1. Optional Practical Training OPT for F-1 Students

2. Definition of Optional Practical Training Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows F-1 students to gain a maximum of 12 months of practical experience directly related to their field of study. It is considered off-campus employment.

3. Eligibility Requirements For Optional Practical Training Students may engage in OPT after being enrolled consistently for at least one full academic year. For example students who start in the Fall term are eligible for OPT at the end of the Spring term. Students do not need to secure employment before applying for OPT.

4. When Can I Use Optional Practical Training?  Pre-completion OPT While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. Students may only work up to a total of 20 hours per week at any employment both on and off campus during the semester. During school vacations up to full time. After completion of all course requirements for the degree excluding thesis or research project for a graduate student in a master’s, or doctoral degree program.  Post-completion OPT After completion of the course of study.

5. A total of 12 months is available for OPT per degree level. Students who do Pre-completion OPT will have that time deducted from the 12 months available.  For example if you apply for and receive three months of full time OPT during a summer session, you will only have nine months of post completion OPT available. Part-time OPT is always deducted from the available OPT at 50% of the full-time rate.  For example, a student who works for 6 months part-time will have 3 months deducted from the 12 month total OPT time (this option is not available for Post-completion OPT).

6. Time Limits of OPT Your OPT ends if you transfer to another school or if you enroll in a new degree program. The 12 months of OPT are only available until 14 months after the date of completion of a particular degree level. You can only do OPT once at each degree level

7. Applying for OPT “Timing is everything!” Prior to end date (completion of academic program) (Item #5 on I-20) Applications should be sent ninety days before requested start date. Requested start dates can be no later than two months after end date of completion of academic program. PRE and Post completion OPT requests have identical processing times. Pre completion is scheduled prior to end date on I-20 post completion is scheduled after end date.

8. Application Deadline For Opt Post Completion Of Studies We strongly recommend that you start the application process for OPT 90 days before you hope to start your employment. The regulations mandate that a request must be made prior to the completion of all course requirements for the degree or prior to the completion of the course of study. USCIS takes approximately 90 days to process OPT and there is no way to expedite it. Temporary EAD cards are no longer available from the USCIS District Office if your original application is not adjudicated within 90 days of USCIS receipt.

9. OPT Application Checklist Complete the OPT Request and Recommendation Form and obtain all three required signatures. If an anticipated date of completion is AFTER the current end date on the student’s I-20, a program extension process must occur before the OPT is processed. Check or money order made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security Be sure to verify the amount at prior to filing. The fee is subject to change. As of January 31, 2007 it was $180. Be sure that your name and I-94 number are written on the check.

10. OPT Application Checklist continued A completed I-765 is the form required for the application for employment. When completing the I-765 be sure to use a mailing address which will still be valid several months in the future. You may use the International Student Center's mailing address. You can find the I-765 and the current fee under Immigration Forms at the following web site: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis  In item #16 on the form indicate the appropriate code by writing “(c) (3) (i) F-1 Optional Practical Training”  There is a fill-able form available under e-filing. You can use this process for completing the form and then print a copy. However we do not recommend using the e-filing process at this time. Currently, it actually takes more time to process the application if you e-file.

11. OPT Application Checklist continued Two (2) ADIT style photos.  Two passport-style color photos with a white background taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS. They should be un-mounted, glossy and un-retouched. The photos should show a full-frontal facial position. Your head should be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order to which you belong. The photo should not be larger than 2 x 2 inches, with the distance from the top of the head to just below the chin about 1 1/4 inches. Lightly print our name and your I-94 #the back of each photo with a pencil.  Photographer’s specification can be found at:http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/setup_production.htmlhttp://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/setup_production.html Photocopy of all prior SEVIS I-20s (and pre-SEVIS I-20s, pages 3 & 4) * Photocopy of biographical pages of current passport* Photocopy of most recent visa* Photocopy of original I-94 (front and back).* *If you bring the originals with you, the ISC will make a copy for your application packet

12. OPT Application Checklist continued Some students may have the following requirements: Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards) NSEERS Registrants must provide proof of registration (copies of front and back of I-94 card should indicate registration and an FIN#) and a letter from the student noting the date and place you initially registered.

13. Make an appointment at the ISC When you have all the items and have followed all the instructions on the checklist, contact the ISC to request an appointment by emailing INTL_Office@umassd.edu INTL_Office@umassd.edu Students who arrive with incomplete applications will have to reschedule.

14. At the Appointment: Your application packet will be reviewed. A new I-20 recommending the student for OPT will be created. A requested Start Date and End Date for OPT will be recorded on the I-20. If necessary the academic program end date on the I-20 will be adjusted to reflect the date that the advisor has reported as the date of completion for the student. If an anticipated date of completion is AFTER the current end date on the student’s I-20, a program extension process must occur before the OPT is processed.

15. Important Information If you apply for post-completion OPT you cannot travel outside of the United States and plan to return until you have received your EAD card and have at minimum a confirmed job offer. If you leave the country before practical training is authorized or pending, you forfeit your practical training privileges. If you plan to travel after OPT has been granted you must carry the following documents with you at all times if you plan to re-enter the United States:  I-20 ID properly endorsed within the last six months  Unexpired F-1 student visa  EAD card  Unexpired passport  Letter from employer confirming employment Your OPT employment begins and ends on the dates stipulated on the EAD card. You must not work or collect wages until your OPT has been granted. For students who apply for post completion this includes this includes any on-campus employment after the date of completion on your I-20

16. More Important Information While on OPT you are required to update your address with us within 10 days of your move. You will not be eligible to submit an OPT application after you complete your degree program, therefore you must apply for OPT before completion. Completion is usually defined as the date that you have finished all the work, not the date on a diploma. According to the new regulations a student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. Your dependents will remain in valid status for the duration of your OPT. Your on-campus employment (unless continuing it on OPT) must end on the date specified on your new I-20 as the expiration date. Your OPT ends if you transfer to another school or if you enroll in a new degree program.

17. Mail Application Packet Mail all of the application documents by certified and return receipt requested mail, after you have met with ISC staff. The ISC will provide you with an addressed envelope. Most students* mail them to:  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services  Vermont Service Center  75 Lower Welden St.  Saint Albans, Vermont 05479 *Some students may need to send their Application to one of the other Service Centers if the address on their I-765 is in another part of the United States

18. After you have mailed your OPT packet you will receive the following documents: Post office receipt for OPT packet. Notice of Action from USCIS, acknowledging the receipt of your money and the I- 765 (OPT) application. We require that you provide us with a copy of this form. On rare circumstances you might receive a request from USCIS to submit additional evidence to process your OPT application. You should let ISC know if you receive this blue form. Notice of Action from USCIS notifying you of the results of the application and if approved when you will receive the card. We require that you provide us with a copy of this form. EAD card will be sent in a different envelope. We require that you provide us with a copy of this form.

19. OPT problems are Incomplete applications Applying for post completion OPT and then do not complete the degree program by the specified completion date on the I-20. Attempting to cancel an OPT application after it has been sent to USCIS. Applications that are delayed for security checks. Moving thereby changing mailing address after applying for OPT. Losing applications because the were sent through the regular mail. Leaving the US then attempt to return without the EAD card and proof of employment.

20. Important Notes You must continue to follow F-1 regulations as they apply to students on OPT.  Notify us of any change of address within ten days  Employment must be in your field of study You may begin your employment when you have BOTH the card in your hand and the start date listed on the card has been reached. You must end your OPT employment on the date listed on the EAD card. Always keep your old EAD cards because you may be asked to provide a copy of it for future USCIS applications. When you reach the end of your OPT (post completion only), if you have not changed your visa status to another type or have not been admitted to another degree program you must make plans to leave the United States within the sixty days grace period.

21. Processing Times and Case Status On Line: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp Finding the Status of Your Case If you have an application receipt number, you can check the status of your case at this address. Obtaining a List of Processing Dates If you would like to see the Processing Dates for Applications and Petition at the Service Center(s) you can use the link at this address.