Finding Visa Sponsors When 90-Day OPT Unemployment Allowance Is Running Out

To learn more about job search strategy for F-1 international students, visit https://www.icaway.com/

In this episode, I’ll share with you the right strategy to look for jobs when your 90-day OPT unemployment allowance is running out.

One important thing that makes International Students’ job search different from domestic students is work authorization.

To be eligible to work after graduation, international students need to apply for their Post-Completion Optional Practical Training or OPT.

Whether you are a STEM or non-STEM student, US federal law limits the period that you can be unemployed when your OPT starts.

The limits are 90 days for post-completion OPT.

It counts both weekdays and weekends.

If you travel outside the U.S. like visiting home, your time spent outside the U.S. also counts as unemployment.

I want to focus on this topic because there has been a lot of career advice out there for international students on social media channels

Recently, a few students of mine shared a post from a social media influencer on Instagram.

This person shared a job search tip for international students who need to find jobs within 90 days

They gave this advice.

Quote Unquote “Put all your effort and time into companies that will actually sponsor your visa”

This is totally misguided.

Be careful of wasting your time by following the advice from content creators out there who do not actually have hands-on experience coaching international students.

They just post the content because you want to hear it and it’s not necessary to be good advice.

With your OPT, remember that you don’t need a company that promises to sponsor you right away.

Your OPT is your work authorization.

You can start working part-time or full-time without sponsorship.

You don’t need to ask for sponsorship right away.

Job hunting within 90 days is a time crunch if you’re not familiar with the US job market.

Even for domestic job candidates who do not have work visa barriers, securing a dream job within 90 days could be challenging.

First, know the options that allow you to stay past the 90-day period.

The term “employed” for your OPT is not as specific as you might think.

First, this employment needs to be related to your field of study.

But whether it is Paid or unpaid job – it doesn’t matter!

As long as the responsibility is related to your major, this employment will help stop the 90-day unemployment allowance clock.

If you cannot find a paid full-time job, look for other options, such as temporary jobs, volunteering positions, or internships that will allow you to remain in the USA.

Maintain your status first and continue your dream job search!

Please always contact your International Student Services Office at your college or university. Your DSO is the person who can approve if the job is compatible with your OPT.

Now, let’s listen to this episode to learn more about how to find jobs within 90 days.

— Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/icaway/support

Do you need help finding your jobs in the U.S.?

We've helped over 200 international students turn a job rejection into a job offer.

90 %
of our students get interviews or job offers
within 3 weeks of finishing the program.

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Coach Kwan
Coach Kwan

I’m here to help you create a game plan, develop a career brand, and establish a networking strategy to land your first job in the U.S.

Search Blog by Typing in a Keyword

Recent Posts

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Quick Links

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Apply Coupon Code '50WIN'

Are Your Graduation Deadlines Fast Approaching?

Get your 7-Day Strategy
to Help You Land Jobs Before Your OPT Starts

Get Help Finding Your Job

Can't Wait to Coach You Soon! The Program Starts in...

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
NOW

Holiday Gift Cards

Helping Your Friends
Land Their Dream Jobs

Today's The Last Day

Get Help
Finding Your
CPT, OPT, H-1B Jobs

Introducing

“Lift as We Climb”

Webinar: Getting Your First Job in the U.S.

Free Webinar
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Join Our
Last Enrollment
Of 2021

Ends In

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Webinar-ICAway

Fill in the form below
to watch [Land Your Dream Job] Webinar Series