OPT: Optional Practical Training Global Engagement Office Susan Peters, International Student Advisor Lisa Fabiny, International Student Advisor Sarah Bonnel, International Student & Scholar Advisor Garay Menicucci, Director of International Students & Scholars / Global Engagement Office

What you can expect of this workshop:  Sign-in for a follow-up  Who is here?  General Introduction to OPT  How to Apply for OPT  Q & A Session –Save your questions to the end please! –And nothing personal! Global Engagement Office

What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?  Benefit and continuation of F-1 Status  Sponsored by SCU not the Employer –You don’t need a job to apply.  Derivative work authorization based on the completion of a qualifying academic program.  12 months (per successive degree) + STEM extension  Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) vs. I-20  USCIS is the issuing government agency  The practical training must be related to your field of study Global Engagement Office

EAD Card Sample Global Engagement Office

Who is eligible?  Graduating F-1 Students, seeking employment in their field of study.  Who have properly Maintained F-1 Status  Must have 3 consecutive quarters of Full Time Enrollment* –CoS students may need to submit extra documents.  IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are doing final quarter CPT, you cannot apply for OPT until you have your CPT I-20. Global Engagement Office

What could cause delays or denial? IssueCause Ineligible Failed to meet legal criteria Prior OPT at same degree level >12 months of FULL TIME CPT Rejection Improper filing: Missing checks, signatures, mailed to the wrong office etc Delay Typos and Government Errors Request for Evidence (RFE) Procedural issues: Photos, Signature CPT CPT in final quarter – logistical filing concerns Too much CPT Not adhering to the work hour requirements of CPT Maintenance of Status concerns Unauthorized employment Irregularities in your SEVIS history, including in appropriate travel, Reduced Course Loads Denial Ineffective RFE response Filing without a valid I-20 Filing if ineligible Global Engagement Office

OPT Timing Considerations Global Engagement Office Program End Date Filing Period Start Date Processing Time Months Unemployment Clock 90 Days 60 Days 1 Day Once your card is valid, your unemployment clock starts. You cannot start working until you have a valid EAD Card in hand

How to Apply for OPT  Attend an OPT workshop –Good job so far!  Complete Degree Completion / OPT Request Form –Signed by you and your advisor –Make sure you’re ready!  Prepare your OPT Application Package  Schedule and attend your OPT appointment –ONE appointment / Calendar is in PST  Collect your new I-20 from our office  Send your application to USCIS –Use Courier Service (FedEx!) –On file within 30 days of I-20 issuance Global Engagement Office

OPT Application Package Tips  Cover Letter (use the template)  $380 Check  Passport Photos  Form I-765  New I-20 (issued after your appointment)  Copies of Supporting Documents –All prior I-20s –I-797 Approval (CoS sutdents) –I-94 –Passport biodata and visa pages  Clear, single sided, no staples, 8 ½ X 11 paper Global Engagement Office

Form I-765 Global Engagement Office Sign above the line!

After the appointment  We will you to collect your brand new I-20  We can review the application on more time, if necessary.  USCIS must receive your OPT Application within 30 days of I-20 issuance  Copy everything for your records  Send the package out (via FedEx) Global Engagement Office

Once your case has been mailed  Receipt Notice –7-10 days –Check for typos –Track your case online / sign up for USCIS alerts  Contact ISS if you have any questions  Do not contact the government directly  Legally able to stay while it’s pending  The case will be pending for about 90 days  No travel while the case is pending (strong recommendation)  Can’t work until you have your card in hand and it is valid Global Engagement Office

Once your case is approved  3-4 months after you file, you get an approval notice and your official OPT EAD Card in the mail –Check for typos or errors (contact ISS if you find any) –Upload card to our OPT Reporting Portal  You may not exceed 90 days of unemployment (aggregate)  You are required to report to our office –Employment details via OPT Reporting Portal –Changes to Home Address via eCampus  STEM OPT Extension (90 days before expiration)  Travel is possible, but complex. Don’t leave without talking to everyone involved.  Benefit from our expertise while you can!  Think critically about H-1B sponsorship Global Engagement Office

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. Global Engagement Office