1. Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students
A benefit for international students to legally work in their field after completing a course of study

2. What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an F-1 student employment benefit.
You can be authorized for up to 12 months of off-campus employment per educational level (Associate, Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
You can work anywhere in the US
There are no restrictions on salary

3. Who is eligible for OPT?
You must have been in valid F-1 student status on your current SEVIS record for one academic year (3 quarters) or longer
You must be completing a program of study (for example, an Associate Degree or a Certificate)
You must not be a participant in Highline’s Short Term Program

4. What kinds of jobs can I get?
You must work in your “field of study.”
All jobs must be “directly related to [your] degree program.”
…Basically, your job responsibilities have to connect to the major listed on your I-20. This is easier in some majors than in others!

5. How do I maintain my status while on OPT?
You must work 20+ hours per week (on average) to be considered “employed.”
You must not be “unemployed” for more than 90 days during the authorization period. (Time out of the US counts as “unemployment” time!)
You must report all job changes and changes to your personal information to Highline’s ISP office within 10 days.

6. When can I apply?
The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your last day of study.
All applications must be received by the US government before the end of your 60-day grace period. But late applicants will likely get authorized for less than 12 months of work.

7. When can I apply? Last Date of Study Application Timeline
OPT Start Date
8/18/2016
5/20/2016 –
10/17/2016
8/19/2016 –
12/16/2016
9/17/2016 –
2/14/2017
12/17/2016 –
3/24/2017
12/24/2016 –
5/23/2017
3/25/2017 –
6/15/2017
3/17/2017 –
8/14/2017
6/16/2017 –
8/17/2017
5/19/2017 –
10/16/2017
8/18/2017 –
12/15/2017
9/16/2017 –
2/13/2018
12/17/2017 –

8. What do I need to prepare?
A complete OPT application packet includes:
Completed ISP OPT Cover Page
Completed I-765 form
All of your I-20 forms*
Passport ID page and visa*
I-94 card (front & back) or Electronic I-94
Two passport photos (from past 30 days)
Check or money order for $410 (Make check out to US Department of Homeland Security) – NOT CASH
Optional: Form G-1145
* We will make copies for you.

9. OK! I’m ready. What do I do? Step 1.
Submit a graduation application to the Highline Cashier. You may do this as soon as you register for your final quarter of classes.

10. OK! I’m ready. What do I do?
Step 2. Choose the dates that you’d like to work. (We’ll go over that in a few minutes.) Prepare your OPT application packet.

11. OK! I’m ready. What do I do? Step 3.
Submit your OPT application packet to the ISP office. We’ll check it for accuracy and issue you a new I-20.
We’ll shorten your I-20 length so that your program end date matches your last date of study.
We’ll indicate that you are requesting OPT.

12. OK! I’m ready. What do I do?
Step 4. ISP will mail your OPT application to the US government. You’ll get a receipt in about 2 weeks. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be processed within 90 days.

13. OK! I’m ready. What do I do?
Step 5. Start looking for jobs! You can apply and interview before you receive your EAD, but you cannot start working until the date printed on it.

14. OK! I’m ready. What do I do? Step 6.
Apply for a Social Security Number if you don’t have one yet.
Students can apply for an SSN after receiving the EAD or on/after their OPT start date, whichever comes later.

15. OK! I’m ready. What do I do? Step 7.
Begin working. Report your employer to the ISP office within 10 days:
You are also required to report any changes to your contact information:

16. How do I choose a start date?
Your OPT start date must be within your 60-day grace period.
If you stay on OPT for the full 12 months, you will receive another 60-day grace period after OPT is over.
You may stop OPT early by transferring out or leaving the US (with no plan to return). Speak to an ISP advisor.

17. When can I start working?
You can begin work on your EAD start date if you have already received your EAD card.
Example 1: You applied to have a start date of July 1. It is July 10 and you have not received your EAD card yet. Can you work?
Example 2: You applied to have a start date of July 1. It is June 10 and you just received your EAD. Can you work?
NO – not until you receive your EAD card.
NO – not until the date printed on the card (July 1).

18. What documents do I need for international travel?
Before completing program and before EAD issuance
After completing program and before EAD issuance
After completing program and after EAD issuance
Valid passport √
Valid F-1 visa stamp
OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature
Evidence of financial support
Strongly recommended
OPT receipt: I-797 Notice of Action
Job offer letter from employer
EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
Thanks to UC Berkeley for this great chart!
Travel is RISKY. Is it worth it?

19. How can I find a job?
Highline’s Student Employment website has a lot of great links!
Highline also hosts 2-3 job fairs on campus each year.

20. Other Considerations Medical Insurance Eligibility Studying During OPT
Not required but strongly encouraged
Must be continuous
Must check eligibility before each quarter
Studying During OPT
Optional
Must be part-time (below 12 credits)

21. How can I get more information?
A number of colleges and universities have great resources online!
Video showing how to prepare I-765 and other documents from UC Berkeley
Answers to many common OPT-related questions from UW Seattle
OPT-related myths from Michigan State

22. How can I get more information?
Please make an appointment with Eva at ISP to discuss your specific situation. OPT can be a life-changing experience. Good luck!