CPT, OPT & Your Career: What to Say in Your Visa Interview

The US student visa application process has faced much disruption of late, with changes in the app submission process and pauses in appointment scheduling to introduce social media vetting adding more stress to the already complex journey of an international student.

As a prospective student, you’ve spent countless months researching school options, preparing your application materials, and gathering your finances. You’ve even managed to obtain one of those elusive visa appointment slots, but the final interview step could make or break your dream of studying abroad. Specifically, the F1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa for the primary purpose of education, but you fully intend to look for an internship and post-graduation employment in the US. 

So how do you genuinely reconcile these two concepts in your visa interview to avoid the dreaded “intent to immigrate” denial?

As you prepare for your interview, consider these three key points if asked about your employment goals:

CPT and OPT exist only within the F1 framework

• Emphasize that the roles you’ll be looking for are training opportunities to further enhance your academic experience
• Provide examples of internships and post-graduation jobs obtained by alumni from your university that are clearly relevant to your course of study
• Reiterate that, since CPT and OPT are already included as part of the F1 visa, you won’t require further sponsorship by a US company
   

Roles based in the US provide experience that can’t be achieved at home

• Explain that working in a US environment allows you to bring the American perspective back to your teams and organizations, which is highly valuable in today’s global economy
• Give concrete examples of companies based specifically in the US where you’d like to gain experience
   

Gaining professional experience in the US can lead to better career opportunities back home

• Have examples ready of the kinds of companies and roles you want to work for back home
• Be prepared to articulate how US experience will make you a more attractive candidate for those roles
   

Students denied a visa for “intent to immigrate” often are unable to clearly articulate how gaining work experience in the US supports their desire to return home. But remember, the opportunity for US-based employment through CPT and OPT is a legally provided part of the visa and student experience! 

Prepare for your interview keeping these tips in mind to improve your likelihood of visa approval so that you can take the next steps in your journey.