OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
What is OPT? OPT is an employment option available to F-1 students for employment directly related to your major. 12-month period of OPT 24-month STEM Extension OPT for STEM majors Employment does NOT have to be paid, as long as there is no violation of labor laws, but must be at least 20 hours per week. Unpaid internships or job-shadowing in a position, directly related to your academic field of study, for 20 hours per week meets eligibility requirements.
Unemployment Restriction You may not be unemployed for more than 90 days total while on OPT. Inform ISSS of: Employer’s name and address Start and end date of employment If you do not report these, the US government can terminate your status in the country. Email ISSS as soon as you accept a position!
What does my employer want to know about OPT? You are eligible to work in the US! “Are you legally allowed to work in the US?” YES! Your employer does not have to sponsor you during these 12 months You stay on your F-1 visa and report changes to JMU No extra paperwork for them! You cannot start working until you receive approval from the US government = EAD card Once approved, you can start work on the start date for the EAD card.
Employment Authorization Document This is what your EAD card will look like: You MUST have your EAD card before you can begin working.
OPT and International Travel RECOMMENDED Travel: EAD card Signed I-20 for travel Valid visa and passport Letter from your employer stating you will still be employed upon return Travel NOT RECOMMENDED: The period after graduation and before you receive the EAD card (while OPT is pending) Before you have found employment
Application Timeline
Next Steps: How to Apply for OPT Submit the Graduation Letter Request form to the Registrar’s Office and wait for ISSS to email you for your OPT appointment. Collect all the documents, complete forms, get photos, and write check – bring all to your OPT appointment. Pick an OPT start date that you believe will work well for your situation and potential employer. ISSS will review your application, print a new I-20 endorsed for OPT, and mail the application to the USCIS Service Center for you. Within approximately 90 days, you should receive your EAD card in the mail to the US address you list on the I-765 form.
Questions? Come to an OPT session! Wednesday, Sept. 28 Tuesday, Oct. 11 Thursday, Oct. 27 Wednesday, Nov. 9 Tuesday, Nov. 29 Thursday, Dec. 8 Wednesday, Dec. 14 Drop in from 3-5pm at the ISSS Office