OPT questions~~~

[morecokes 0]

Hey guys!!

I have a question regarding OPT and SSN.

I'm currently on a F1, I obtained my SSN two years ago on J1. Then I returned to my home country for two years and then now I came back on F1. I'm starting OPT maybe at end of this year, then do you guys think I need to visit SSA and tell them about it? Since I got my SSN two years ago on J1.

And...once I am in OPT, do you guys think I can work multiple part time jobs at Mcdonald's, Walmart...while also working on a normal job(related to my major)as OPT requires?

thanks guys!

[canadian_wife 1,823]

NO, SSA is for life. It should have 'not valid without work authorization" on it, your EAD for your OPT will suffice

Your job you work for on OPT must be directly related to your degree you earned. Did you earn a degree as a Walmart greeter?

Good luck

[Darnell 8,478]

You realize, yes ?

OPT gives you ONE part time job, related to your major, typically an internship in your field.

Working for McDonalds - USCIS will learn, later, and come find you at your school, invalidate yer visa, hand over to DHS.

[Little_My 464]

Well, it is fairly unlikely that USCIS would show up at anyone's school for working at a non-authorized location while on OPT.. but, it is a violation of your visa. And can seriously hinder your future visits to the US, whether you'd want to come back as a tourist, under a non-immigrant visa, or possibly immigrate here. OPT is "Practical Training" in he field you studied in and graduated from, and that is what it is meant for. Nothing else.

OPT is also not part time, unless you are hired to work part time. You can work full time, or as little or much over full time as you want, and there is nothing regulating how much you can be paid. So just start looking, and hopefully you'll find a good paying job in your own field.

[Boiler 45,672]

McDonald's has a University.

[morecokes 0]

Hey guys!! That's what I thought actually, since OPT means we can only work on a job that is related to our majors. But I'm in a social science and interdisciplinary major, it's pretty broad.

My roommate who's Russian national, is in her OPT, and she works multiple jobs at restaurants and places, as waitress, hostess...

[morecokes 0]

Well, it is fairly unlikely that USCIS would show up at anyone's school for working at a non-authorized location while on OPT.. but, it is a violation of your visa. And can seriously hinder your future visits to the US, whether you'd want to come back as a tourist, under a non-immigrant visa, or possibly immigrate here. OPT is "Practical Training" in he field you studied in and graduated from, and that is what it is meant for. Nothing else.

OPT is also not part time, unless you are hired to work part time. You can work full time, or as little or much over full time as you want, and there is nothing regulating how much you can be paid. So just start looking, and hopefully you'll find a good paying job in your own field.

Well, I have this friend who "accidentally" received his SS card that had NO restrictions on it when he was a student on F1 at Columbia University and he's been using it to work like any American citizen for a couple of years! During which, he changed his visa status a few times, went back to China and returned to US a couple of times...he eve filed his taxes! I meant, isn't filing tax basically telling the IRS:"Hey I am working!" And he's on F1 visa... I suppose his violation is much much more serious than working at mcdonald's during OPT! HAHA~ I'm not saying I'm going to risk it like he's doing though...I'm actually pretty jealous of him!

Edited March 16, 2011 by morecokes

[Boiler 45,672]

There are 10 million ish working illegally, I am sure that some of them have or had F1 Visa's.

IRS want your taxes, ICE will deport you, CBP stop you coming back in.

[canadian_wife 1,823]

There are 10 million ish working illegally, I am sure that some of them have or had F1 Visa's.

IRS want your taxes, ICE will deport you, CBP stop you coming back in.

Totally, is all that worth it for a job at McDonalds?