How O1DMatch Helps OPT Holders Transition to O-1 Visas

The OPT Challenge: Great Talent, Limited Options

For international students on OPT, the job search comes with a unique frustration: countless employers want your talent but don't want to deal with visa paperwork. The H-1B lottery feels like a gamble, and many companies simply won't consider candidates who need sponsorship.

O1DMatch changes this equation entirely.

How O1DMatch Works for OPT Holders

Step 1: Interest Letters Without the Visa Hassle

O1DMatch connects you with employers who are specifically looking to hire foreign nationals—but don't want to file visas themselves. Through our platform, you gather interest letters from employers in your field who value your skillset.

Here's what makes this powerful: these employers understand that they don't have to be involved in the visa process for you to work for them.

Step 2: OPT First, O-1 Next

For students currently on OPT, your school's international student office facilitates the initial work authorization. The employer handles payroll and day-to-day employment—they just don't file visa paperwork.

The beauty? OPT holders don't wait for government approval like O-1 applicants. You just need the okay from your school, and you're working.

Step 3: The Same Interest Letter Powers Your O-1

Here's where it gets strategic: that same interest letter you used for OPT can go directly into your O-1 application.

When you're ready to transition to O-1 status, all those employers who wrote interest letters become eligible employers under your agent-based petition. They don't file an H-1B. They don't file anything. You already have authorization to work for them.

Why O1DMatch Beats Traditional Job Boards

Traditional job boards aren't built for visa-seeking talent. You waste time applying to companies that ghost you the moment they see "requires sponsorship."

O1DMatch is different:

• Purpose-built marketplace for international talent and visa-friendly employers
• Proper legal language in every interest letter—crafted by world-class O-1 visa attorneys
• Employers who understand the agent-based model (or quickly learn through our education platform)
• No miscommunication about visa responsibilities

This platform was built by attorneys who have secured visas for some of the top athletes in the world—the same expertise now available to you.

The Bottom Line

If you're on OPT and worried about what comes next, O1DMatch offers a clear path:

1. Get interest letters from multiple employers
2. Work under OPT with your school's authorization
3. Use those same letters to build your O-1 petition
4. Maintain work authorization without depending on any single employer

Your talent deserves opportunities. O1DMatch removes the visa barrier.

How It Works For Talent Interest Letters Explained