Secure your post-graduation OPT while building a better world!
At OPT for Humanity, we connect graduating international students with local charities or social impact organizations willing to freely sponsor students’ Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs in roles related to their majors.
Numerous win-win opportunities exist between international graduates and the social impact sector.
International students bring global perspectives, linguistic talent, and real-world expertise which can help charities and other impact organizations to better serve their communities. Meanwhile, these organizations can help students maintain status in the United States after graduation.
Considering filing for a STEM-OPT extension? OPT for Humanity has options!
Many of our partners also accept STEM-OPT extension, since it only involves minimal additional paperwork and supervisory requirements. When you reach out to us, please let us know if you’re currently seeking an OPT extension role.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) has allowed volunteer work for years but few colleges are aware of the opportunity.
International students often approach graduation worried about whether they’ll be able to secure an OPT employer, yet USCIS has long allowed volunteer work, a middle path where new graduates can begin their OPT experience with local charities while continuing to search for paid roles.
Our impact metrics
Over 1.5 million non-profit organizations exist in the United States, comprising approximately 15% of the world’s charities. Meanwhile, the US hosts over 1 million international students. For many years, these numbers have had little to do with one another, but that ends today.
1M
Over 1 million international students currently study in the United States, hailing from all nations.
2X
OPT for Humanity seeks to double the amount of these students who successfully achieve OPT positions.
100%
By adding to the volunteer pool of social impact organizations across the US, we hope that everyone will have the staff they need!
How it works
In exchange for OPT sponsorship, you simply conduct part-time, remote volunteer work from the comfort of your own home, empowering local change-makers to better serve the community and build a better world. Meanwhile, you can continue your job search, start your own business, or otherwise pursue your American dream, confident that your immigration status is secure.
The matching process
To match with a charity or social impact organization, you can begin by sending us a resume that includes your major, language(s) spoken, and graduation date at grads@opt4humanity.org.
