Optional Practical Training! WHAT IS IT? WHY DO I WANT IT? HOW DO I GET IT? AND WHAT IS A STEM EXTENSION?

What is OPT? Twelve (12) month work authorization for the F-1 student visa Purpose: work experience in your field of study US Immigration sees OPT as a “Benefit” of valid visa status and “Academic Training” Employers view OPT as a trial for future employment

What are my options for work?

Two Types of OPT 1) Pre-Completion OPT starts and ends before you complete your degree. Must be part-time (20 hrs/wk) during semester unless you have completed all course requirements except thesis or dissertation. Days of Unemployment are not counted 2) Post-Completion OPT begins after your completion date (i.e. graduation!) This includes ALL work, paid or unpaid, after you graduate. Must apply for each of these separately Allowed up to 12 months total combined

OPT- What You Need to Know: Must apply through USCIS and pay a fee $380 for applications received BEFORE December 23, 2016 $410 for applications received ON or AFTER December 23, 2016 (due to increase) Your application can take 3 (THREE!) months to process When approved, you will get a card called the “EAD” (Employment Authorization Document) You can work anywhere in the U.S. You don’t need a job to apply for OPT Days of unemployment will be counted (90 Max) Work must be related to your degree Twelve months of OPT for each higher academic level Must update information with ISO while on OPT (still F-1)

When should I apply? The Spring 2017 term ends on May 21: Starting 90 days before the end of the program (semester) Not later than 60 days after the end of the program The Spring 2017 term ends on May 21: You may apply after February 21 and You must apply before July 21

How to Apply for OPT Choose a start-date then submit OPT application 3 months before that date! Apply early! USCIS may take 90 days’ processing time Deadline = 60 days past your completion date. Gather necessary documents Copies of immigration docs 2 Passport style photos Check or Money Order for $380 or $410 (depending on when you mail it in) Completed Form I-765 A new I-20 with the DSO recommendation Schedule an appointment with Lauren Clarke: She will issue a new OPT I-20 and is glad to look over your application before you mail it. Mail application packet to USCIS: Be careful -- Read instructions!

The Application Packet Complete Form I-765 Check for the appropriate fee ($380 or $410) to USDHS Copies of: Passport ID page I-94 and visa stamp OPT I-20 All previous I-20s Any previous EADs 2 passport photos

What Happens Next? WAIT…. Notification from USCIS in 2-3 weeks = they received it. Case Number in left-hand corner to check status online at www.uscis.gov The 90-Day processing period begins from date of receipt

The Wait Prepare to be patient; a 90-day wait is normal Be clear with potential employers Check case status online at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do Update address with USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283 to prevent delays in receiving your card You cannot begin working until the EAD is in your hand! You cannot begin working before the start date on your EAD

YAY! I got my EAD card!  Now what? Copy the card and send it to Lauren Clarke May begin work from start date Report address change to Lauren Clarke Report employer name and address Now what?

Travel and OPT Best advice: Do not travel while OPT application is pending. If travel is necessary while OPT is pending or before OPT starts, consult with Dean Clarke After OPT is granted and start date has passed: Do NOT travel outside the U.S. if you do not have a job! While on OPT, you must present the following upon re-entry to US: EAD (OPT card) Proof of employment I-20 signed within last 6 months Valid F-1 visa

While on OPT Reminders Do not accrue more than 90 days unemployment Report to Amherst ISO: Employer name and address Name change Residential address Any changes in employment Change of visa status Back to school Reminders Do not accrue more than 90 days unemployment 120 days (STEM) Work in a field related to your degree program I-20 signed every six (6) months You are still an F-1 student!

What is the STEM Extension? An additional 17 months of work authorization if you have: A degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, field of study. A job/job offer with an employer who has signed up with the E-Verify program (federal contracts) Currently working on 12-month OPT Applying for the STEM: Very similar process to 12-month OPT ($380 or $410, paperwork) Contact us 60-90 days prior to expiration of initial OPT Must apply *before* your current OPT ends May continue to work while waiting for approval and new card Can’t travel outside of the US until you get your new STEM EAD card.

What about the H1B visa? Your company must sponsor you for this visa type. F-1 visa ends upon H1B start date. Private Sector: H1B applications are submitted starting on 04/01 and close on 10/01. ISO can issue a “Cap-Gap I-20” if needed. Non-Profit/University : H1Bs can be submitted at any time. If approved, contact ISO and send copy of Approval Notice.

Questions? Email or schedule an appointment with Lauren Clarke lclarke@amherst.edu