- By Anshika Verma
- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
What is OPT: The OPT is considered as the ‘Operational Practical Training and it provides real-work experiences for those students who are living in the United States, also serves as a pathway for long-term goals. Through OPT, students gain access to the world's most dynamic workplaces, understand the importance of working in a team, building global professional networks, and making them ready for future challenges.
Check out below mentioned seven key factors that every Indian student should know about OPT in 2025:
1. OPT offers real-life US work experience: The Optional Practical Training program (OPT) provides international students on F-1 visas and allows them to apply their classroom knowledge in professional environments to gain practical experience and knowledge. They will understand the working culture of the teams and gain cultural and professional immersion.
2. Up to 3 years of OPT for eligible programmes: The students must have a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to be eligible. The Optional Practical Training will be extended beyond the first 12 months. If they have an extension in STEM, they will be eligible to work in the United States for 3 years after their graduation.
3. Silicon valley as a career launchpad: There are various career opportunities for Operational Practical Training, OPT participants across the country, Silicon Valley continues to be the hub of innovation and entrepreneurship for students. There are several startups that are offering exposure, practical knowledge, cutting-edge projects for a better future.
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4. Career support and employer connections matter: Beyond obtaining work authorisation, Operational Practical Training also grants access to a deeper understanding and great networking which will be useful in future. Students can have access to professional development institutions which are popular for providing career services. This will help you to attain long-term goals.
5. Networking with global professionals: The students in Operational Practical Training work in multidiversional and multicultural working environments where collaboration with the professionals from across the globe is considered as a part of everyday work life. With this, students develop cultural intelligence, professional networks, and problem-solving skills which will help in building a successful career.
6. OPT serves a pathway for future opportunities: The Operational Practical Training serves as a crucial pathway for future opportunities and responsibilities. This often leads to advanced studies or certifications in the United States. This is considered as an initial step towards a long-term visa or global career mobility in the country. Students will be able to build a good and successful career.
7. Myths vs Reality: The OPT Is more accessible than many believe. A common misconception about the Operational Practical Training is that it is difficult to secure or limited to few departments. In reality, OPT is available to all F-1 Indian students who have completed at least one academic year in the United States. Students are advised to do early planning and with the right guidance, they will take the benefit of the OPT process.