1. Optional Practical Training

2. What is OPT? Optional Practical Training—work authorization granted by USCIS for students in F-1 status. 12 months experience in your field of study Still in F-1 status while on OPT Open work authorization  Not tied to a particular job—can be used for multiple employers  Do not need a job offer to apply for OPT  Can work anywhere in the U.S.  Can be used for full- or part-time (at least 20 hours/week) employment

3. Eligibility Must have been in valid F-1 status for at least two semesters (9 months) Academic program has not been completed, or was completed less than 60 days ago Students on assistantships may NOT begin OPT before the end of semester, or end of contract, whichever is later. 12 months OPT after each (higher) degree (BS, MS, PhD)  Unused OPT time may not be accumulated or used later.

4. Application Timeline No earlier than 90 days before you complete your degree and received no later than 60 days after. It can take up to 3 months for your application to be approved from the time USCIS receives your application, so:  It is best to apply early  Receiving approval early also helps you apply for benefits (e.g. extending driver’s license, applying for SSN).

5. OPT Timeline Program end date 90 days before program completion: earliest date to apply for OPT 60 days after program completion: last date USCIS must receive application Earliest OPT start date Latest OPT completion date Program start date 60 day grace period No work Last date to meet with intl advisor (1 week prior to end of grace period) 60 day grace period No work 12 months OPT Unemployment < 90 days Depart Transfer New program Change status F-1 Status Latest OPT start date

6. Application Process 1. Attend OPT session (recommended, not mandatory) 2. Complete forms, obtain department letter, have photos taken, make necessary copies 3. Schedule an OPT appointment with and submit application to the International Student Advisor 4. New I-20 is issued, application is finalized 5. Mail application to USCIS

7. OPT Application Cover Page Name, address, program information Contract ending date—applicable only if on GRA or GTA Anticipated program completion date Requested OPT start and end dates

8. G-1145 Option to receive email and/or text message confirming receipt of your application Official receipt notice will be delivered via mail (post). Be sure to keep the official receipt notice.

9. Instructions Samples Use fillable PDF—do not fill out form online— download and save copy to your computer. If handwriting, print clearly and use blue ink. I am applying for: Permission to accept employment #1: Name as it appears on your passport #3: the post office cannot forward immigration mail, so make sure you list an address you will be living or can receive mail. #11: If yes, answer subsequent questions and provide copy of previous EAD #16: code for post-completion OPT is (c)(3)(B) #17: leave blank Signature: sign in blue ink and in the middle of the space provided (between the two lines)—do not cross the line above or below I-765

10. Signed by your advisor, printed on VT letterhead is expected to graduate with a degree of in month/year. The Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training. (sample A for post-completion OPT). Completion date must match date given on OPT application form. Department Recommendation

11. Copies I-20s: Pages 1 and 3 of all I-20s ever issued to you  Virginia Tech  Previous schools I-94: front and back of card or online printout  (www.cbp.gov/i94) Passport ID page and expiration page Visa page Previous EADs (if applicable) Change of status notice (if applicable)

12. Other Necessary Components 2 color photos  Format is important!  2” x 2”  Color  Identical to each other  Photos taken within last 6 months  Do not use photos submitted for visa  Provide the photographer with the photo specification document  Local pharmacies such as CVS or Walgreens  Double check photos before leaving Check  Made out to Department of Homeland Security  $380  Spell out month when dating check, e.g. March 6, 2014

13. Email and/or text sent to student once application is received (3-4 days). Official receipt notice mailed in 2-3 weeks. Both will have your case number. Case can be checked online: www.uscis.gov Verify your name and address If receipt notice is returned to service center, OPT processing stops Customer Service: 800-375-5283 Application will take 2-3 months to process, cannot request an expedite. Once Opt is approved, USCIS will mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)/OPT card Once you receive your EAD AND reach your employment start date, you may begin working. What Happens Next?

14. Traveling on OPT Before completing program, before receiving EAD (OPT pending)  Valid visa and passport, OPT I-20 with travel signature, enrollment confirmation, possibly letter from department After completing program, after receiving EAD (OPT approved)  Valid visa and passport, OPT I-20 with travel signature less than 6 months old, EAD, and offer letter from employer If one or more of the above is missing, you assume some risk of not being able to return to the U.S. If you have an H- 1B or green card pending, talk to your attorney or company.

15. OPT Extensions STEM extension—17 additional months (29 months total)  Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics majors only  One-time extension  Employer must be registered with E-Verify  File 90 days before current EAD expires. Application extends EAD up to 180 days while pending  Do not travel if EAD is expired and STEM extension is pending  Must report to international advisor every 6 months, even if no changes OPT extension for pending/approved H-1B  OPT automatically extended to September 30 unless H-1B is denied/withdrawn (then expires on denial date).  New I-20 can be issued with revised OPT end date after USCIS’s CLAIMS updates SEVIS record.

16. Unemployment Unemployment during OPT cannot exceed 90 days  Total is cumulative  No grace period after 90-day limit  Part-time (20+ hours/week) counts as employment  Volunteering and unpaid internships fulfill the requirement  Must be 20 hours/week  Must be in your field of study  Keep accurate records of unpaid work  Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed counts toward unemployment limit If on STEM extension, unemployment limit is 120 total Consequences of unemployment not yet clear—possible: denied visa, denied reentry to U.S., denied later benefit (e.g. change of status to H-1B)

17. Your Responsibilities Notify us of any address or employment changes Moved New job Changed jobs Notify us of any status changes Document each position held during OPT Job title Description of the work as related to your degree Proof of duration of each position Contact information for supervisor or manager

18. H-1B Visa status for employment in “specialty occupation”—requires Bachelor’s or equivalent as minimum Granted in 3 year increments, can be extended once (6 years total) H-1B cap: 65,000 +20,000 Application April 1, begin employment October 1 Obtained only through employer sponsorship