Optional Practical Training (OPT) (F-1 Student Visas)

OPT Information

Students who have F-1 status are given the opportunity to gain up to one full-year (12 months) of off-campus employment authorization for each higher level of college / university education completed. U.S. work permission, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), is meant to allow students to gain practical experience that is related to their major field of study. Students in STEM may be eligible for a 24 month extension of OPT. Please speak to your School’s International Student resource representatives to learn more about what your unique requirements and eligibility are and how you can fulfill OPT requirements through a position at THRIVE Lifeline.

Clarify with your school, and then with THRIVE, whether you are seeking part time (up to 20 hours per week) or full time (21 - 40 hours per week).
More information about OPT for F-1 students can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

THRIVE Lifeline Opportunities

THRIVE Lifeline can currently support OPT employment opportunities in the following areas:

Psychology / Sociology
Communication / Social Media
Graphic Design
Web Development
Business Development

Applying to THRIVE Lifeline

In order to apply to THRIVE Lifeline, please complete our volunteer application.

On the Info and Demographics page, please click “Yes” on the question that asks whether you have visa requirements for volunteering with us.
In the next question, you will be asked to detail the visa requirements. Please let us know:
- Whether you are seeking part time or full time
- What opportunity area you are interested in
- The start and end dates that you are available to work
We will schedule a meeting with you after reviewing your application and references, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@thrivelifeline.org.