Q: What is the duration of OPT employment authorization: A: the initial post-completion period for which students can apply is 12 months, less any OPT time used pre-completion. The requested employment start date must be between the end of program date, and 60 days later.: F-1 students who have been enrolled in legal status for a minimum of nine months are eligible for up to twelve (12) months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
Educational Requirements for Mental Health Counselors. In order to become a licensed mental health counselor in most states, a master's degree is required. Schools offer master's degrees in counseling, psychology and other related mental health fields.
Counselors must earn a four-year undergraduate degree, and typically a masterâs degree, in order to begin their practice. A bachelorâs degree in most fields is acceptable to enter the required masterâs level program afterward.