OPT Basics How to Apply When to Apply What to Expect 1 What Is - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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OPT Basics How to Apply When to Apply What to Expect 1 What Is - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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OPT Basics How to Apply When to Apply What to Expect 1 What Is OPT? O ptional P ractical T raining Experiential learning benefit granted to F-1 students to work in their major field of study You can apply for twelve months of OPT for

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OPT Basics

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How to Apply When to Apply What to Expect

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What Is OPT?

Optional Practical Training

  • Experiential learning benefit granted to F-1

students to work in their major field of study

  • You can apply for twelve months of OPT for each

level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)

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What Is An EAD?

  • The card you receive from USCIS when OPT is approved
  • Proof that you are authorized to work
  • Employment may begin only once
  • you receive the EAD and
  • Valid From date on the card has been reached

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E: Employment A: Authorization D: Document

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Sample EAD New Version Old Version

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Who Is Eligible To Apply?

Any F-1 student who:

  • Has been enrolled on a full-time basis in their degree

program for one academic year (Fall & Spring).

  • Possesses a valid foreign passport and a valid USF I-20

which indicates the student's correct major and level of study.

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Types Of OPT

  • Pre-Completion OPT
  • Post-Completion OPT (often called Standard OPT)
  • STEM OPT

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Pre-Completion OPT

Takes place prior to completion of program Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT

  • Authorized to work over 20 hours per week
  • Only available during annual vacation (Summer)

Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT

  • Limited to 20 hours per week
  • Must be registered full-time during Fall/Spring

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Pre-Completion OPT: Considerations

[Pre-Completion + Post-Completion = 12 Months]

  • Any Pre-Completion granted is deducted from 12

month total of Post-Completion

  • Part-time authorization is deducted at ½ the time

approved

(Ex. 3 months part-time = 1.5 months deducted)

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Post-Completion OPT or Standard OPT

  • Takes place after completion of program
  • Limited to a maximum of 12 months
  • Requires full time employment (20+ hours per week)
  • Must be completed within 14 months of graduation

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Post-Completion OPT: Considerations

  • End date of the I-20 will be shortened
  • May not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment
  • All on-campus employment must cease by end date of

shortened I-20

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Who Is Eligible For Post-Completion OPT?

  • Students who will complete ALL degree requirements and

are eligible to graduate

  • Graduate students with ONLY thesis or dissertation

remaining

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Graduate Students With Only Thesis Or Dissertation Remaining

Pre-Completion OPT

  • Unemployment is not counted
  • May work full-time
  • Cannot apply for STEM

Extension

  • No cap gap extension

available

  • May extend program if extra

time is needed Post-Completion OPT

  • Unemployment counts
  • Must work full-time
  • Can apply for STEM

extension

  • Eligible for cap gap

extension

  • Cannot extend program if do

not finish thesis/dissertation by end of OPT period

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STEM OPT (Extension)

  • Additional 24 Months of OPT for students in select

STEM fields/majors

  • Must be on Post-Completion OPT to apply
  • Must be Working for an E-verify Employer
  • Cannot be Volunteer or Self-Employed
  • May only apply twice in a lifetime

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S: Science T: Technology E: Engineering M: Mathematics

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SLIDE 14

DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List

https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2016/stem-list.pdf

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  • Find your CIP

Code on the 1st page of your I-20

  • If your CIP Code

starts with 14, 26, 27, or 40, it is STEM!

  • You can use

(CTRL F) to search the list but be sure to use all the #s

  • ex. 11.0501
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When Can I Apply For OPT?

  • Pre-Completion
  • 90 days prior to the desired start date
  • no earlier than 90 days prior to having met your one full academic year
  • Post-Completion
  • 90 days prior to completion of coursework or degree completion

(graduation)

  • up to 60 days after the degree completion date
  • STEM Extension
  • 90 days prior to the end of Post-Completion OPT
  • up to expiration date of current OPT

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How Long Does It Take To Get…?

I-20 for Application (from USF International Services)

  • The process is broken down into 3 main e-form phases
  • OPT Academic Confirmation – 3-5 business days
  • OPT Packet Preparation – 5-10 business days
  • OPT Requested Dates – 3-5 business days
  • 15-20 business days to get I-20 for USCIS application

EAD Card (from USCIS)

  • USCIS can take 90+ days from the date they receive your application

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How Do I Apply for OPT?

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Go to www.iStart.usf.edu and choose F-1 Practical Training - Apply

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How Do I Apply for OPT?

  • Read OPT Guide and E-Form Instructions
  • Pass OPT Quiz with 100%
  • Complete the remaining E-Forms

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How Do I Apply for OPT?

  • OPT Academic Confirmation E-Form
  • Undergraduates need Academic Advisor information
  • Graduates need Graduate Coordinator, Program Director, or Chair

information

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What Documents Do I Need?

  • OPT Packet Preparation e-Form requires uploading

scanned copies of the following:

  • Two new 2" x 2" passport photographs
  • Cashier's check or Money Order
  • USCIS Form I-765
  • Passport Biographical Page
  • Visa (or I-797 Approval Notice)
  • I-94
  • Most recent Port of Entry Stamp
  • Any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
  • CPT notated I-20s

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Obtain two new 2x2 passport

  • photographs. Photos must

not be more than 60 days

  • ld. Passport photos can be
  • btained at CVS, Walgreens,

Walmart, etc. Write the following

  • n the back of the

photo (gently with a pencil or felt pen):

  • Name
  • A# (USCIS #)
  • r I-94#

Photos

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Money Order/Cashier Check Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security Amount: $410.00

If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550

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Money Order/Cashier Check Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security Amount: $410.00

If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550

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Money Order/Cashier Check Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security Amount: $410.00

If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550

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Passport

Biographical page

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Visa

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I-94

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Port of Entry Stamp

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Requesting Dates for Post-Completion OPT

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  • The OPT Requested Dates E-Form completes your

submission

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Choosing Dates For Post-Completion OPT

  • Start date must be within 60 days from graduation
  • End date is usually one year later

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For Summer 2020:

Earliest Start Date: 09/01/2020 Latest Start Date: 10/30/2020

For Fall 2020:

Earliest Start Date: 12/14/2020 Latest Start Date: 02/10/2021

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Choosing Dates For Post-Completion OPT

Considerations:

  • How much time will you need for your job search?
  • (only 90 days of unemployment allowed)
  • Do you have an employer waiting to hire you?
  • Do you want a break after your studies?

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What Happens After I Submit My Post-Completion OPT Application in iStart?

  • Office of International Services will review submitted e-forms
  • Upon approval of each e-form you will receive email with

instructions to move on to the next step.

  • Upon approval of last e-form (OPT Requested Dates) you will

receive email with instructions to pick up I-20.

  • You will prepare and mail final application packet directly to

USCIS which must arrive within 30 days from the I-20 issue date and prior to the end of your grace period

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Preparing Your OPT Application For USCIS

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Cover Sheet

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What Happens After I Mail My OPT Packet To USCIS?

  • In 3-4 weeks you should receive a receipt notice
  • Upload to iStart F-1 Practical Training - Apply
  • Track the progress of your OPT on USCIS website
  • www.USCIS.gov - click on Check your Case Status
  • Receive EAD card
  • Upload to iStart F-1 Practical Training -Apply

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Informed Delivery By USPS

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Use this service for notifications the night before mail is delivered! If you receive a notification of delivery and the EAD card is not delivered, you can go to the Post Office before the EAD is returned to USCIS.

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Tracking Your Application: USCIS Case Status

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www.uscis.gov

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Tracking Your Application: USCIS Case Status

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www.uscis.gov

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Form G-1145

  • Use this form to request

a text message and/or email when USCIS accepts your form.

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What Do I Need To Do While on OPT?

  • Report any change in address within 10 days using

OASIS

  • Report employment updates within 10 days using iStart
  • Enter information in iStart F-1 Practical Training -

Report

  • Report any changes to your name in iStart
  • Report any changes to immigration status to

International Services

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Common Questions

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What If I Don’t Have An SSN?

  • You may request an SSN when applying for OPT on the I-765

application form.

  • If Requesting SSN after OPT Approval:
  • Must obtain your EAD Card
  • Must reach “Valid From” date on EAD before requesting SSN
  • Then take immigration documents to the SSN office
  • I-20 with OPT notation
  • EAD
  • I-94 Card
  • Passport

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What If My Visa Is Expired?

  • You can still apply for OPT!
  • Does not impact your status in the United States
  • Will require renewal if traveling outside the US
  • Do not attempt to renew your visa while on OPT if…
  • Have not received your EAD card
  • You don’t have a job

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Can I change my requested OPT dates once I’ve applied?

NO!

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When Can I Start Working?

  • Obtain EAD card and
  • Reach “Valid From” date on EAD card

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Can I work before I get my EAD?

NO!

  • On-campus Employment must end IMMEDIATELY after

the program end date

  • Any employment after new I-20 end date must be using

the EAD

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Can I Travel While On OPT?

Before Graduation and No EAD:

  • Possible

After Graduation but No EAD:

  • Not Recommended

After Graduation and EAD arrival:

  • Possible

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What Items Do I Need For Travel On OPT?

  • A valid, unexpired passport
  • A valid, unexpired F-1 student visa stamp
  • An OPT I-20 signed within the last 6 months
  • EAD Card
  • Letter from your current employer

For more details see the OPT Travel Advisory on our Travel Page

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Additional Considerations

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What If I Can’t Find A Job While On OPT?

Before exceeding 90 days of unemployment you may:

  • Transfer to another school
  • Obtain a new I-20 for a new program at USF

beginning within 5 months

  • Apply for a change of status (if applicable)
  • Exit the US

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What If I Decide To Go Home Permanently?

  • Notify our office that you plan to leave by

completing the F-1/J-1 Exit Form in iStart under F-1/J-1 Student Services

  • Provide proof of your exit so we can complete

your SEVIS record

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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?

Grace Period (60 Days after OPT expiration)

  • Time given to prepare to depart the US
  • No work is allowed during this period
  • During this time you may:
  • Depart the US
  • Transfer to another school
  • Obtain Change of Level I-20 for new USF program
  • Apply for a change of status (if applicable)

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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?

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Transfer

  • Must have record transferred and new I-20 created before

the end of 60 day grace period

  • Transfer Requests are submitted in iStart
  • Requires copy of admission letter
  • New program must begin within 5 months from OPT

expiration

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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?

Change of Level (USF)

  • Must be accepted to USF
  • Requires updated financial documents
  • Must obtain new I-20 before end of 60 day grace period
  • New program must begin within 5 months from OPT

expiration

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Change of Status (COS)

  • Speak to an Immigration Attorney (Recommended)
  • Best if you time your application so that the COS is

complete prior to the end of your 60 day grace period

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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?

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STEM OPT Has Additional Reporting Requirements

  • Log in to istart.usf.edu and Report STEM 6 Month

Validation every 6 Month (6, 12, 18, 24) from the STEM OPT Valid From date

  • Log in to istart.usf.edu and Report Required STEM

Evaluation Validation with your 12 and 24 month 6 Month Validation and at the end of any employment

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The End

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