Optional Practical Training
Updated 08/02/2016
SEMINAROffice for International Students and Scholars
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Overview
What is OPT? Practical work experience In your field of study Commensurate with your education level
Who is Eligible Initial OPT (12 months)
F-1 students legally “in-status” Enrolled full-time for at least 8 months Completing a new course of study in a degree program – 1 OPT per educational level and must
be an advanced level
STEM Extension (24 months) Currently on Initial OPT No more than 90 days of unemployment during Initial OPT period Degree conferred in an approved major in either Science, Technology, Engineering or Math Employer part of the E-Verify program
What types of Employment are allowed?
All OPT employment must be in a job that is related to the student's degree program; no exceptions! When you have a job you must write a description on how your job is related to your degree program. You do not need a job at the time of filing, however.
Employment allowed during OPT: Must be greater than 20 hours to count Paid Employment
Multiple Employers Short-term Multiple Employers (performing artists)Work for Hire Self-employed Business Owner Employment through an Agency
Unpaid Employment (volunteers, unpaid interns)Must not violate labor laws
Volunteer Work during OPT
We recommend you obtain a letter detailing your job and responsibilities. This letter should include:
• A detailed listing of employment activities and projects, specifically the number of weekly hours engaged in each activity or project
• Copies of the company's daily time and attendance records for the duration of your volunteer work
• Evidence of your physical presence in the location of your employment, such as rental agreements or receipts.
• If you are engaged in unpaid training prior to beginning paid employment, you should also obtain copies of training certificates or certifications received.
The information above is required for students applying for the OPT STEM extension, and is recommended for all other students to keep in their records in case of a future audit.
When should you apply for OPT?The Earlier, the Better!
No more than 90 days before your program end date, 60 days afterwards. Program end date is when you have taken all the credit for your program of study; INCOMPLETES do not count!
If you send the application too early (more than 90 days) or too late (after 60 days), USCIS will reject your application. Very risky to wait until last minute.
You cannot leave the U.S. (even to Canada!) after your program end date and return to apply for OPT
You must have Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in hand and can only work during dates on the card
90 Days of Unemployment
What time counts? Each day (including weekends) during OPT authorization in which student does not
have qualifying employment Exceptions:
Time outside U.S. counts unless 1.) Employed during period of leave and travel is authorized by employer 2.) Traveling is part of student’s employment
How will DHS enforce? Student may be denied future immigration benefits, especially STEM SEVP monitors number of days of unemployment; SEVIS records are being
automatically terminated if student is unemployed for more than 90 days.
What should YOU do? Keep log of your employment (contacts, interview, offers) and unemployment Volunteer in relevant field
OPT Application Procedure
1. Read OPT packet 2. Attend OPT Workshop3. Assemble documents
Reference checklist in packet OISS OPT Request Form OISS OPT I-20 Request Form I-765 (instructions in OPT packet) 2 passport photos & check for $380 Academic Advisor Letter Copy of Initial I-20 Copy of Transfer Pending I-20s (if applicable) I-94 Copy of Visa Copy of Passport Copy of other photo ID Copy of job offer letter & description (3-5 sentences) on how it is related
to your degree program Previous EAD cards with I-20s requesting OPT
OPT Request Form
Submit with your OPT request packet
Choose your begin & end dates carefully
Need Workshop Attendance Verification
Selecting your OPT Start Date
• Not earlier than day after program end date
• Not more than 60 days after program end date
• * Please check your I-20 end date as the dates may differ. Your exact dates of filing are
determined by the specific I-20 end date.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
If application is submitted 3+ months before you want to start working on OPT
Processing time
Submit application
Receive EAD Card
OPT Start date (E.g.: Jan 2, 2015)
OPT End date (E.g.: Jan 2, 2016)
12 months OPT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
If application is submitted less than 3 months before you want to start working on OPT or less than 3 months from the latest start date for your graduating term
Submit application
Processing time
Receive EAD Card
OPT Start date (E.g.: Mar 20, 2015)
12 months OPT
All OPT must be done within 14 months of program end date =
OPT may be less than 12 months
60 days grace period(not allowed
to work)
I-20 Request Form
Read each section and check that you have read it.
Read the “While on OPT, I am still an F-1 Student”
Select your mailing choice
Sign form
G-1145
Receive a text and/or email
informing you that USCIS has
accepted your application
Does NOT grant employment authorization
Gives LIN number to use for status
tracking
I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Instructions included in the OPT packet!
Please carefully review the instructions!
Advisor Letter
Is REQUIRED for OPT application processing
Must be on EMU Departmental
Letterhead Stationary
2 Passport Photos
WalgreenCVS
WalmartRiteAid
Taken within last 30 days
Glossy finish
Un-retouched
Lightly print name & SEVIS number on back
I-20s
o Bring your “Initial I-20” used when arriving to the U.S
o Bring all “Transfer I-20s” if attended other U.S. schools previous to EMU
Personal Check~~~~~~~~~
380.00eighty
Photo IDCheck
• Department of Homeland Security
• $380
• SEVIS Number
After the packet is complete
1. Submit OPT forms and documents on the checklist to the OISS front desk. An advisor will review your packet and add documents. Student will receive an email notifying of review completion in 7-10 business days.
2. Mail Application – Get Receipt Notice – Track Status
3. Report to OISS EAD – Submit photocopy
Address – Report any changes
Employer – Report contact information
Unemployment – Report dates
OPT Advisor Review
Bring ALL required documents. REVIEW checklist in packet.
You will receive a New I-20 w/OPT and 2 screenshots
The OISS will prepare petition for mailing Standard Mail or USPS Express Mail
USCIS must receive the application within 30 days of OISS’ I-20 signature
OPT Reporting Form-IR 12
Use to report any change of address, employer information, unemployment datesFound on OISS website under “forms”. Submit electronically. Must submit within 10 days of change
Social Security Number
You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with the following documents: I-20 with OPT authorization
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Passport, visa, and I-94 card/printout
You DO NOT need an offer letter if applying for an SSN with an EAD card
You can only apply for an SSN during the dates on your EAD card.
While you are on OPTYou are still considered an EMU F1 student!!
Copy of EAD Card to OISS Must have EAD Card in-hand BEFORE working. Can only work during dates on
card.
Keep records of your job search
Must advise OISS of name, address or employer within 10 days
Must report all periods of unemployment
Change of Status – Let OISS know
New I-20 – OPT will be terminated
60-Day Grace Period
Health Insurance while on OPT
You are not automatically given EMU health insurance any more
You should obtain adequate coverage- either through EMU or another policy
EMU insurance MUST purchase before end of semester If you have a job offer letter, you can get a continuation of current
plan at same rate. If you do not have a job, you can purchase the plan on a monthly
basis up to 4 months. Contact Snow’s Health Insurance Office for details and renewal.
Travel while OPT Application is Pending
Not recommended by OISS after your program end date You may travel and return before your program is completed.
If you insist on traveling while OPT application is Pending
Students may re-enter the US to search for employment (provided no visa restrictions) Carry I-765 Receipt Notice along with other documents
Carry proof of application “pending” status at time of departure
Travel after OPT Application is Approved
Students on approved OPT may re-enter the USA to resume employment … not look for a job!
provided no visa restrictions
You’ll need to carry proof of employment (i.e. job offer letter, pay stubs)
Travel while on OPT
Passport Valid 6 Months into Future
I-20 Signed within past 6 Months
Valid Visa – Visa Revalidation
Caution – may be difficult to get a new F-1 visa to return for OPT employment
Carry EAD Card & Proof of Employment
Dependents – need to carry their I-20 AND
Copy of F1’s I-20 with OPT Recommendation
Copy of F1’s EAD Card
Copy of F1’s Proof of Employment
No re-entry during 60-day grace period after OPT
H-1B Cap Gap
Extension and Work Authorization OPT will be extended for students on OPT if they have a timely filed H-1B petition for
“change of status” (not consular notification) Student MUST present proof of a timely-filed H-1B petition (such as a mail receipt)
to the OISS for cap-gap I-20 New I-20 will authorize student status and employment to June 1 If H-1B petition accepted, the student will need to submit Immigration Status
Change Form to OISS along with petition approval. OISS will issue continued OPT I-20 from June1 until September 30.
Terminated upon rejection, denial or revocation of H-1B petition 60 day grace period still applies
Travel during this time should be avoided; proving intent to pursue F-1 activities can be difficult while H1-B pending or approved. May seem you are abandoning H1-B application.
90-limit of unemployment continues during cap-gap
Take the OPT Quiz!
Time is up!
Detailed information about the STEM extension will be discussed after the quiz.
Quiz Answers
1. True2. False3. False4. False5. 90 days6. 60 days7. EAD8. 90 days9. Yes10. OISS11. 1012. Yes!13. No14. No15. 120 days before OPT ends
STEM Extension- Eligibility
STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)Based on a STEM degree (current or past)
earned in the U.S. DHS designated program list Based upon major CIP code If degree is from the past, you must provide proof of accreditation from the
previous school
Employer is enrolled in US Government’s E-Verify system
DHS & Social Security Administration database Electronic verification of employment eligibility Less than 1% of employers currently participate
Volunteer Work during OPT
We recommend you obtain a letter detailing your job and responsibilities. This letter should include:
• A detailed listing of employment activities and projects, specifically the number of weekly hours engaged in each activity or project
• Copies of the company's daily time and attendance records for the duration of your volunteer work
• Evidence of your physical presence in the location of your employment, such as rental agreements or receipts.
• If you are engaged in unpaid training prior to beginning paid employment, you should also obtain copies of training certificates or certifications received.
The information above is required for students applying for the OPT STEM extension, and is recommended for all other students to keep in their records in case of a future audit.
What types of Employment are allowed?
Employment allowed during 24-month STEM Extension
Paid Employment Students must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify
employer
Multiple Employers
Unpaid Employment Recent denials of STEM Extensions for unpaid employment
STEM Extension
When to apply for extension? Can apply 90 days before the OPT end date. USCIS MUST receive your
application before your Initial OPT ends.
What if OPT ends & extension pending? If application received before the expiration of first OPT, students may
continue to work until application processed, or 180 days
Periods of Unemployment Maximum of 150 days during 36 month OPT. No more than 90 days during
Initial OPT.
Travel outside the USA should be avoided while the STEM application is pending and until you’ve received your new EAD
STEM Extension
Additional reporting requirements Must report to OISS within 10 days of changing:
Legal name
Residential or mailing address
Employer name & address
Loss of employment
Must submit a validation report to OISS every 6 months Confirm address, employer information and continuation of employment
Must submit an annual review (part of the I-983)
Employer must agrees to report within 48 hours the termination or departure of student from their employment on I-983
24-month Extension available twice!