OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING Workshop

Clemson University

Office of International Services

This presentation will answer many questions regarding OPT, including: ∗ What is OPT ∗ How do I apply for OPT? ∗ When do I apply for OPT? ∗ Can I cancel/change my application? ∗ What about OPT extension? ∗ Travel on OPT ∗ And more…

Welcome!

∗ Off campus work authorization permitting a work experience in your field of study at a U.S. company or organization.

Employment limited to your field of study

Maximum authorization is 12 months

WHAT IS OPT?

∗ Xiaoyu majored in Chemistry and is hired by Coca-Cola to work in their Research and Development department.

WHAT EXACTLY IS OPT?

Maria is completing a degree in Biology. She wants to work as a waitress.

WHAT IS NOT OPT?

Pre-Completion ∗ During school vacations (full-time) ∗ During school year (part-time)

Post-Completion ∗ After completion of program

WHEN CAN I USE OPT?

∗ Once all coursework has been completed, students may concurrently work full-time on OPT while writing their thesis/dissertation.

∗ Full-time enrollment is required. ∗ Time spent during pre-completion OPT will be

subtracted from the total 12 months of post-completion OPT.

WHEN CAN I USE OPT? Masters or PhD students:

∗ Your completion date is when your I-20 expires, and you have completed your program.

∗ Using post-completion OPT means you are FINISHED as a student. You are no longer eligible to extend your I-20. You are also ineligible to work in your graduate assistantship.

WHAT IS COMPLETION? (when your I-20 will expire)

∗ You CANNOT work, paid or volunteer, between your completion date and your OPT start date.

WHAT IS COMPLETION? (when your I-20 will expire)

∗ It is recommended that you apply before your completion date. USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the end of your 60 day grace period.

∗ The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your completion date.

∗ OPT must start within 60 days of the completion date.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

∗ You will receive a new I-20 ∗ You will send the required documents to

USCIS ∗ You receive a Notice of Action (receipt letter)

within 2-3 weeks ∗ You can track your application with the

receipt number at: www.uscis.gov ∗ Your Employment Authorization Document

(EAD) will arrive within 90 days

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY?

∗ Your OPT can be cancelled without losing any time if you have not mailed your application

∗ NO REFUNDS. You will lost the $380 application fee to USCIS

∗ Your OPT may be cancelled once it has begun, but you risk losing considerable time during the cancellation process

∗ ANY CHANGE to your OPT application is NOT recommended once it has been submitted

∗ If you start a new degree program or transfer your SEVIS record to a new school during your OPT period, this will cancel your OPT work authorization

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

∗ You MUST work at least 20 hours a week ∗ Your work MUST be in your field of study ∗ You cannot accrue more than 90 days of

unemployment ∗ You must report changes in address,

employers, and period of unemployment to International Services using the IS-150 Data Validation Form

OPT Rules

∗ I-20 travel signature: no more than 6 months old! ∗ If your application is still pending and you have

completed your program, travel is risky ∗ If your application was approved and you have:

∗ A job; it is recommended that you travel with written support from your supervisor

∗ No job; leaving the country is risky. Carry proof of your job search

TRAVEL

∗ Extension of your OPT work authorization is available if you have a pending non-exempt H-1B petition (contact our office)

∗ If your degree is in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), you may qualify for a 17 month OPT extension (contact our office)

∗ You have a 60 day grace period after your OPT expires. You can use this time to: ∗ Apply to change Visa status ∗ Prepare to leave the U.S. ∗ Begin a new degree program

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OPT ENDS?

∗ IS-140 Form signed by both you and your academic advisor

∗ G-1145 Form (typed)

∗ I-765 Form (typed)

∗ Check made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380

∗ 2 US Passport photos (2x2) see link:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/photocomptemplate/photocomptemplate_5297.html

∗ Copies of: front and back of I-94, Visa, passport photo and biographical page (if there is one)

∗ NO job offer required

WHAT TO BRING TO OPT WORKSHOP

Photo Composition Template

∗ USCIS Website ∗ MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten

∗ NOT a required form, but we strongly recommend students to complete and submit with their application to receive confirmation of USCIS having received the documents

G-1145Form

∗ MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten ∗ USCIS Website ∗ Address: Make sure you use a reliable address

where you will be in 90 days. USCIS will NOT forward mail! If you are unsure, use International Services address

∗ A-Number OR I-94 Number: You will write your I-94 number

∗ Date and Place of last entry: Can be found on your I-94 card

I-765 Application Form

∗ Manner of Entry and Current Status: F-1 Student ∗ Pre-Completion Code: (c) (3) (A) ∗ Post Completion Code: (c) (3) (B) ∗ OPT Extension Code: (c) (3) (C)

∗ Question 17 is for Extension applicants only

I-765 Application Form

Must be part of a STEM degree major

Must be employed by an e-verify company

POST COMPLETION OPT

Extension

• For a list of STEM Degrees: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm Can apply as early as 180 days prior to OPT end date Renewal of Permission to Accept Employment #16: (c) ( 3) (C) #17: Complete with company information

POST COMPLETION OPT Extension

∗ A watched pot never boils!

Waiting Game

OPT and other immigration questions can be emailed to is@clemson.edu

Advising Hours Monday and Tuesday: 9:00-11:30

Wednesday and Thursday: 1:30-3:30 Or by appointment. Please call 656-3614. Requests for appointments through email

will not be considered

NEED MORE HELP?

∗Questions?

OPT