F-1 OPT students in Mechanical Engineering (automotive, aerospace) earn an average of $75,000–$120,000 per year. This guide covers remittance options with OPT income.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation (24 additional months for STEM fields like Mechanical Engineering if it qualifies).
| OPT Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard OPT Duration | 12 months |
| STEM OPT Extension | Yes — 24 months |
| Average Salary (Mechanical Engineering) | $75,000–$120,000 |
| FICA Tax Exempt | Yes (first 5 years on F-1) |
| Federal Income Tax | Yes (resident or non-resident alien) |
OPT students in Mechanical Engineering typically earn $75,000–$120,000. Entry-level roles start lower, while experienced candidates command the higher end.
Yes. OPT students can freely send money abroad. Use Wise for competitive exchange rates — you save significantly vs. bank wire transfers.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period of authorized work experience in the US for F-1 international students. OPT allows you to work for up to 12 months in a role directly related to your field of study. Students in STEM fields may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of total work authorization.
During OPT, you are responsible for managing your own finances without the institutional support of a university. Understanding your salary, banking, taxes, and eventual H1B transition is critical.
| Milestone | Timeline | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| OPT start date | Day 1 | Open US bank account, set up direct deposit |
| First paycheck | Week 2–3 | Verify FICA exemption, check withholding |
| 90-day unemployment limit | Ongoing | Stay employed or risk OPT termination |
| STEM OPT application | 90 days before OPT expiry | File I-983 with employer, apply for extension |
| H1B lottery | April each year | Employer files H1B cap petition |
| H1B start date | October 1 | Transition from F-1/OPT to H1B status |
A key financial benefit of OPT: F-1 students on OPT are generally exempt from FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare — 7.65% of gross pay) for the first 5 calendar years in the US. This means your take-home pay is higher on OPT than it will be after transitioning to H1B status.
Ensure your employer applies the FICA exemption correctly. If your employer withholds FICA incorrectly, you can claim a refund by filing Form 843 with the IRS.
Many OPT workers send money home to support family. International transfers are straightforward from US bank accounts or dedicated money transfer apps.
Yes — OPT allows up to 40 hours per week of work during your authorized period. However, the work must be directly related to your field of study. During pre-completion OPT (while still enrolled), you are limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
OPT workers pay federal and state income tax like any other worker, but are typically exempt from FICA (Social Security and Medicare) for up to 5 calendar years as F-1 non-residents. File Form 1040-NR for your annual tax return. Many universities offer Sprintax or similar NRA tax software at a discount.
On H1B, FICA taxes (7.65%) become applicable, reducing your take-home pay. Your resident alien tax status may also change, which affects available deductions. Plan for this change in your budget. The upside: H1B gives you more employment flexibility and starts your green card clock.
Yes. Most major US banks accept F-1/OPT status for account opening. You will typically need your passport, I-20, EAD card, and a US address. Some banks may also require an ITIN or SSN — apply for your SSN as soon as you begin working on OPT.