F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)


Are you an international F1 visa student and searching for a paid practical training position in the U.S.A.?

Our optional practical training program for F1 visa student will provide you the opportunity to gain hands on experience as a foundation for a career in hospitality. Learn to enhance customer service skills and food and beverage knowledge plus experience and enjoy living and working in the USA!

Hospitality Placements USA offers F1 OPT full time positions for up to 12 months. All placements are paid and are available in our 4-star partner hotels and resorts located in cities across the US. We partner with renown Hotel Brands such as; Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton and other Luxury and Boutique Collection Hotels plus MANY more!

Our service includes:

  • Professional Resume tailored to the USA Hospitality Industry
  • Video Introduction presented to our hotel partners
  • Market resume/ video to our hotel partners and coordinate virtual interviews
  • Negotiate employment offer and provide offer letter and required documents from the employer
  • Access to tax refund services that will assist you in filing your taxes and claiming any portion of the taxes paid in the U.S. that are due back to you
  • Support for duration of OPT employment

HPUSA also offers our placement services to US residents and citizens seeking paid practical training opportunities to supplement their university studies.

Smiling young woman holding a blank notebook, showcasing enthusiasm for opportunities in the U.S. hospitality industry through the F1 OPT program.

Eligibility and Benefits(OPT)


To be eligible for the OPT for international students you must…

  • Hold a valid F-1 Student Visa and pursue a Bachelors, Masters or Doctoral degree program.
  • Have written approval from your University to do a pre or post-completion OPT program
  • Complete and submit required documentation by the US Government and your University
  • Seek training employment related to your area of study

The benefits for F1 visa student who choose the OPT Program are priceless…

  • Spend up to 12 months working in the US luxury hospitality industry
  • Gain practical training in major field of study and earn money all at the same time
  • Gain real-world job skills and career contacts
  • Improve your English and your confidence
  • Explore new places and learn about the American culture and way of life
  • Access to HPUSA Facebook Community and Alumni Group
Getting started graphic for J-1 cultural exchange program, highlighting Step 1 with a checkmark icon.

You will learn about the program by reading HPUSA website information. Complete the HPUSA Online Application and Resume and HPUSA will review your resume and other required documents to confirm eligibility. You will be able to ask us any questions you have while you’re working on completing your online application and uploading any required documents.

Step 2 graphic illustrating the J-1 cultural exchange program application process for Hospitality Placements USA (HPUSA).

We will begin marketing your resume and scheduling Skype webcam interviews with potential hotel employers.

Step 3 of the J-1 cultural exchange program application process, indicating completion of participant confirmation and terms.

Upon receiving a paid position offer, we will provide you with the offer details and an official offer letter.

Step 4 graphic, indicating completion of a stage in the HPUSA OPT application process, featuring a checkmark symbol and emphasizing progression in securing a paid position in the U.S. hospitality industry.

You will report your new job to the international office at your university and begin your employment for the duration of your OPT period.

Ready to start your OPT journey now?


We are eager to assist you secure a paid OPT placement in the USA. HPUSA will help you every step of the way to ensure your OPT employment is enjoyable and a once in a lifetime experience.