1. Who can apply?

First, you must be an international student in the US with a valid F-1 visa. For an OPT, you must have completed at least nine months of full-time academic study or have already graduated with a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree, or will complete soon. For the STEM program, you can only apply if you are already completing your OPT and your course of studies is eligible to apply for STEM extension. Please consult the Designated School Official at your university or college to find out, whether you are eligible to apply for STEM.

2. Where does my OPT/ STEM come from?

Your OPT and the STEM are granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The DSO at your particular school or university must submit a recommendation for OPT/ STEM authorization to the USCIS first. Then, you will have to send in your application no later than 30 days after that recommendation is made. USCIS will inform you once your application has been approved. Typically, your DSO can be found through the university/college department that serves international students.

3. Do I really need permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to do my OPT or STEM?

Yes! It is illegal for non-citizens to work in this country without proper authorization from the USCIS. Working without proper authorization can cause serious problems for you in your future. So make sure you follow the OPT/ STEM process properly to insure your stay here can run smoothly and is legal.

4. How long does the application process take?

You should register with InternScout three to four months prior to the date you want to start your OPT or STEM. USCIS usually takes 60 to 90 days to process all requests for OPT/ STEM authorization, so make sure you allow yourself ample time. Ideally, you should submit your registration with Internscout at the same time you submit the required documentation to USCIS.

5. Who supports me with the visa process?

Your DSO will help you with the registration process for your OPT or STEM at USCIS.

6. How does InternScout support me in getting an OPT placement?

InternScout has a very extensive network of companies, non-profit organizations, and government institutions located across the United States. From this resource we can identify companies and organizations that will best fit your specific needs. We will also help you create job and video applications, research suitable companies and positions, schedule interviews and provide you with information about prospective companies so that you can better inform yourself of potential employment offers. We will also assist you in completing the relevant paperwork which you can submit to your DSO upon request.

7. What OPT/ STEM positions are available through InternScout?

InternScout can offer a variety of OPT or STEM positions in virtually all fields and all regions of the country. Please note that your OPT/ STEM must be conducted in a field directly related to your major studies and provide us with requested information, that we can identify the best possible companies and organizations to fit your profile and individual needs perfectly.

8. Are these training positions paid or unpaid?

The OPT and STEM positions are paid to help you covering your living expenses. We will work with you individually to explain options based on your unique case.

9. In what regions are training positions available?

OPT and STEM positions are available across the United States in a variety of companies. If your preference is to stay in the region in which you are attending or have attended school, we can narrow our search down to that specific location. However if you are interested in relocating in order to explore a new area of this vast country, we have opportunities available in the regions of your choice.

10. Can InternScout guarantee a placement?

InternScout treats every case individually based on needs and preferences. In our years of placement experience, we have never encountered a case where placement was impossible. Our professionalism and extensive network of interested companies virtually guarantees you will be placed in a company that matches your specific area of study. We are confident in our ability to place you in a company that will suit you needs. If, however, for some reason we are unable to place you, we will refund 100% of the fees you have paid.

11. How long in advance do I need to apply with InternScout?

It is strongly recommended that you register with InternScout at least three to four months before you wish to begin your OPT or STEM to allow us sufficient time to find the right position for you.

12. What justifies the costs of the placement program?

The cost of the placement program covers:

	Locating the perfect OPT or STEM company and position for you
	Preparing your individual application documents and videos
	Scheduling of and preparation for interviews
	Providing important contracts and documents to use with your school, USCIS and your new company
	Helping you find and organize suitable housing accommodations
	The peace of mind you will get from having your own InternScout Program Coordinator who is dedicated to your case and your unique needs and issues as they arise
	Personal support before, during, and after your OPT or STEM.

13. Who can I contact if I have problems during my OPT/ STEM?

InternScout and your personal Program Coordinator will be available to consult and support you during all stages of your OPT or STEM. We are here to answer questions, deal with any problems that may arise, offer advice on housing, flights, and insider city information.

14. Will InternScout help me with finding accommodation?

InternScout can help you find suitable housing in the city of your choice, as well as the type of accommodation you desire. We can offer advice on housing based on what is available (houses, apartments, shared housing, student housing, sublets, etc.) as well as pricing. We can help research your housing options so that you are better informed about where you want to live, as well as the details of the city or town in which you will reside.

15. If necessary, will InternScout provide my future host company and me with a professional OPT/ STEM contract?

InternScout will provide assistance in all organizational aspects of the OPT or STEM application process. This includes providing you with several sample contracts which you are free to use. Contracts available include those between you and your OPT/ STEM company, as well as between you, your company, and your college or university. By providing these contracts we can save you, as well as your company and university, the time and hassle of drafting their own contracts.

16. What about health insurance?

InternScout offers its very own comprehensive health insurance plan for a very affordable price. Our insurance for your stay abroad is especially designed for young and active students and professionals, who want to work and study abroad. We offer the benefit of four types of insurance for the price of one: health insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance, and baggage insurance, plus assistance services, all for as little as $1.80 per day.