Overview
Work in a full-time salaried position for up to one year on your student visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT)! OPT is granted through USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and allows students to gain a maximum of 12 months of paid practical work experience, while expanding and enhancing their business experience anywhere in the U.S.
Apply for OPT early in your final quarter of academic study. Our student services staff offers regular information sessions that include details on application procedures, advising, deadlines, and USCIS requirements.
Benefits
- Acquire skill sets vital to your career path
- Continue to use and refine your English skills
- Seek an opportunity for full-time employment
- Enjoy financial rewards
- Network with local employers and professionals
- Work anywhere in the United States
- Enrich future training in graduate or professional school experience (e.g., MBA)
Requirements
Students are eligible for OPT after 9 months of consecutive full-time study, which can be fulfilled by completing one of the following pathways: 3 ACPs or 2 ACPs + 1 Internship. The internship may be completed in either the second or third quarter.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) must be directly related to the student’s final program of study. For example, if the student’s final program of study in an Accelerated Certificate Program + Internship is Business Administration (ACP BA), the student must find employment directly related to Business Administration. The student must be able to explain in writing and in person how the concepts, theories, and skills they learned in ACP BA relates to their work experience. Students should keep this in mind when selecting their ACP enrollment pathway.
