opt 24 month stem extension - homepage - cmu request an i-20 recommending the 24-month stem...
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24-month STEM Extension of OPT
• BE INFORMED!
• READ & REVIEW THE STEM OPT HANDOUT to determine your eligibility for the extension.
• Be a recipient of a U.S. Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in
a STEM-designated degree program (Science, Technology,
Engineering, or Math).
• Be authorized for a period of post-completion OPT and have not
exceeded 90 days of unemployment.
• Be employed or have a job offer (directly related to your field of
study) from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify
Program.
• Employer completes and signs Form I-983 (employer must
participate in E-Verify employer and have a valid EIN number).
• File within the required timeline.
Note: Two 24-month STEM extensions may be granted per lifetime, based on
completion of an advanced degree level.
Eligibility for the 24-Month Extension
• Must be a bona fide employee of the employer
completing the Form I-983.
• The employer signing Form I-983 must be the
same entity to employ you and provide the
practical training experience required by Form
I-983.
• Multiple employer arrangements, sole
proprietorships, employment through ‘‘temp''
agencies, employment through consulting firm
arrangements that provide labor for hire, and
other relationships that do not constitute a bona
fide employer-employee relationship are
generally not supported.
Types of Allowable Employment
• Volunteer/unpaid positions and self employment
are not supported by the 24- Month OPT STEM
Extension.
Are You Eligible? Next Steps:To request an I-20 recommending the 24-month STEM extension, you
MUST submit the following documents to [email protected].
Directions on our website
1. STEM Extension Request Form & Attestation
**THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED
TO OIE VIA FORM-FILLABLE PDF.
**Keep a copy of the Attestation for your records.
2. A photocopy/scan of your EAD card
3. Completed & Signed Form I-983
4. 24-Month Planning Tool Kit
STEM OPT: Employer
Responsibilities• Be enrolled in E-Verify and remain in good standing.
• E-Verify is a government program that verifies Social Security numbers and an employee’s work
eligibility. There is no master list, ask your Human Resource Department if they participate
Note: CMU is NOT an E-Verify employer for STEM.
• Report material changes to the STEM OPT student’s employment to the DSO within 10 business days.
• Implement a formal training program to augment the student’s academic learning through practical
experience.
• Provide an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in
duties, hours, and compensation.
• Complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, the employer must
attest that:
• They have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student;
• The student will not replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and
• Working for the employer will help the student attain his or her training objectives.
Email a complete STEM request to
[email protected]. A new I-20 will be
issued recommending the STEM extension.
Submit all materials to U.S. Citizenship &
Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Cost: $410
• Processing time: up to 90 days
2-Step Process:
STEP #1:
STEP #2:
Application Timeline
USCIS must receive a complete request:
• No more than 90 days before initial
Post-Completion OPT ends
• No later than 60 days from the date that
the STEM Extension I-20 is issued by
OIE
• Before the end date on your EAD
Card!
Submission after EAD Card end date =
DENIAL!
OPT I-20: The 60 Day Rule!!
• OPT application must be received by USCIS within
60 days of the date your OPT I-20 is issued.
• Be ready to file when you turn in your request!
• I-20 more than 60 days past issuance date = OPT
DENIED!
IMPORTANT!
20 June 2018
• You may continue to work for up to
180 Days while waiting on your new
EAD card
• This is unique to the 24-Month STEM
OPT
While the STEM Application is
Pending…
What to Include in STEM Application:
G-1145 form
Check for $410 or Form G-1450 for credit card
(payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Two U.S. passport-sized photos (No Glasses)
Completed, signed I-765 form
Copies of all I-20s issued to you
Copy of passport
Copy of F-1 visa stamp
Copy of I-94 record (www.cbp.gov/i94)
Copy of previous EAD
Items are listed on page 1 of the OPT handout!!
G-1145 Form
•G-1145 - first page of application
•Free to file
•More like 1-2 weeks…
•Disregard form expiration date –
be sure to download from uscis.gov
Preparing Your Check
US Department of Homeland Security
mm/dd/yyyy
$410.00
Four Hundred and Ten------------00/100
OPT Application Sign Your Name Here
G-1450 FormIf you wish to pay by credit card – please fill-out at
attached the G-1450 Form to your application.
“Petitioner is person
applying for the OPT
Card Holders
InformationCan be your information or a
friends -> enter that
information here.
Make sure “Card
Holder” SIGNS the
form!
Type or Print in Black Ink
• Write your name AND I-94 # on back!–Write lightly, and in pencil – don’t damage the photo
• Make sure they are the correct size!
• DO NOT Wear Glasses!
Preparing Your Application: Photos
OIE Cannot Check Photos!
Preparing Your Application: Tips
You can include your check & photos
in marked white envelope:
Attach to application – don’t staple
photos!
Form I-765
https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
•Complete Online – form fillable pdf
•USCIS uses machine readable scanner
Form I-765#1: Last name,
First name,
Middle Name
(If No Middle Name –
Leave Blank)
•#3: Be careful of address! • This must be a U.S. address!
•Where will you be in 90+
days?
•Do NOT use a P.O. Box
address.
•Governmental Mail NOT
forward by USPS!
•Keep name on mailbox!
• If you believe you will change addresses within the next
three months, you are advised to list the address of a
trusted friend or family member.
• If you choose to enter your friend or family member’s
address, you must also include a “care of” name. This is
indicated by writing “C/O” and then the name of your
friend or family member before the street address.
Remember:
•This address
determines the
USCIS location
to which you
send your OPT
application.
•This address is
the location to
which USCIS
will mail your
receipt notice
and EAD card.
Form I-765#9A: Do you have a
Social Security
Number?
#9B: Enter SSN
Number
#10: - ONLY if you
answered NO for #9A,
and would like an SSN
Number – and will be
at address used on
I-765 – Complete
questions 10, 11, 12,
and 13.
Form I-765#14: Write in I-94 Numberhttps://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
#15: Check “Yes”
ONLY if you have had
OPT before.
List the appropriate
USCIS
Service Center,
Refer to EAD…
code could be:
EAC = Vermont
SRC = Texas
WAC = California
LIN = Nebraska
YSC = Potomac
List OPT start date.
Form I-765
#18: “F-1 Student”
#19: “Student”
#20: STEM OPT code:
(c)(3)(C)
#16 and #17
Refer to your latest
port of entry stamp in
your passport
Please Note:
ANY U.S. Point of
Entry outside the U.S.
– Where you enter
through immigration
Form I-765List the degree as it is shown
on your I-20 – found in
Program of Study box,
“Major 1” (type as much as
possible, or enter the CIP Code)
What do I include with my
application?
Include ALL Materials on
PAGE 2 in STEM OPT
Handout.
Preparing Your Application:
Proof of Degree
Proof of degree – ONE of the following:Recommended! Final, official transcript
• You may not open the envelope. It is only
“official” in a sealed envelope.
• Copy of the diploma showing the level and
program of study.
**For transcript or diploma, contact the HUB.
The Application Process
Photocopies of Immigration Documents
•I-94 record
•Electronic printout: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/
OR
•White I-94 card (front & back)
•Photo page of passport
•Most recent F-1 visa stamp
•ALL I-20s (be sure that they are signed!)
•EAD card(s)
Optional Cover Letter
• Cover letter not required, unless something is
missing or further explanation is required:
•Missing I-20
-(check your records then contact your school)
•Missing EAD
-No template: Just “To whom it may concern: I
am missing X”
Dependents in F-2 Status
• F-2 dependents will receive a new I-20
F-2 documents NOT submitted in OPT
application
• F-2(s) Must ALWAYS Travel with:• New F-2 I-20
• Copies of F-1’s Documents (OPT I-20, EAD
card(s), Job Offer Letter)
Make A Copy of ENTIRE
Application!!
You will need this information
in the future!
Scan, copy, etc…
But make sure it is a copy of
the entire application
Timing of Your Application
•Be aware of processing times:
•Up to 90 days to be approved…
..or longer if application is returned,
something is missing, etc.
•Cannot Expedite OPT!! Trying can slow the
process!
•Note: You can continue to work for 180 days
while your STEM OPT is being processed.
Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPSOn I-765 (#3), if you use an
address in:
Alabama, Arkansas,
Connecticut, Delaware, DC,
Florida, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi,
New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New Mexico, New
York, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, South Carolina,
Oklahoma, Tennessee,
Texas, Vermont, Virginia,
West Virginia
USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPSOn I-765 (#3), if you use an
address in:
Alaska, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,
Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, Nevada, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oregon,
South Dakota, Utah,
Washington, Wisconsin,
Wyoming
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Mailing your Application
If you mail your
application with
ANY SERVICE
other than FedEx
or UPS…
Please find that specific lockbox hereDO NOT MAIL Regular Mail!
If You Make a Mistake on Your
Application…
DON’T PANIC!
Contact OIE!
And
NEVER Send in
Duplicate
Applications!
The Waiting Game: Next Steps
You should receive from USCIS:
1. Text message or email with
case number
• (within 2 to 3 weeks)
2. Paper Receipt Notice
• (within 4 weeks)
3. Approval Notice
• (up to 90 days)
4. EAD card
• (up to 90 days)
Remember To Be Patient
Case Status Online: www.uscis.gov
Case will stay in
“received” status
until approved
Maintaining Status During STEM
ExtensionYou must submit a STEM report
EVERY 6 months
First report due 6 months after STEM EAD start date.
Submit report to [email protected]: • Name: - As it appears on your Passport
• Date of birth:
• Current residential address:
• Employer's name:
• Employer's address:
• Status of current employment – If there was any changes
Maintaining Status During STEM
Extension150 Days of Unemployment Rule
You may not accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during
the 12 + 24 months of OPT…
**If more than 150 days, OPT and F status ends.
Employment (for SEVP) MUST be 20 hours or more = Full-Time on
STEM.
IMPORTANT: Unpaid Work is not allowed
during 24 Month STEM OPT
Maintaining Status During STEM
Extension
• F-1 students on STEM OPT MUST keep local
(U.S) & permanent (Home Country Address)
current
• Must report to immigration within 10 days of
a move or change
• How….?
Keeping Records & Maintaining Status
Reporting To Immigration!
YesIs your
STEM OPT Approved? Yes
Do you have your
STEM EAD Card?
YesHave you registered
with immigration
using the SEVP Portal?
Then you can update any of the below using the SEVP Portal.
• Residential address
• Personal contact information
• Employer address
• Supervisor contact info
How…?
Keeping Records & Maintaining Status
I Reported To Immigration…
Do I Need A New I-20?• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Residential
Address?
• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Personal Contact
Information?
• No new I-20 is neededUpdated Supervisor Information?
• Ask employer if a new I-20 is needed
Updated Employer Address?
*However, for any other changes,
email [email protected] for
next steps*
*Material Changes might require
updated documentation!*
Keeping Records & Maintaining Status
Change of Employer During 24-Month STEM Extension
1. Submit a final evaluation to [email protected] for
“Company A”.
2. Submit a new request to [email protected] for
“Company B”• New Form I-983
• OPT STEM Request Form & Attestation
• New Planning Tool
• Copy of EAD card(s)
There is no fee associated with a change of employer during 24-month STEM OPT.
SEVIS will be updated with your new employer and a new I-20 will be issued.
Keeping Records & Maintaining Status
Job must be related to level & field of study at CMU
Keep documentation of employment for your records:
• Employer/company
• Employer address
• # hours per week
• Job description
• Supervisor contact info
Travel Issues on STEM OPT
ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH:
Passport
STEM OPT I-20 travel signature
(Your travel signature should be less than 6 months old at the time of travel)
F-1 visa sticker• Valid for re-entry…except for Canadians
EAD(s)
Job Offer Letter
Employer information reported in SEVIS
STEM OPT Travel Issues Continued
EAD says not valid for re-entry!
– Don’t worry!
*This means not valid for re-entry alone
Canada and Mexico + adjacent islands?
– 30-day exception for expired US visa
– Called Automatic Visa Revalidation
– *unless you apply for and are denied a US visa*
• https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel#_Toc81222014
NEVER Enter as a tourist!! This will end your OPT!
No travel after initial OPT period while STEM EAD is pending!!
OPT Travel Issues Continued
• H-1B application pending?
– CONSULT your H employer!
• Travel Questions
(need a new visa, etc.)?
– Consult an OIE advisor
H-1B Temporary Work Visa
Private Sector:
– H-1B effective start date is Oct 1st
– The H-1B “CAP” or quota
65,000 annually available to employers April 1st
(6 months in advance)
20,000 additional H-1B spaces set aside for
advanced degree holders (Master’s & PhD’s)
Universities/Non-Profits not subject to Cap
– University employers can apply at any time for any
start date
H-1B / STEM OPT Timeline 2018
FY 18 H-1B
Filing Year
Opens
April 1, 2018
Start Date of
H-1B
October 1, 2018
CAP-GAP Highlighted in Yellow
STEM OPT
END Date
On Your EAD
Card
April 1, 2018
or later
Cap-Gap ExtensionIf H is timely filed
(between April 1 and before the end of your
STEM OPT)…
OPT AUTOMATICALLY extends from end of
your OPT to September 30 of the year filed.
If your employer wants new I-20…email OIE
– We need a copy of your H approval notice
and your current EAD card
**Directions of how to request a “Cap-Gap I-20”
is on our website
H-1B vs. OPT
OPT is based on your degree
– If you don’t like your job, you can start
working somewhere else using your OPT.
H-1B is directly linked to your employer
– If you don’t like your job and decide to quit,
you will have no status.
– Once H is approved, OPT ends and F-1
status is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• What is considered full-time employment on the 24-month OPT STEM Extension?
• Students must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position
directly related to the STEM degree, following the goals and objectives stated in the I-
983 training plan.
• I have two part-time jobs. One of the employers is enrolled in E-Verify but the other is
not. Is this allowed?
• No, all employment during the 24-month STEM must be full-time with an E-Verify
employer as outlined on the I-983.
• How many days of unemployment am I allowed while on the 24-month STEM Extension?
• Students who receive a 24-month OPT STEM extension are given an additional 60 days
of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT period.
• NOTE: 1724-Month Transition students with a 17-month Extension who request an
additional 7 months of OPT have 120 days of unemployment until the final approval of
the 24-Month Extension EAD. Once the EAD is approved, you can claim the 24-Month
150-day unemployment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)• What counts as unemployment?
• Each calendar day during the period when OPT authorization begins and ends that the
student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment.
• Can I continue to work while my 24-month STEM Extension OPT is pending?
• If a student’s EAD expires while the STEM Extension application is pending, the student
is authorized to work until USCIS makes a decision about the application, but not more
than 180 days from the date the student’s initial OPT EAD expires
• How do I report to immigration, any changes during my STEM Extension?
• If you have a residential address change, personal contact information change, supervisor
contact information change, and/or an employer address change, you can report to
immigration using the SEVP Portal. For all other changes – please email
[email protected] directly.
• What documents should I present to my employer once my Post-Completion OPT expires
and my OPT STEM is pending?
• The student should present the employer with the expired EAD card, the form I-20
recommending the student for STEM Extension, and proof of the timely filing with
USCIS (Receipt Notice from USCIS).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Can I switch employers while my OPT STEM application is
pending?
• Yes, but we do NOT recommend this.
• You must submit to OIE:
• A new OPT 24-Month STEM Request,
• An updated I-765,
• A new I-983
• An OIE advisor will update your information in SEVIS and
with USCIS.
• You will then receive a new I-20
Visit:
• STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the
States website
• OIE Web Resources
• Contact OIE at: [email protected]
Warner Hall, 3rd Floor
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00
412-268-5231
www.cmu.edu/oie