Work Authorizations, CPT, OPT, EAD Explained | How to work in the USA as an International Student 

Hi, getting a job usually happens a while after you start applying for it. You should start your OPT job search at least 3 months before you get your OPT EAD card. This will give you enough time to apply for several roles, to understand the job market, to figure out your strengths and weaknesses, etc.

If by any chance your offer is rescinded/delayed than planned you could work in NGOs/research positions in college/consultancies for some time to stop your unemployment days on opt.

Hi, we will surely work work on that. In the mean time we have mentioned the steps and documents required to apply for an EAD: STEP 1: Submit Application To USCIS To Obtain The EAD The Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization can be filed electronically (E-File) or by mail at a USCIS Regional Service Center or Lockbox depending on the eligibility criteria for the EAD. A. Supporting Documents And Forms To Be Submitted Along With The EAD Application The following is a list of supporting documents and forms that have to be submitted along with Form I-765. 1.USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization 2.Two identical color photographs as per the following specifications: a.Taken within 30 days of filing the application b.Showing full face (passport style) with your head bare (unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order of which you are a member) c.Has a white background and be no larger than 2 X 2 inches, with the distance from the top of the head to just below the chin about 1 and 1/4 inches d.Glossy, un-mounted, un-retouched and printed on thin paper NOTE: Lightly print your A# (or your name if you have no A#) on the back of each photo, using a pencil. 3.Copy of current passport 4.Copy of the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Document 5.Copies of documents which indicate current status 6.If the applicant was previously issued an EAD card, include a legible photocopy, front and back 7.If the applicant has a pending adjustment of status application, a copy of the receipt notice (unless the application is filing the I-765 concurrently with the adjustment of status application). 8.If the applicant is in F-1 or M-1 status, copies of all I-20s showing the international student adviser’s recommendation for practical training. Also include a copy of the Form I-538, endorsed by the international student advisor 9.If the applicant is in J-2 status, proof of marriage, copy of the J-1 spouse’s Form DS-2019, Form I-94 and a written statement that the applicant’s income is not needed to support the J-1 exchange visitor 10.If the applicant is an A, G or NATO dependent, include USCIS Form I-566, Interagency Record of individual Requesting Change/Adjustment to or from A or G Status 11.If the applicant is a spouse of an L-1 intra-company transferee, proof of marriage, copy of spouse’s I-94 showing valid L-1 status 12.If the applicant is the spouse of an E-1 treaty trader or E-2 investor, include evidence of the applicant’s lawful status (such as the Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Document) and evidence that the applicant is a spouse of the principal visa holder 13.If the applicant is a K-1 fiancée, file the application within 90 days from the date of entry. Include evidence of K-1 visa and a copy of the passport STEP 2: Provide More Information or Appear For An Interview STEP 3: Delays In the past, if the applicant did not receive a decision within 90 days of receipt by USCIS of a properly filed EAD application, he or she was able obtain interim work authorization by appearing in person at his or her local USCIS District Office. The applicant was required to bring proof of identity and any notices that he or she had received from USCIS in connection with his or her application for employment authorization. STEP 4: Approval or Denial

Hi, CPT is a 12 month training program full-time, and 20 hours per week or fewer part time.

Thanks for sharing!