Optional Practical Training (OPT) International Students Optional - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Today we will discuss:

• What is OPT
• When to Apply
• Items Needed for OPT Application
• How to Apply
• Important Considerations
• Social Security Number

What is OPT?

Defined as up to 12 months of “temporary employment directly related to the student’s major area of study.” Types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT – part-time or full-time after 1 year of study Post-completion OPT –full-time after graduation

• What type of work qualifies for OPT?
• Any work in your field of study
• Can be paid or unpaid, as long as student gains direct benefits
• Regular paid employment or multiple short term employers qualify
• Self-employment qualifies
• Anywhere in United States – but not outside of the US
• Language training students are ineligible for OPT

When to apply?

• You can only work after receiving work authorization from USCIS
• A job offer isn’t required to apply for OPT
• USCIS must receive application within 30 days of OPT I-20 being issued

I-20

Items Needed for OPT Application

• 1. Complete form I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization”
• 2. Collect the following items:
• 1. 2 Passport style pictures (taken within last 30 days)
• 2. Photocopies of all I-20 forms
• 3. Copy of passport biographical page
• 4. Copy of F-1 visa page in passport
• 5. Copy of I-94
• 6. Personal check or money order made payable to US

Department of Homeland Security.

• 1. Before December 23, 2016 filing fee is $380
• 2. After December 23, 2016 filing fee is $410

How to apply?

• 1. Schedule an appointment with Kari Olsen. Bring all documents. You

will receive an OPT I-20 at the appointment.

• 2. Mail all documents, including filing fee, to USCIS within 30 days of

OPT I-20 being issued

Mailing address: USCIS P .O. Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036

Applications are processed in 60-90 days. If approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the mail.

Important Considerations

Impact of CPT on OPT

• After an total of 12 months full-time CPT, a student will no longer be

eligible for Optional Practical Training. Report all OPT changes to NWTC within 10 days :

• New employer
• Loss of employment
• Your mailing address
• No more than 90 days of unemployment are allowed

Travel

• International travel is not recommended while waiting for OPT approval
• Talk with International Programs before traveling while on OPT

Social Security Card Application

After getting a job offer: Bring your job offer to International Programs. We will write you a letter supporting your application for a Social Security Number

• Take your letter and job description to the Social Security Office

(1561 Dousman St.)

• Fill out application Form
• Bring Passport

It will take 1-2 weeks to get your social security card in the mail.

Questions?