Transcript OPT Online Workshop - University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific
Office for International Programs and Services
www.pacific.edu/ips
OPT Workshop
International Programs and Services
Agenda
OPT Definition
Eligibility
Duration
Exceptions to 12mo rule
Employment
Requirements
When OPT can end
INS Form I-765
Procedures for Applying
Completed Application
After submission
Example EAD
Things to remember
Mailing Information
Photo information
Reference Links
Download I-765 at: http://www.uscis.gov
International Programs and Services
OPT Definition:
Optional Practical Training
PRE-COMPLETION OPT:
Opt that is authorized to be worked, and related to your major area of
study, while attending full-time and before the students program end
date, prior to degree completion. Worked at ½ rate or 20 hours a
week or less.
Exception: Full-time is allowed during official breaks
POST-COMPLETION OPT:
Temporary employment for practical training, and directly related to
your major area of study, after completion of a degree, for a
maximum of one year (12 months) at more than 20 + hrs a
week.
All Standard OPT must be completed within 14 months of your
program end date.
International Programs and Services
Eligibility
To be eligible for OPT you must:
Have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student for one full
academic year before applying.
(Maintained your F1 nonimmigrant status per SEVIS regulations)
Have a valid passport (Cannot be within 6 months of expiration).
Be present in the U.S. for the previous 1 year before applying
unless you are enrolled in a study abroad program.
You have not used full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
for one year or more.
International Programs and Services
Duration
12-months cumulative maximum per education level.
Example:
A Masters degree student graduates & is eligible for 12 months
OPT. After completion of the 12 months of OPT this person enrolls in a
Ph.D. program. Upon completion of Ph.D. program is eligible for
another 12 months OPT.
International Programs and Services
Exceptions to the 12-month rule
� Part-time pre-completion OPT, 20 hours per week or
less.

Example:
A student who uses 6 (six) months of part-time pre-completion
OPT is eligible for the remaining post-completion balance of 6
additional full-time months.
� A one-time extension of 17 months is available for
certain STEM degree recipients (Science, Technology,
Engineering or Mathematics)
(The URL talks about eligibility, reporting requirements, the EVerify program etc. )
International Programs and Services
Employment Requirements
No offer of employment is required to apply for OPT.
However, you cannot work except during the EAD
(Employment Authorization Document) issued period.
•If your EAD begins on July 1st 2013 you cannot
work before that date.
•If you EAD ends July 1st 2014 you must stop
working.
If during your EAD issued period try not to become
unemployed for more than 90 days.
(This includes weekend days in the count)
You must report unemployment or change in employers within 10
days to a DSO at IPS.
International Programs and Services
When OPT Ends
All Standard OPT (pre/post) must be completed within 14months following the completion of study. Exception is the 17month extension for STEM degrees.
Failure to apply OPT within 60 days after the students
graduation or program end date, whichever comes first.
Start the application 60 to 90 days before graduation to ensure it is
processed in time.
You transfer to another school and begin study.
If you fail to maintain your F1 immigration status while on
OPT.
- Notify us of any/all employer changes
- Notify us of any/all unemployment time
- Notify us of any/all biographical changes (Address, phone etc.)
International Programs and Services
Form – I-765
Download I-765 at: http://www.uscis.gov
First thing on form:
I am applying for: Check an appropriate box – Please check ONLY
ONE box.
• Permission to accept employment - if you are a new
applicant.
• Replacement - if you lost your EAD card.
• Renewal of my permission to accept employment - if
you are applying for a STEM extension.
Make sure you keep a physical address on file with us. If
you move, and have not reported the change of address,
the post office will not forward mail from the federal
government. This could delay your OPT start date.
International Programs and Services
Form – I-765
#16 Who may file form I-765
This section is asking for a code – What type of
OPT are you applying for?
F1 Student: (verify codes – pg 2-3):
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf
OPT Pre-Completion
No offer of employment
needed
(c)(3)(A)
OPT Post-Completion
No offer needed
(c)(3)(B)
International Programs and Services
Form – I-765
Certification section:
Make sure your signature stays within the lines on the form
International Programs and Services
Procedures for Applying for OPT
Attend the mandatory OPT workshop;
Remember to sign the attendance sheet
Complete the OPT application;
Complete the OPT Advisor certification form;
Complete the I-765 Employment Authorization form.
Copy of Form I-94 (front & back)
Make copies of all issued I-20’s (Only page 1 & 3),
Copies of Visa & Passport biographic page, and any
previous EAD card.
Two identical Passport Photographs
I-765 form with filing fee $380.00 (Check or money order
payable to: “US Department of Homeland Security.”);
International Programs and Services
Procedures for Applying for OPT, 2
Make an appointment with a DSO in IPS
Bring all forms and copies of documents,
and include :
• Proof of academic standing i.e. course summary with
grades, transcript of record etc. (we copy everything)
*Paperclip all documents together*
The DSO will evaluate your application and decide if
an OPT recommendation should be done.
If approved a new I-20 will be issued for your
application showing the OPT recommendation.
International Programs and Services
Complete Application includes
(in this order)
Cover letter (describing type of application: part-time or full
time)
I-765 form with filing fee $380.00 (Check or money order payable
to: “US Department of Homeland Security.”);
Copy of Form I-94 (Front & Back);
Copy of SEVIS I-20 (new) showing OPT recommendation;
Copy of biographical page in Passport & Visa w/photo (Copy
must be clear), Copy of last EAD (if you have one), and copies
of all I-20’s ; 2 Passport Photos (no older than 6 months);
Lightly print your SEVIS number & Name in pencil on the back
Completed OPT application;
Completed OPT Advisor certification form;
Optional form G-1145 : allows for electronic notification of
application/petition acceptance.
International Programs and
Services
www.isp.msu.edu/oiss
After submitting your application
If USCIS approves the application, it will issue an
EAD.
If USCIS wants more information, they can send a request
for evidence (RFE).
If ineligibility is determined, USCIS should indicate the
reason for denial in a written notice sent to the student.
If 90 days has passed, from receipt date, and you
have not received your EAD you may apply for
interim employment authorization document – IEAD
Using the Infopass online appointment manager.
International Programs and Services
Example EAD
And remember:
•You MUST submit a photocopy of your EAD or IEAD to IPS.
USCIS REQUIRES that a copy of this document be kept in your
file.
International Programs and Services
Things to remember
The date(s) you request on your application for OPT may not be
the dates assigned on your EAD.
The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) lists the
official dates you are able to work.
The application packet & all associated documents must be filed
within 30 days of DSO’s SEVIS recommendation. We will provide
you a new I-20.
(One of the IPS DSO staff must recommend you in SEVIS for OPT)
You only have 60 days from the date you finish your degree
until the time you must leave the country. These days are the
extra 2 months (14 months to complete OPT – 12 are working)
If you start work (OPT) on the 59th day, then when 12 mo OPT ends you
have 1 day to leave the country.
If you become unemployed contact us immediately to report
unemployment periods.
(Multiple employers, work for hire, volunteering or work directly related
to their program of study)
International Programs and Services
Things to remember part 2
You will compromise your future immigration benefits if you do
not stay within the requirements of OPT/SEVIS.
This could include termination of your SEVIS record
You must report changes in employment or if you become
unemployed to a DSO within 10 business days so you are not
considered out of status and reported.
If you travel on OPT you can only return to the job IF you have
already been working and are returning to the job.
You should always carry your EAD, proof of your current
OPT position (employer letter), Visa & Passport, and your
endorsed I-20 while traveling.
International Programs and Services
Filing addresses:
USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
For Express mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
** IPS only provides a cover letter if we mail the packet. (Cost is
$6.00 minimum fee with receipt requested)
** Application must be mailed within 30 days of our
recommendation
International Programs and Services
OPT Photos
Photo Guidelines:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html
International Programs and Services
Reference information:
Download I-765 at: http://www.uscis.gov
I-765 #16 Codes: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf
Photo requirements:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.
html
STEM degree info:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f6
14176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=9a3d3dd87aa19110VgnVCM10000047181
90aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1
RCRD
Documents for IPS approval: In UOP website search box type, OPT
Interim EAD card application (if you have not received your EAD
card within 90 days): http://infopass.uscis.gov/
International Programs and Services
Thank you and please contact IPS if
you have any questions.
[email protected]
If you are completing this workshop online – please fill out the
certification on the next slide.
International Programs and Services
OPT Online Certification
Full Name
Email
Student ID #
Date Completed
Signature
7/17/2015
Email to: [email protected]