1. Optional Practical Training!
WHAT IS IT?
WHY DO I WANT IT?
HOW DO I GET IT?
AND WHAT IS A STEM EXTENSION?

2. What is OPT?
Twelve (12) month work authorization for the F-1 student visa
Purpose: work experience in your field of study
US Immigration sees OPT as a “Benefit” of valid visa status and “Academic Training”
Employers view OPT as a trial for future employment

3. What are my options for work?

4. Two Types of OPT 1) Pre-Completion
OPT starts and ends before you complete your degree.
Must be part-time (20 hrs/wk) during semester unless you have completed all course requirements except thesis or dissertation.
Days of Unemployment are not counted
2) Post-Completion
OPT begins after your completion date (i.e. graduation!)
This includes ALL work, paid or unpaid, after you graduate.
Must apply for each of these separately
Allowed up to 12 months total combined

5. OPT- What You Need to Know:
Must apply through USCIS and pay a fee
$410 for applications received on or after December 23, 2016 (due to increase)
Your application can take 3 (THREE!) months to process
When approved, you will get a card called the “EAD” (Employment Authorization Document)
You can work anywhere in the U.S.
You don’t need a job to apply for OPT
Days of unemployment will be counted (90 Max)
Work must be related to your degree
Twelve months of OPT for each higher academic level
Must update information with ISO while on OPT (still F-1)

6. When should I apply? The Spring 2017 term ends on May 21:
Starting 90 days before the end of the program (semester)
Not later than 60 days after the end of the program
The Spring 2017 term ends on May 21:
You may apply after February 21
and
You must apply before July 21

7. How to Apply for OPT
Choose a start-date then submit OPT application 3 months before that date!
Apply early! USCIS may take 90 days’ processing time
Deadline = 60 days past your completion date.
Gather necessary documents
Copies of immigration docs
2 Passport style photos
Check or Money Order for $410
(note: recent increase)
Completed Form I-765
A new I-20 with the DSO recommendation
Schedule an appointment with Lauren Clarke: She will issue a new OPT I-20 and is glad to look over your application before you mail it.
Mail application packet to USCIS: Be careful -- Read instructions!

8. The Application Packet
Complete Form I-765
Check for the appropriate fee ($410) to USDHS
Copies of:
Passport ID page
I-94 and visa stamp
OPT I-20
All previous I-20s
Any previous EADs
2 passport photos

9. What Happens Next? WAIT….
Notification from USCIS in 2-3 weeks = they received it.
Case Number in left-hand corner to check status online at
The 90-Day processing period begins from date of receipt

10. The Wait Prepare to be patient; a 90-day wait is normal
Be clear with potential employers
Check case status online at
Update address with USCIS at 1 (800)
to prevent delays in receiving your card
You cannot begin working until the EAD is in your hand!
You cannot begin working before the start date on your EAD

11. YAY! I got my EAD card!  Now what?
Copy the card and send it to Lauren Clarke
May begin work from start date
Report address change to Lauren Clarke
Report employer name and address
Now what?

12. Travel and OPT
Best advice: Do not travel while OPT application is pending.
If travel is necessary while OPT is pending or before OPT starts, consult with Lauren Clarke
After OPT is granted and start date has passed:
Do NOT travel outside the U.S. if you do not have a job!
While on OPT, you must present the following upon re-entry to US:
EAD (OPT card)
Proof of employment
I-20 signed within last 6 months
Valid F-1 visa

13. While on OPT Reminders Do not accrue more than 90 days unemployment
Report to Amherst ISO:
Employer name and address
Name change
Residential address
Any changes in employment
Change of visa status
Back to school
Reminders
Do not accrue more than
90 days unemployment
120 days (STEM ext.)
Work in a field related to your degree program
I-20 signed every six (6) months
You are still an F-1 student!

14. What is the STEM Extension?
An additional 24 months of work authorization if you have:
A degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, field of study.
A job/job offer with an employer who has signed up with the E-Verify program (federal contracts)
Currently working on 12-month OPT
Applying for the STEM:
Very similar process to 12-month OPT ($410, paperwork)
Contact us days prior to expiration of initial OPT
Must apply *before* your current OPT ends
May continue to work while waiting for approval and new card
Can’t travel outside of the US until you get your new STEM EAD card.

15. What about the H1B visa?
Your company must sponsor you for this visa type.
F-1 visa ends upon H1B start date.
Private Sector: H1B applications are submitted starting on 04/01
and close on 10/01. ISO can issue a “Cap-Gap I-20” if needed.
Non-Profit/University : H1Bs can be submitted at any time.
If approved, contact ISO and send copy of Approval Notice.

16. Questions?
or schedule an appointment with Lauren Clarke