OPT Workshop

Acronyms to know USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services OPT: Optional Practical Training STEM: Science Technology Engineering Mathematics EAD: Employment Authorization Document DSO: Designated School Official SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System IPS : International Programs and Services

What is OPT? Optional practical Training OPT is not merely employment off campus. Must directly relate to current degree 12 months (per degree level) Pre/post-completion

About opt Job offer not required Full-time Work After graduation or completing degree requirements (graduates only) Work Only after receiving ead card and Only during dates on ead card

About opt Multiple employers ok Unemployment Stem extension employers must be e-verify Unemployment 90 day limit Sevis may terminate Stem Extension additional 60 days

About opt Look Report Your responsibility to find employment Career services Report Contact ips opt portal

Eligibility Must be in lawful F-1 status. Must be lawfully enrolled full time for one academic year You may apply for OPT for each program level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).

Timeline WHEN TO APPLY GRADUATION BEFORE AFTER 90 DAYS 60 DAYS

Options besides opt 60 days Start new degree program Transfer Change immigration status Depart the u.s.

How to apply Go to our website: Read instructions https://www.etsu.edu/honors/international/current/ employment/opt.php Read instructions Download and complete forms

How to apply forms OPT Certification G-1145 I-765 Both you and your Advisor G-1145 optional I-765 always check uscis

How to apply Required Documents OPT Certification G-1145 I-765 Copies of all i-20s Current passport & visa Current I-94 2 passport photos in color & envelope Less than 6 months old $410 check/money order Payable to us department of homeland security

How to apply IPS Review Submit to ips office: completed forms and all required documents Do not leave photos or payment with ips! Our office is not responsible for the loss or damage of these items!

Forms OPT Certification

Timeline: WHEN TO APPLY GRADUATION BEFORE AFTER 90 DAYS 60 DAYS OPT can only start after graduation

Forms g-1145

Forms i-765 * Adapted from University of Alabama

Forms i-765

Forms i-765

Forms i-765

Forms i-765

Forms i-765

Forms i-765

Documents for ips I-765 Copy of I-94 Copy of Visa Copy of Passport Copies of ALL I-20s I-765 G-1145 OPT Certification

Documents for IPS Review process is 3-5 business days Reviews I-765 for completeness Verifies all documents are included Shortens program (I-20) end date Create an I-20 recommending OPT with your chosen start date

Documents for uscis I-765 Copy of I-94 Copy of Visa Copy of Passport Copies of ALL I-20s Copy of new I-20 I-765 G-1145 Passport photos & envelope Check or Money order YOUR FULL NAME Ship within 30 days of this I-20!

Documents for USCIS ship all documents to uscis in a Priority Mail Envelope Within 30 days of new I-20 Request delivery confirmation Report address changes immediately to our office

** Notify our office if more than 90 days from receipt i-797 ** Uscis processing Receive i-797 with receipt number and information about 30 days after Check your name! Use Receipt number to check status Create account with uscis Ead will arrive approximately 90 days ** Notify our office if more than 90 days from receipt i-797 **

Recap Apply Wait Report During appropriate times To receive ead card Your employment

Opt employment examples Chemistry Working with patients and distributing medications? Working in a lab creating medications? Media & Communication Working at news Chanel 11 as a camera operator? Working at news Chanel 11 as a janitor? Accounting Working in an accounts receivable department at McDonald’s Corporate office? Working as a cashier at McDonalds?

Opt and Travel May I re-enter the US after completing my studies if I do not have my EAD? NO May I reenter the US once I have my EAD, my I-20 is endorsed for travel and I have a job offer letter? YES Endorsement valid for 6 months!

Volunteering Why volunteer? keep you from accruing unemployment. is considered your “employment” if…

Volunteering Must be directly related to your major. Must be 20+ hours per week You cannot volunteer and then work in an area outside your major. Follows all other OPT rules

Volunteering questions Used as Employment: With a chemistry degree, can you volunteer 30 hours a week in a Chem Lab and work at Dawn of Hope dispensing medications? NO WHY? used as Civic Engagement: If you are working fulltime in an area directly related to your major, can you volunteer at a homeless shelter? YES

Other opt info Studying Transfer Cannot work on opt and study in a degree program Transfer Opt ends on the date of transfer

End of opt timeline 90 DAYS 60 DAYS BEFORE AFTER 90 DAYS 60 DAYS Can only apply for STEM Extension before OPT ends Cannot apply for STEM Extension after OPT ends

After opt ends 60 days Start new degree program Transfer Change immigration status Depart the u.s.

OPT STEM EXTENSION 1 time, 24-Month extension available to specific majors Check if eligible Visit Study-in-the-States website stem list: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem- opt-extension Must apply before OPT ends up to 90 days before, not after!!! Application process similar to OPT but with few modifications Contact IPS for STEM specifics if applicable

TOP TEN OPT REMINDERS!!! You are still in F-1 status while you are on OPT. Provide IPS a copy of your EAD card. Update this information as needed: Change of Address, Change of Legal Name, Employment/OPT is Terminated. Must be reported within 10 days of change. Send IPS your employer’s information and the duration of your employment. Do not attend school P/T or F/T while you are on OPT in a degree seeking program.

Only work during authorized beginning date and ending date. If you plan to resume your studies you will need a new I- 20 prior to OPT end date. Do not work until you have received EAD and only work in your major area of study. ****Work/volunteer must be directly related to major. Only work during authorized beginning date and ending date. You must obtain your own health insurance once you complete your studies. Purchase an independent health insurance policy. If you plan to travel, get a travel endorsement on page 2 of I-20.

scams Scam is defined as a dishonest scheme; a fraud. Usually to get money Watch out for emails, phone calls, mail asking for personal information Name, credit card or ID numbers, email or resident address, phone or bank account number, etc. Recent scams Tax Representative USCIS Representative ITS/Outlook

Career Services Help students with résumé (CV), cover letter, mock interviews, etc. Bucky’s Career Closet Handshake Request Appointments Explore Employment Opportunities Post Résumés & CVs View Upcoming Career Fairs & Other Events https://www.etsu.edu/students/careers/

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Timelines 90 60 90 Days USCIS will process applications Days after graduation 90 Days of unemployment STEM add 60