Can I start working before getting OPT?

[collegian 0]

Hello All,

Is there any way I can start working before I get my OPT card? I mean, can work I voluntarily, without getting paid?

Also, I wanted to know if there is any way I can expedite the OPT process? I have a job offer in hand but haven't applied for OPT yet! Is, there any way I can can tell the Immigration Services to expedite my OPT process once I apply for it? Also, the company has asked me to provide the joining date according to the date on which I get my OPT. What date should I give, assuming I apply for OPT tomorrow? Does it invariably take 3 months to get the OPT card? Another question is that can I work on CPT while waiting for OPT?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[canadian_wife 1,822]

No, you cannot work. You can do uncompensated time however. If you want to volunteer, you cannot be paid retroactively for that time (meaning you cannot get paid down the road for work you did as a 'volunteer' because then it is paid work.

You can contact USCIS for an expedite, but apply today. Yes, it can take up to 90 days. The joining date would be the date you are authorized to work in the US - this is the date of your OPT

Good luck

[collegian 0]

No, you cannot work. You can do uncompensated time however. If you want to volunteer, you cannot be paid retroactively for that time (meaning you cannot get paid down the road for work you did as a 'volunteer' because then it is paid work.

You can contact USCIS for an expedite, but apply today. Yes, it can take up to 90 days. The joining date would be the date you are authorized to work in the US - this is the date of your OPT

Good luck

Thanks for the reply. Is there anything called premium processing with regard to OPT?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

not that I know of but contact USCIS to be sure

[Harsh_77 718]

Also another thing I would like to add to what CW said - you cannot volunteer for the company who is your potential employeer and term that as vouleenter work, but if you want to work for salvation army or some humanitarin group without pay would be considered as volunteer service.

I dont think there is any such thing as expedited processing for OPT.

Other question if you can do CPT?

It would depend on if you have graduated from school or not.

[collegian 0]

Also another thing I would like to add to what CW said - you cannot volunteer for the company who is your potential employeer and term that as vouleenter work, but if you want to work for salvation army or some humanitarin group without pay would be considered as volunteer service.

I dont think there is any such thing as expedited processing for OPT.

Other question if you can do CPT?

It would depend on if you have graduated from school or not.

Thanks for the reply! I have not yet graduated from school. Can I get my CPT and start working while I wait on my OPT? I mean can I work for about a month on CPT, graduate, wait for OPT and then start working on OPT?

Edited February 3, 2011 by collegian

[Harsh_77 718]

Check with your schools international office as they will have to approve u for CPT and normally you still have to attend school while you are working on CPT, so its only part time that you are allowed to work on CPT.

[collegian 0]

Check with your schools international office as they will have to approve u for CPT and normally you still have to attend school while you are working on CPT, so its only part time that you are allowed to work on CPT.

Thanks once again! I had two more questions: 1) Can an employer apply H1-B for me while I am on CPT and waiting for OPT?

2) Does a Pre-Completion OPT automatically get converted to a Post Completion one once I complete my duration of study or I need to re-apply?

[Harsh_77 718]

CPT will be between your semester and OPT will be after you graduate from school.

So I dont know if any employeer would be willing to file a H1B for you while you are still in school and have not completed your degree. If your question is can you file it then answer is yes, would it get approved chances are slim.

I am not sure what you are trying to ask in the second section.

[collegian 0]

CPT will be between your semester and OPT will be after you graduate from school.

So I dont know if any employeer would be willing to file a H1B for you while you are still in school and have not completed your degree. If your question is can you file it then answer is yes, would it get approved chances are slim.

I am not sure what you are trying to ask in the second section.

Thanks again!