OPT Basics - usf.edu

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OPT Basics

How to Apply

When to Apply

What to Expect

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)

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

E: EmploymentA: AuthorizationD: Document

Sample EAD

New Version Old Version

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.

Types Of OPT

• Pre-Completion OPT

• Post-Completion OPT (often called Standard OPT)

• STEM OPT

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

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)8

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

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

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

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

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

S: ScienceT: TechnologyE: EngineeringM: Mathematics

DHS STEM Designated

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

• 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

• You can use (CTRL F) to search

the list but be sure to

use all the #s

ex. 11.0501

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 15

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 application16

How Do I Apply for OPT?

Go to www.iStart.usf.edu and choose

F-1 Practical Training - Apply

Read OPT Guide and E-Form Instructions

Pass OPT Quiz with 100%

Complete the remaining E-Forms

OPT Academic Confirmation E-Form

• Undergraduates need Academic Advisor information

• Graduates need Graduate Coordinator, Program Director, or Chair

information

What Documents Do I Need?

OPT Packet Preparation e-Form requires uploadingscanned 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-20s20

Obtain two new 2x2 passport photographs. Photos must not be more than 60 days old. Passport photos can be obtained at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.

Write the following on the back of the photo (gently with a pencil or felt pen): Name A# (USCIS #)

or I-94#

Photos

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

Amount: $410.00

PassportBiographical

Port of Entry Stamp

Requesting Dates for

Post-Completion OPT

The OPT Requested Dates E-Form completes your

submission

Choosing Dates For

Post-Completion OPT

Start date must be within 60 days from graduation

End date is usually one year later

For Summer 2020:

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

For Fall 2020:

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

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?

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

Preparing Your OPT Application

For USCIS

Cover Sheet

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

Informed Delivery By USPS

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.

Tracking Your Application:

USCIS Case Status

www.uscis.gov

Tracking Your Application:

USCIS Case Status

www.uscis.gov

Form G-1145

• Use this form to request

a text message and/or email

when USCIS accepts your

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

Common Questions

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

• Passport50

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

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

When Can I Start Working?

Obtain EAD card and

Reach “Valid From” date on EAD card

Can I work before I get my EAD?

On-campus Employment must end IMMEDIATELY after the program end date

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

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

What Items Do I Need For Travel On

• 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

Additional Considerations

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 US58

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

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)

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

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

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

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

The End