1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Kandy Turner, International Student Services

2. What is OPT? Optional Practical Training
A benefit of F-1 status that allows 12 months of practical experience related to your field of study per degree level.
After you have completed 2 semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall)
Have not completed 12 months of full time CPT

3. Work on OPT 20 hours per week (minimum for Post Completion)
Paid or unpaid
Related to your major
The major from the degree you just completed
Do you hire people with my degree to do this job?
Does your department agree the job is relevant
May change jobs as long as the new job is related to your major

4. Types of OPT Pre-Completion Post-Completion
STEM (Sc, Tech, Eng, Math) Extension
Cap-Gap Automatic Extension (change of Status from F-1 to H-1B)

5. Pre vs. Post Completion OPT
PRE-COMPLETION
Before program completion
Only if can’t do CPT
Do not shorten I-20
ON I-765: (c) (3) (A)
Unemployment not counted
Part time work (FT summer)
Cannot apply for STEM or Cap Gap
May extend program
POST-COMPLETION
After graduation or program of study
OPT begins after end date
ON I-765: (c) (3) (B)
Unemployment is counted
Can work full time
Can apply for Stem and Cap Gap
Cannot extend program

6. Caveat: Thesis
If you are done with all your requirements except a thesis, dissertation, or monograph you can do either Pre or Post Completion OPT.
Talk to ISS about which option is best for you.

7. Recap: When is OPT Available?
Pre-Completion
During summer vacation
Part-time while school is in session
After all degree requirements but thesis
Post-Completion
After completion of program

8. Applying for Post-Completion OPT

9. When should I apply for OPT?
Application window:
From 90 days before completion date until 60 days after completion date
it must be received by immigration by the 60th day
Don’t delay because you’ll lose OPT time
your start date must be no later than the 60th day after graduation, but you cannot work until you have your card in hand, and OPT can take 90 days to process—Plan accordingly

10. When Does OPT Start? Your end date is automatically calculated
You pick your start date when you apply
60 day window (grace period)
start counting from day after program completion
pick any day in the 60 day window—you are in status during the time between end of program and OPT start date
Your end date is automatically calculated
Once your dates are chosen they are basically locked in

11. Post Completion OPT Timeline
APPLY: 90 days before-60 days Graduation
OPT is for 1 year, for example Jan 1st- Dec 31st
Grace period: 60 days after OPT ends
You are still eligible for a grace period of 60 days after OPT is over, even if you use all 60 days before OPT starts

12. OPT Application Process
Complete Required Documentation and Bring to ISS
Get New I-20 from ISS
Apply to USCIS
Provide ISS with EAD copy and complete the OPT Update Form

13. ISS OPT Application OPT application:
CampusCruiser → Committees → International Student Services → Work Documents → OPT Application
Your academic advisor must complete the Advisor’s Recommendation
You must sign the Contract
Bring these documents plus all the documents from the next few slides to ISS for review

14. Application: Payment and Photos
Put the following 2 items in an envelope and print your name and I-94 number on the envelope:
Check/Money Order for $410 made payable to US Dept of Homeland Security
Two recent passport photos
Print name and I-94 number on back of photos in pencil (write over scotch tape)

15. Application: Forms G-1145: I-765:
Allows your application to be electronically receipted
Do this to ensure you are updated promptly about your application
Should be typed
I-765:
Very important form!
See the sample version in the application for instructions on how to complete this form

16. Complete box 17 only for STEM
Form I-765
Permission to accept for Pre and Post
Renewal for STEM
Does not include CPT or on-campus work
C3A Pre
C3B Post
C3C STEM

17. Form I-765
Don’t forget to Sign!

18. Application: Photocopies
All I-20s including OPT I-20 (will receive from ISS)
Any previous EADs (OPT cards)
Biographical page(s) of passport
Most recent visa
I-94 card

19. How to Apply
ISS will review your application, issue a new I-20, and provide you with mailing information
Schedule an appointment with ISS after you have a complete packet
A complete packet includes: Adviser’s Recommendation, Contract, Check, Pictures, G-1145, I-765, and Photocopies of Passport, Visa, I-94 and all I-20s (see previous slides for details)

20. How to Apply Cont.
You must mail in your application within 30 days or your OPT will be denied
Mailing instructions will be provided at your appointment with ISS
Send your package via traceable mail
Expect the process to take 90 days
The EAD will be mailed to the address on the I-765
Please inform ISS immediately if you move as this could cause a problem with your EAD

21. After Mailing Your Application
If you get a request for evidence, contact ISS immediately
If the process takes more than 90 days, contact ISS immediately
When your OPT is approved, provide ISS with a copy of your EAD via
Complete OPT Employer Update Form whenever:
your address changes
your employer changes
you become employed
or you become unemployed

22. Employment Conditions

23. Employment Reporting Immigration requires that you report to us:
your address
your employer’s name and address
any time spent unemployed
DHS WILL auto-terminate
your immigration status:
if you do not report your information
if you are unemployed for more than 90 days
There is a 90 day unemployment limit during Post Completion OPT which begins on the OPT start date
Update us using the OPT Employer Update Form:
CampusCruiser → Committees → International Student Services → Work Documents → OPT Employer Update Form

24. If You Don’t Find a Job in Time
Go home or transfer to a new school before the 90th day because your record will auto-terminate on day 91
ISS before the 90th day that you are going home and will not complete your OPT or complete the transfer paperwork
It is better to have your immigration record completed than terminated because a termination may cause you problems should you want to return to the US in the future

25. Types of Employment Allowed
Paid employment with one or more than one employer
Work through an Employment Agency
Short-term multiple employers (performing artists, “gigs”): maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration
Work for hire (contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship): provide the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
Self-employed business owner: requires proper business licenses
Unpaid employment (volunteers or unpaid interns): as long as this does not violate any labor laws.
ALL: 20+ hours per week, related to degree program

26. Career Services Go see them!
Don’t wait until you are applying for OPT– go see them months or even years before then
Do an internship first?
Located on 14th St. by the Pineapple House
They offer:
one-on-one counseling sessions    
walk-in hours    
skills workshops    
employer panels    
general and specialized career fairs
and more!

27. OPT Extensions: STEM & Cap Gap

28. STEM Extension Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
Bachelor’s, Master’s, or
Doctoral Degree in:
Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
(an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States)
Environmental Science, Computer Science and Information Systems, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and all Engineering

29. STEM OPT 24 month extension of OPT (must be on OPT to be eligible)
Previous STEM degrees are eligible: US, accredited and SEVP-certified schools past 10 yrs
I-20 and transcript required
Employers must create a formal training program to be documented on Form I-983
Kept on file with ISS
Eligible for one additional STEM OPT after higher degree level in STEM field

30. STEM Extension Rules
No more than 150 days of unemployment during total 36 months (OPT plus STEM)
Continue employment up to 180 days while waiting for new EAD (OPT card)
Must complete OPT Update Form whenever something changes and every 6 months for STEM validation
Government WILL terminate un-validated records
Must complete Evaluation section of I-983 yearly and at the end of your employment with a company

31. STEM OPT Timeline APPLY: 90-30 days before Post Completion OPT expires
STEM OPT begins the day after OPT ends (No grace period)
Grace period: 60 days after STEM OPT ends

32. Applying for STEM OPT
The application process for STEM is basically the same as the process for Post Completion OPT
You need to pay the fee and provide all the documents again
Include a copy of your EAD (OPT card)
Slight changes on the I-765: Renewal and C3C
CampusCruiser → Committees → International Student Services → Work Documents → STEM OPT Application

33. Cap-Gap Occurs when F-1 status expires and H1-b application is pending
Automatic extension of OPT up to September 30th if H1-b is approved
Contact ISS for new I-20
Must stop working if H1-b is denied or withdrawn

34. A Few Other Details

35. Travel While on OPT
Carry all usual documents, plus EAD and employment information
Must continue to send I-20 to ISS for travel signatures
Travel signature are only valid for 6 months on OPT
Once EAD has been approved, the rules state you must have employment to re-enter the U.S.
Carry job offer letter or pay stub
If no job, show evidence of job applications, but no guarantee of reentry without a job

36. Canceling OPT
Difficult and requires immediate cancellation before start date
If your EAD has already been issued, you cannot cancel OPT
If you choose not to use your OPT, you have lost it at that degree level

37. Contact Information
Kandy K. Turner, Director
UC 2nd Floor
CampusCruiser → Committees →
International Student Services
Questions?