As an international student, you may find yourself navigating many unique experiences far from home. From acing your courses to managing your international student loans, there’s a whirlwind of tasks to juggle. One of the more exciting opportunities to look into while studying abroad in the U.S. or Canada is work permits — the optional practical training (OPT) and post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
These permits can enhance your practical experience and set you on an exciting career path. But what exactly are OPT and PGWP? This guide will help you take the next step on your international academic journey.
What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional practical training (OPT) is a form of work permit that allows international students on F-1 visas in the U.S to work in their field of study. It’s designed to give you practical training complementary to your academic learning.
OPT is like that practical lab session which finally lets you apply the theories you’ve learned in your lectures, but in a real-world, professional setting. If you’re an F-1 student, you’re eligible to apply for a period of 12 months of OPT employment authorization.
You’ll be able to gain work experience in your field of study even before you become a full-time professional. With OPT, this becomes more than just wishful thinking. It offers you the experience, the practical skills, and a degree of financial freedom that can help in managing expenses and, more importantly, set the stage for a successful career in your chosen field.
The Application Process for OPT
Filing an application for OPT might seem complicated initially, but it’s more straightforward than you might think. Start with a recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO). Once you secure this, fill out the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, alongside the requisite fees.
After submitting your documents to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the waiting game begins. With an average processing span of 90-120 days, patience becomes your virtue. Upon approval, you’ll receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is a green light to start your work experience.
What Is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
Canada’s Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is similar to the U.S. OPT. This work permit is granted to international students who have completed a program of study that lasted at least eight months at a participating Canadian post-secondary institution.
Think of PGWP as the key to Canada’s professional market. With this work permit, you can work anywhere in Canada and change employers whenever you like. The duration of the work permit might extend up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
PGWP is an avenue to accumulate Canadian work experience, which could eventually serve as a pathway to permanent Canadian residency.
The Application Process for PGWP
To apply for PGWP, you need to provide a copy of your passport, evidence of your study program completion, and a legal document of your identity, along with the application form available on the Government of Canada’s official website.
What’s the Difference Between OPT and PGWP?
While OPT and PGWP both offer the fantastic opportunity to gain work experience post-study, they have subtle differences. OPT is applicable for international students studying in the U.S., while PGWP is for those graduating in Canada.
The maximum duration of OPT is one year, or two years for specific STEM fields. Meanwhile, PGWP can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.
The application process for both is distinct, with OPT requiring approval from USCIS and PGWP from the Canadian immigration authorities. A noteworthy variance is that the PGWP can count toward gaining permanent residency in Canada, an opportunity that OPT does not explicitly provide in the U.S.
Charting the Path to Success With Work Permits
Evolving from an international student managing classrooms and loans to a professional with hands-on job experiences is a hard-won milestone. Work permits like OPT and PGWP are trusty companions in this journey, offering a golden opportunity to gain work experience and transition smoothly from academia to the professional realm.
These work permit programs are potential game-changers, offering a head start on your career and pivotal assistance in managing your finances. Whether you’re seeking the American Dream or the Canadian Experience, understanding and leveraging these work permits can make your journey as an international student a story of success.
