OPT Program

Internships, Work and Visa Opportunities

GSC works with students and their families in pursuing internship and work opportunities, as well as opportunities in a few cases to apply for an H1-B Visa. GSC also works with a team of lawyers who can provide legal counsel in the H1-B process or the EB-5 Immigration Process.

Optional Practical Training

The GSC Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program provides international students on an F-1 Visa assistance securing an internship or paid professional employment during or upon completion of their degree program at a US university.

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization given by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for international students studying on an F-1 visa. Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students provides practical, professional experience that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. It is an excellent way to gain invaluable work experience, build professional networks, and develop useful skills that cannot be taught in the classroom.

In order to be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), an F-1 student must have been enrolled in a degree program for a full academic year, and have valid F-1 status at the time of application.

F-1 students are eligible for twelve (12) months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be extended by an additional seventeen (17) months if the field of study is in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics – STEM OPT.

About the Program

The GSC Optional Practical Training (OPT) placement program works with students to help them find employment or internships, providing eligible students on an F-1 visa professional work experience that is relevant to their degree.

Why Participate?

• Gain 12-29 months experience in your field
• Work at a US company, school or non-profit
• Build professional networks
• Develop useful skills that can only be learned in the field
• Secure extra income
• Provide time to find potential employer willing to sponsor you for an H1-B Visa

International students with a qualifying resume and academic background who join GSC’s OPT program are often offered American internship opportunities with USA companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in GSC’s OPT program?
F-1 students who have applied or are going to apply for Optional Practical.

What counts as employment?
Immigration has provided many options to satisfy the employment requirements including paid, unpaid, and volunteer work related to students’ fields of study.

How long will it take to find an internship?
The GSC placement process typically takes two to five months so it is very important to apply well in advance.

What types of OPT internships are available?
GSC OPT team finds professional internships across many fields, including finance, accounting, education and engineering. Employment placements must be directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.

What types of companies host GSC OPT students?
GSC OPT partners with small to medium-sized businesses, start-ups, and non-profit organizations.

How do I start?
Contact GSC OPT today at info@globalstudyconnections.com!

Student Testimonies

After earning my Master’s degree in education I had a difficult time finding a place who would sponsor my OPT. Thanks to Global Study Connections I was able to find an appropriate placement using my educational degree and skills and working with international students.

Name: Vivien ZHAO
Country: China
Field: Education

While I had an undergraduate degree and an earned Master’s degree in the area of accounting and business I had a difficult time finding a company willing to offer me a paid internship in my field.   I needed an internship that paid me a small salary so I could meet my living expenses while I worked for a US company. Global Study Connections found the perfect match and even helped me through the H1-B process.

Name: Hae Jin LEE
Country: S. Korea
Field: Accounting