Northwest University International Student Services OPT & Employment Workshop February 13th, 2017

Agenda Overall employment opportunities for F-1 visa holders OPT overview OPT application process -Application -Timeline -Authorization dates OPT scenarios Other OPT information -Nuances and miscellaneous rules -FAQ

There are different employment opportunities available to students on F-1 visas Type On-campus jobs CPT OPT Timing Immediately During school and holidays While you are studying Usually after you have finished your degree Restrictions Job must be on campus Must follow total amount of time required Must be an established part of your program’s curriculum Undergrad – 2 semesters studying prior to CPT Must be approved by USCIS (~90 days) 1 year total unless in math, biology, or environmental science majors Amount 20 hours during school Full-time during summer or holidays Undergrad – 1 semester Grad - Unlimited part-time & 2 semesters of full-time Usually full-time or multiple part-time jobs Application Student job application plus copies of documents 4 CPT-related documents between you, your employer, and NU OPT application (many documents) The job must be related to your program If you are interested in working, please meet with ISS to discuss the steps that you need to take

OPT allows students on F-1 visas to work off-campus in the field of their study General Details: 1 OPT is for 12 months in your field of study OPT can be during or after your program but not both. This presentation will focus on post-completion OPT A job offer is not required You can work anywhere in the US You can change jobs You are still an F-1 student during OPT If you are in a STEM program, you have the option to extend for 2 more years 2 3 4 5 6 7

The application process for OPT can be quite long and detailed University Requirements USCIS Requirements OPT I-20 and copies of all I-20s Form I-765 Copy of passport and visa Copy of I-94 printout Check for $380 to DHS Previous EAD card (if applicable) 2 recent passport photos with your SEVIS ID and name printed in pencil on the back Completed NU OPT Application Degree Audit (See registrar) Student account has been paid Please schedule an hour-long meeting to meet and go through your application OPT I-20 Copies of all previous I-20s at current level Form I-765 Copy of passport and visa Copy of I-94 printout Check for $410 to DHS 2 recent passport photos with your SEVIS ID and name printed in pencil on the back Previous EAD card (if applicable) You will mail the application to USCIS via express mail After submitting, you will receive a receipt from USCIS in 2 weeks and approval in approximately 3 months

Here is a timeline showing the overall OPT process: Communicate with ISS and gather documents Submit application (you have 30 days) Receive approval notice and EAD card (~3 months) OPT Steps 2 3 4 5 6 1 Meet with ISS for 1 hour Receive receipt from USCIS (~2 weeks) Start work and notify ISS about your employer OPT rules while your application is requested/pending: After your OPT I-20 is created, you have 30 days to submit your application to USCIS You cannot start working until you have received your EAD card You cannot work until the start date on your EAD card You cannot travel outside the United States while your OPT is pending OPT applications take approximately 3 months to be approved. Please plan ahead!

Remember, OPT applications take 3 months Remember, OPT applications take 3 months. This is critical when choosing your start and end dates for your OPT Earliest date to apply for OPT Program end date Latest date to apply for OPT Your OPT must end 1 year from this date Grace period Authorization dates: Students choose when their OPT will start/end (12 months maximum) OPT must start sometime within the 60-day grace period unless you submit your application late OPT must end no later than 1 year after the end of your grace period (unless you apply for STEM extension) If you submit your application late, your OPT will be shortened Submit OPT applications early or your OPT may be shortened!

Here are some common student scenarios when applying for OPT Nick is punctual, wise, and wants 1 year of OPT. His I-20 ends June 1st. When should he apply for OPT? Earliest date to apply for OPT Program end date Latest date to apply for OPT Applying early: Allows you to choose exactly when you want to start working Gives the option to have a gap between your program end date and start of OPT Gives you 1 full year of OPT

Here are some common student scenarios when applying for OPT Nick procrastinated and wants to have his OPT shortened. His I-20 ends June 1st. When should he apply? Earliest date to apply for OPT Program end date Latest date to apply for OPT Applying late: OPT start date will probably be determined by USCIS You will sit around waiting for OPT to be approved (cannot work or leave the United States) OPT time may be shortened

You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with OPT details Please familiarize yourself with the following OPT rules that will make your application and understanding of OPT more complete OPT application nuances: You must be on an F-1 visa for 1 academic year (2 semesters) You must submit your application within 30 days of when the OPT I-20 was generated If you leave the country while your application is pending, your OPT will be terminated and you may not be able to enter the country OPT employment: You have a maximum of 90 total days of unemployment while on OPT or your OPT will be terminated You must update International Student Services when you change employers or change your contact information within 10 days (address, phone, email). Your job must be related to your major You need to find a job like any other American You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with OPT details

OPT FAQ When will I get my EAD card? Your OPT will take about 3 months to be approved. Once you received notice, you should receive your EAD card in the mail shortly after. How long can I stay in the US after the end date of my OPT? You have 60 days after your OPT ends to leave the US, request a transfer of your I-20, or change your status. You cannot work. Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work? There is no minimum for students on pre-completion OPT. All students on post-completion OPT, whether they have completed their degree or not, are required to work 20 hours per week. Students who do not work an average of 20 hours per week are not meeting the employment requirement. Do I need a Social Security Number to work in the US? Yes. Once you receive a job offer, the ISS department can help you gather the necessary documents to get a SSN.