Navigating Internships for Optometry Students: Requirements and Application Guide

For optometry students seeking practical experience in the United States, internships are invaluable opportunities. These experiences, often pursued under F-1 visas with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), allow students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the requirements and application processes for internships available to optometry students, ensuring a smooth and compliant journey toward professional development.

Understanding OPT and CPT

F-1 students have two primary avenues for internships: CPT and OPT. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study while they are still enrolled in their academic program. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows international students in F-1 status to work in their field of study before or after completing their studies.

CPT Internships

CPT is designed to provide practical experience directly related to a student's academic program. Graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA (or be in good academic standing) to be eligible for CPT. A lower GPA may be permitted during summer internships. The academic unit must approve full- or part-time internships during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Academic justification is required for full-time internships during Fall and Spring semesters.

OPT Internships

OPT offers two distinct phases: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-Completion OPT occurs before you complete your degree, and Post-Completion OPT happens after you complete your degree. Pre-Completion OPT can be utilized during studies, with students working over 20 hours per week during school breaks (full-time) or less than 20 hours per week while classes are in session (part-time). Post-completion OPT can begin as early as the day after degree requirements are met or up to 60 days afterward.

Key Requirements for OPT

Before diving into the application process, it's crucial to understand the key requirements for OPT.

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Eligibility

Generally, F-1 international students in both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible for OPT if they have been in valid F-1 student status for one academic year.

Application Timing

Apply early! OPT requests can take an estimated 90-120 days to be processed by USCIS. A student’s 5-month window starts from 90 days before degree completion to 60 days after degree completion date for USCIS to receive OPT application.

OPT I-20

You must receive your OPT I-20 BEFORE filing your I-765 with USCIS. If you file the I-765 with USCIS before your OPT I-20 is issued, your application will be denied, and your filing fee will be forfeited.

30-Day Rule

USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of receiving your OPT Recommendation I-20 from the ISSO and before the end of your grace period - whichever is sooner. If you submit your application late, USCIS will deny your OPT.

Program Completion

ISSO strongly recommends that if you have any doubts that you may not complete your graduation requirements, do not request an OPT I-20 until you are certain that you will complete your program as planned.

Reporting Requirements

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires students to report all changes of address and periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for OPT. To meet your reporting obligations, you must report the information to the ISSO.

The OPT Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for OPT involves several critical steps that must be followed meticulously to avoid delays or denials.

1. Complete the OPT Canvas Course

All students wishing to apply for OPT need to complete the OPT Canvas course within one year of applying for OPT. The ISSO will not issue an OPT I-20 until you have completed the OPT Canvas course.

2. Request an OPT I-20

Schedule an appointment with your Designated School Official (DSO) to request an OPT I-20. Ensure all information is accurate, especially your program end date. Check your new I-20 end date and the remarks section to confirm that USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of the recommendation issued date.

3. Prepare Your Application

After receiving your OPT I-20 from the ISSO, you will prepare documents for your application to USCIS. Make a copy of your application for your personal file before submitting to USCIS.

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4. File Form I-765 with USCIS

You must receive your OPT I-20 BEFORE filing your I-765 with USCIS. USCIS must receive your application no later than the end of your 60-day grace period.

5. Await Receipt Notice and Approval

USCIS will provide a receipt notice after your submission. It takes an average of 90-120 days for USCIS to adjudicate your OPT applications, so it is good to plan ahead and apply early.

Maintaining F-1 Status During OPT

Maintaining your F-1 status during OPT is critical. Here are some key points to remember:

Employment Requirements

All employment must be directly related to your degree and must be more than 20 hours per week. Acceptable employment during OPT can include standard employment, contract employment, self-employment, and volunteer positions.

Unemployment Limit

If you exceed 90 days of unemployment, you have violated your F-1 status. DHS may terminate your SEVIS record, and you may be subject to deportation.

Reporting Changes

DHS requires students to report all changes of address and periods of employment and unemployment while authorized for OPT. Within 10 days of the start of your period of OPT work authorization, you should upload a copy of your EAD card to the Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form in iComet.

Travel

You can travel on OPT; however, you will need to have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, an I-20 with a current travel signature that was given in the past six months by ISSS, a valid visa and passport, and a letter from your employer.

Types of Employment Allowed on OPT

Understanding the types of employment allowed on OPT is essential for compliance.

Regular Paid Employment

This involves working in a position directly related to the student's program of study. Students may work for multiple employers as long as it is directly related to the student's program of study.

Payment by Multiple Short-Term Employers

Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short-term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates, and duration.

Work for Hire

This is commonly referred to as 1099 employment, where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.

Self-Employed Business Owner

Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program.

Employment Through an Agency

Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.

Volunteers or Unpaid Interns

Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT.

Finding Internship Opportunities

The job search for international students in the USA can be challenging due to intense competition and a lack of knowledge and resources. Here are some strategies to find internship opportunities:

Acknowledge Your Focus Area

Based on your field of study, past experience, targeted skills, and job area, you can ascertain the companies, job titles, and skills to focus on.

Build Your Network

Socialize with professors and student leaders in your university to work on practical projects and get more ideas, diverse thoughts, and skills. Create networks on online platforms like LinkedIn.

Resume and Cover Letter

Create a professional resume that highlights your skills and experiences. A cover letter can also be useful to get responses from the applied job openings.

Apply Early and Broadly

Apply for internships in the very beginning phase. Apply to companies whose job description meets at least 60% of your skillset.

Prepare for Interviews

Revise frequently asked questions as per the job title from Google search. Discuss with previous interns in your network their experience during their interview.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

International students in the USA on F1 visas have two options in looking for internships, which can be paid internships or unpaid internships. The available internship opportunities, whether paid or unpaid, majorly depend on the type of industry, company, and competition.

Paid Internships

Paid internships require candidates to be capable of handling particular tasks with responsibility using their skills. They also provide a better platform to grow in one’s career and achieve a higher job position.

Unpaid Internships

Unpaid internships can be an ideal option for freshers with no knowledge about the practical world. Working as an unpaid intern helps to gain practical work experience and work on individual skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a successful OPT application and internship experience, avoid these common mistakes:

Filing the I-765 before receiving your OPT I-20.
Submitting the application more than 30 days after the OPT I-20 is issued.
Exceeding the 90-day unemployment limit.
Failing to report changes in address or employment to the ISSO.
Engaging in employment that is not directly related to your field of study.
Working less than 20 hours per week on post-completion OPT.

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