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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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!

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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, ).
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

11. 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.