F-1选修实习（Optional Practical Training，简称OPT）是美国F-1签证持有人的一项就业授权计划，允许有资格的国际学生在完成学业后在其专业领域获得实际工作经验。以下是F-1 OPT的详细解释：

  1. 资格条件： 在美国SEVP认可的教育机构完成至少一年（两个学期）的全日制学习的F-1学生有资格申请OPT。他们必须在完成学业之前（对于大多数学生来说是毕业前）或完成学业后的60天内申请。
  2. 持续时间： F-1学生有资格获得最多12个月的标准OPT。在某些科学、技术、工程和数学（STEM）领域的学生在完成最初12个月的OPT后可能有资格获得为期24个月的STEM OPT延期。
  3. 申请流程： 申请OPT，F-1学生必须与所在教育机构的指定学校官员（Designated School Official，简称DSO）合作。DSO将发放一张带有OPT推荐的新I-20表格，并更新SEVIS记录。然后学生必须向美国公民和移民服务局（USCIS）提交I-765表格（工作许可申请表）以及所需的文件和费用。
  4. 开始日期和就业： F-1学生只能在获得来自USCIS的就业授权文件（Employment Authorization Document，简称EAD）并且经批准的OPT开始日期已经到来后开始OPT工作。OPT工作可以在学年期间为兼职（每周20小时或更少），在学校正式休息期或完成学业后为全职。
  5. 报告要求： 在OPT期间，F-1学生必须在10天内向DSO报告他们的就业详情以及住址或雇主的任何变更。未能遵守这些报告要求可能会导致OPT被终止。
  6. 失业期： 在12个月的OPT期间，F-1学生被允许最多失业90天。获得为期24个月的STEM OPT延期的学生在24个月的STEM OPT期间还允许额外失业60天。
  7. STEM OPT延期： 符合条件的STEM领域学生在完成最初12个月的OPT后可以申请为期24个月的OPT延期。STEM OPT延期允许获得额外的24个月工作授权，总共为36个月的OPT。

总之，F-1选修实习（OPT）为国际学生提供了宝贵的机会，在完成在美国的学业后获得与专业相关的实际工作经验。学生必须遵循申请程序、报告要求和失业规定，以确保OPT经验的成功和合规性。

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment authorization program for F-1 visa holders in the United States, which allows eligible international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study after completing their academic program. Here is a detailed explanation of F-1 OPT:

  1. Eligibility: F-1 students who have completed at least one academic year (two semesters) of full-time study at a SEVP-approved educational institution in the United States are eligible to apply for OPT. They must apply before completing their academic program (before graduation for most students) or within 60 days of completing their program.
  2. Duration: F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of standard OPT. Students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing their initial 12 months of OPT.
  3. Application Process: To apply for OPT, F-1 students must work with their Designated School Official (DSO) at their educational institution. The DSO will issue a new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation and update the SEVIS record. The student must then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the required documents and fee.
  4. Start Date and Employment: F-1 students can start their OPT employment only after they receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and their approved OPT start date has begun. OPT employment can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) during the academic year and full-time during official school breaks or after completing the academic program.
  5. Reporting Requirements: During the OPT period, F-1 students must report their employment details and any changes in their residential address or employer to their DSO within 10 days. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may lead to the termination of OPT.
  6. Unemployment Period: F-1 students on post-completion OPT are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during their 12-month OPT period. Students who have received the 24-month STEM OPT extension are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment during the 24-month STEM OPT period.
  7. STEM OPT Extension: Students in eligible STEM fields can apply for a 24-month OPT extension after completing their initial 12 months of OPT. The STEM OPT extension allows for an additional 24 months of work authorization, totaling 36 months of OPT in total.

In conclusion, F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides valuable opportunities for international students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study after completing their academic program in the United States. Students must follow the application procedures, reporting requirements, and unemployment rules to ensure a successful and compliant OPT experience.