How do I get a 3 year OPT in USA?

To get a 3-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S., you first complete your initial 12-month OPT, then apply for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension if you have a STEM degree, requiring an eligible E-Verify employer, a formal I-983 training plan, and timely applications to your Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS before your current EAD expires. This extension adds two years, totaling three years of OPT.

How to get a 3 year OPT?

No, it is not possible to apply for 3 years of OPT. You must first apply for the initial 12 months of regular post-completion OPT. Eligible F-1 students may then apply for the STEM OPT Extension up to 90 days before their current OPT EAD card expires.

Who qualifies for STEM OPT?

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, F-1 students need a STEM degree from a U.S. school, a job with an E-Verify employer in a directly related STEM field, and must complete the I-983 Training Plan, working at least 20 hours/week, all while on post-completion OPT and before the current OPT expires. Key requirements include having a STEM-eligible degree, an E-Verify employer, a bona fide employer-employee relationship, paid employment, and timely application. 

Is OPT 1 year or 3 years?

OPT is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level, plus a possible 24 month extension for those who qualify in STEM fields.

What is the minimum salary for STEM OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

When To Apply For OPT in the USA - How To Choose OPT Start Date?

What is the 30 60 90 rule for OPT?

The OPT 90 days unemployment are calculated in the aggregate, meaning that an F-1 student with valid OPT work authorization who has accrued 30 days of unemployment may only be unemployed for an additional 60 days before violating his or her immigration status regarding OPT unemployment 90 days.

Who has to pay $100,000 for an H1B visa?

The $100,000 H-1B fee, implemented in late 2025, primarily targets U.S. employers filing new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. who need to obtain an H-1B visa abroad, rather than those already in the U.S. for change of status or extensions, or for current H-1B holders. Employers filing for new hires from overseas, especially for roles where a U.S. worker isn't readily available, often face this fee as a significant cost to bring talent in, with limited exceptions possible, according to guidance from USCIS. 

Does OPT lead to a Green Card?

Yes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) doesn't directly lead to a green card, but it serves as a crucial bridge, allowing time to pursue employment-based (like EB-2/EB-3 with an employer sponsor), family-based (marriage or relative), or National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card pathways, often by securing an employer who will sponsor you, especially for STEM OPT extension, or through other qualifying relationships or extraordinary ability. 

Which visa gives 10 years in the USA?

Both B-1 and B-2 US visitor visa are valid for up to 10 years. However, an individual will be permitted to stay in the country for a short period of time, a maximum of 6 months.

How much does OPT cost?

You will need to include a check or money order for $520 USD payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security' with your OPT package. If you are using a check, it should be linked to a U.S. bank account.

Do I need a job offer for STEM OPT?

Do I need a job offer to apply for a STEM extension? Yes, and this job offer needs to meet the following requirements: It has to be directly related to your degree and the STEM field of study. It has to be full time (i.e. at least 20 hours per week)

What majors fall under STEM?

It includes disciplines in the life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and the health sciences.

How long can I stay in the US after STEM OPT?

Grace Period After OPT Ends. To begin, let's establish how long you have to determine your next steps once your OPT expires. After the end date on your updated I-20, you are granted a 60-day grace period to remain in the U.S.

What jobs qualify for STEM OPT?

All employment on STEM OPT must be related to your STEM major field of study and commensurate with the educational level of your degree. If you applies for STEM OPT based on a previously earned degree, the employment on STEM OPT must be related to that degree's major field of study.

Can I renew my F-1 visa while on OPT?

While it may sound daunting, this can absolutely be done, and many students have successfully renewed their visa during their OPT or STEM OPT periods.

What are common STEM OPT mistakes?

To qualify, you must file Form I-765 with a completed Form I-983 Training Plan before your current OPT expires. Common mistakes include missing the filing deadline, working for non-E-Verify employers, failing to complete required reporting, and not understanding the modified unemployment rules.

What is the quickest US visa to get?

Why is the B1/B2 visa considered one of the easiest to obtain? Because it's designed for short-term visits and doesn't require the extensive documentation that other visas might require.

Who is eligible for EB 2?

The EB-2 visa (Employment-Based, Second Preference) requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability in sciences, arts, or business, usually with a U.S. job offer and labor certification, though a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can waive these if the work benefits the U.S. Qualifications generally involve an advanced degree (Master's or higher) or a Bachelor's plus 5 years of progressive experience, OR demonstrating exceptional ability through meeting at least three specific criteria like high salary, licenses, or professional memberships.
 

What is a 10 year golden visa?

The Golden Residency is one of the leading initiatives of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. It offers eligible individuals the opportunity to obtain a long-term residency in the UAE, ranging from five to ten years, with automatic renewal and no need for a sponsor.

What is a 3 year OPT-in in the USA?

Combining the full 12 months of post-completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

What is the fastest visa to get a green card?

One of the fastest ways to get a U.S. Green Card is via the EB-5 Visa program. While the EB-5 Visa is technically employment-based, it does not require a job offer. Instead, this type of visa is focused on making a qualifying investment to create jobs.

Does OPT ever get rejected?

Many students make the mistake of not submitting their application on time and get rejected. Rejected OPT applications often result from incomplete or inaccurate application materials. This frequently occurs because students are unaware of the detailed application requirements.

How much does Trump H-1B visa cost?

Typically, an employer filing an initial H-1B petition would expect to pay between $960 to $7,595 in regulatory and statutory fees. The Trump Administration's $100,000 fee far exceeds the actual cost of processing H-1B petitions.

Is H-1B still lottery?

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a new regulation that fundamentally reshapes how H-1B cap cases will be selected, replacing the long-standing random lottery with a wage-level-based selection system beginning with the upcoming H-1B registration cycle.

Who receives the most H-1B visas?

India is the top country of birth for H-1B workers.

A majority of approvals every year since 2010 have gone to workers born in India. China is the second-most common birthplace, accounting for 12% of H-1B workers approved in 2023.