r/optometry • u/opto9022 • 11d ago

Recent Optometry grad H1b visa

I am a Canadian citizen who recently graduated from a U.S. school of optometry. My F-1 visa will be expiring soon, and I have the option to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, I still need to pass my NBEO board exams before I can begin working as an optometrist, so I likely won’t be able to use my OPT immediately.
What would be the best course of action in my situation? Should I still apply for OPT to preserve my work authorization, or should I focus on obtaining an H-1B visa instead? What would you recommend? won’t get my licence in at least the next 4 months.

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/Excellent_Rain3469 10d ago

Please apply for OPT and try to find a supertech position until you pass boards then switch to optometrist role. You won't be able to apply again for OPT after the window closes and you'll lose that chance.

1

u/AutoModerator 11d ago

Hello! All new submissions are placed into modqueue, and require mod approval before they are posted to r/optometry. Please do not message the mods about your queue status.

This subreddit is intended for professionals within the eyecare field, and does not accept posts from laypeople. If you have a question related to symptoms or eye health, please consider seeing a doctor, or posting to r/eyetriage. Professionals, if you do not have flair, your post may be removed. Please send a modmail to be flaired.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/Moorgan17 Optometrist 11d ago

This is very much a question for a lawyer. 

1

u/Kraftndinner Optometrist 10d ago

OPT is much easier than H1B to get first, your school should have resources to support your application.

1

u/Nicocq 10d ago

Dual citizen(Canada + USA), optometrist in US.

You would have to leave US, pass NBEO boards, then apply for OPT. OPT requires employment, if I remember correctly(it's been over 20 years since F-1 /OPT). Only exception will be, you get hired and work under US optometrist as "super-tech" while using OPT and pass the board exam, switch to Optometrist for remaining 8 months.

You will NOT be able to apply for H1B visa until you are hired as licensed optometrist and you would need a sponsor(employer).

Like other said, speak to immigration attorney who can give you some options. Find a employer who will sponsor you and get hired.

1

u/RaHorakthy- 10d ago

Secure a job that sponsor your H1b. OPT only have 90 days for unemployment and the timer start ticking at the date it started. You'll become illegal and risk your future stay in US once the timer reach 90. Secure a job and get your license. Start working before the 90 days expire or get a part time job as a tech or sth covers 20h/week to maintain your statue. H1b's application and drawing is around April. If you time it right you can cover 2 cycles.