by staying in good academic standing and meeting the required attendance standards throughout their program.
- Timing of Application
Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program completion date and no later than 60 days after completing the program. - Field of Study Relevance
The employment obtained through OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study. - USCIS Application and ApprovalStudents need to submit Form I-765 to get USCIS approval along with the required fee and documentation. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
OPT REQUIREMENTS
- Valid I-20
Students must have a valid I-20 and be enrolled full-time at a SEVP-certified institution, like Southern California State University (SCSU). - Maintain Academic and Attendance StandardsStudents must maintain their F1 visa requirements by staying in good academic standing and meeting the required attendance standards throughout their program.
- Timing of Application
Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before their program completion date and no later than 60 days after completing the program. - Field of Study Relevance
The employment obtained through OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study. - USCIS Application and ApprovalStudents need to submit Form I-765 to get USCIS approval along with the required fee and documentation. They must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
OPT STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE (WIP)

OPTIONAL PRACTICE TRAINING FAQ
OPT allows international students on an F1 visa to gain work experience in their field of study after graduating. This work authorization is available for up to 12 months or up to 36 months STEM OPT. It helps graduates apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their professional skills and career prospects.
To be eligible for OPT, students must have maintained their F1 visa status, completed a full-time program, and have a valid I-20 with a recommendation from their DSO. OPT must be directly related to the student’s field of study and is available after finishing their degree program.
The processing time for an OPT application typically ranges from 2 to 6 months. However, it might vary. It is advisable to apply early to avoid delays.
SCSU OPT PROGRAMS
PROGRAM NAME | OPT | STEM |
---|---|---|
Doctor of Business Administration | Up to 12 months | No |
Doctor of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics | Up to 36 months | Yes |
Master of Business Administration | Up to 12 months | No |
Master of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics | Up to 36 months | Yes |
Bachelor of Business Administration | Up to 12 months | No |
Bachelor of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics | Up to 36 months | Yes |
Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies | Up to 12 months | No |
Associate of Arts in English Communication and Management | Up to 12 months | No |
Certificate in Digital Business | Up to 12 months | No |
Certificate in English Communication and Management | Up to 12 months | No |
SCSU OPT PROGRAMS
PROGRAM NAME | OPT | STEM |
---|---|---|
Doctor of Business Administration | Up to 12 months |
No |
Doctor of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics |
Up to 36 months |
Yes |
Master of Business Administration | Up to 12 months |
No |
Master of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics |
Up to 36 months |
Yes |
Bachelor of Business Administration | Up to 12 months |
No |
Bachelor of Business Administration Concentration in Business Statistics |
Up to 36 months |
Yes |
Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies | Up to 12 months |
No |
Associate of Arts in English Communication and Management |
Up to 12 months |
No |
Certificate in Digital Business | Up to 12 months |
No |
Certificate in English Communication and Management |
Up to 12 months |
No |
COURSE
Preparation for degree or English test
English as a Second Language
The English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate at SCSU helps students develop key language skills in grammar, reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and writing. This ESL program offers courses at Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, with assessments at the end of each level to ensure students are ready for advancement and continued growth in their English proficiency.
$2,500/per quarter | 3-12 months
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