Avoiding common mistakes while Applying for OPT/H1B Jobs

Getting a right IT job in the US is not that easy if you’re an international student on F-1visa. In this case, it becomes quite essential to make job applications with extra care as there is no place for making miniscule mistakes in this competitive market. Let’s check out some common mistakes to avoid while applying for OPT/CPT/H1B jobs.

You can apply for post-completion OPT, not before 90 days of your graduation date and no later than 60 days after the completion of your graduation. Students must remember the 90 days timeline that USCIS takes to process the request.

International students must make a proper planning during their graduation regarding their career. Students must start their career planning at least a year before they graduate. Before taking the plunge, students must do some research and have some understanding on working on OPT and finding the right employer for OPT.

Students must bear in mind that not all the OPT employers in US sponsor H-1B. They may contact the HR of the company to know if they sponsor H-1B.

They must do some long-term career planning and find out the employers, who can sponsor H-1B after the completion of OPT.

Sometimes the employer can sponsor an H-1B if they find the candidate completely suitable for position in the company and their experience/skill cannot be replaced by a US citizen. So, it’s important to be good in the employer’s eyes always.

You must have an active relationship with your HR manager, so that you know if you stand any chance of getting an H-1B sponsorship from your current OPT employer. The same holds true if you are looking for a Green Card.

If you’re looking for an OPT STEM extension, then you must first know the status of your employer. Your Employer must be an E-verified company, to sponsor an OPT STEM extension for another 17 months.

If you are applying for OPT STEM extension, then you can have 120 days grace or unemployment period. That implies that USCIS recommends to apply for STEM not more than 90 days before OPT expiry date and no later than 120 days of the current OPT date.