Post-graduate students cannot work in the US

The US has always been recognized for its excellent educational level. That is why thousands of students travel annually to complete their professional careers.

One of the benefits for students traveling to the US is that they can stay and work legally for 12 months after completing their studies. There are even certain specific work areas that allow students to stay up to 36 months, for example math and technology.

This program is called Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Students can opt for this benefit when they are already in the country and must send the application before completing their studies.

Requirements to apply

• Students must complete the OPT application at least 90 days before graduation.
• There is a list of eligible careers, therefore, students must be part of any of these programs to apply for OPT.

OPT and COVID-19

After the massive outbreak of Coronavirus in the country, the universities decided to temporarily close campuses to protect students and teachers.

Thousands of students returned to their countries due to the global health crisis. In fact, many governments around the world recommended students to return to their homes as soon as possible to be with their families.

Currently, most studies are virtual and international students continue their classes as normal.

Therefore, the possibility to work in the US with OPT is not an option for students who left before applying.

If the students did not submit the application to participate in OPT while they were in the country, the current government will not allow them to apply from abroad.

This means that students who graduate soon but are outside the US will not be able to return to the country to work.

The only way for recent graduates to work is if they submitted the application before leaving the country or if current policies change to favor international students.

The repercussions for the US

The figures show that more than 150,000 students used the OPT program to work in the country during 2019.

The US could be negatively affected if students do not stay to work in specialized areas.

International students represent a great help for the professional development of the country. They also contribute considerably to the economy and benefit thousands of companies with their work.

In addition to that, one of the reasons why thousands of students decide to come to the country is precisely to gain work experience through OPT.

Therefore, by losing this benefit due to the pandemic, they request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be more flexible with the requirements so that they can choose this option when the contagion peak decreases in the world.

They consider that it is unfair to lose the opportunity to work in the US for something that is neither their responsibility nor their fault.

It is important to remember that after the crisis generated by COVID-19, the US and the world in general will need the strength of local workers to boost the economy.

International students could be of great help to small, medium-sized companies and even to large industries that need young people willing to help socio-economic development and overcome the crisis.

The current government must take every decisions very cautiously to ensure they take advantage of all the positive opportunities and thus maintain balance in the country.

Trump’s administration has tried to take the best preventive measures in light of the pandemic. However, it is difficult to cover everything in the midst of a virus as dangerous as COVID-19.

Therefore, the government may see all the repercussions soon and make the most appropriate decision regarding the OPT program.

Business Opportunities in the US

If you are an international student and did not manage to submit the OPT application on time due to the health crisis, don’t worry, there are multiple ways to travel to the US to work.

You still have the possibility to find a job opportunity in the country. The most important thing is to get the right advice to avoid inconveniences in your process.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.