Optional Practical Training Rules & Regulations

Pre-Completion OPT Can be requested for no more than 1 year at a time (2 years max.) May only work part-time (20 hours per week), unless requested to work during summer break (more than 20 hours) Must report employment related to major Must maintain F-1 status towards a degree Pre-Completion OPT time will take away from Post-Completion OPT at half the rate If in 2nd semester, may apply for OPT 90 days before semester ends

Post Completion OPT Can be requested for no more than 1 year Must be in final semester of completing degree or certificate Must work more than 20 hours per week after approved and report employment related to major Need to submit copy of petition to graduate signed by counselor

What is needed to Apply Log into GPS account to create OPT Request (Answer questionnaire, upload copy of petition to graduate, read Learning Content) Complete the I-765 Form application Collect clear photocopies of all previous I-20s Clear photocopies of your passport, visa, and your most recent I-94 arrival/departure record Take 2 passport photos Previous Employment Authorization Documents (If necessary) $410 fee to “Department of Homeland Security” Complete form G-1145 to receive E-Notifications of Application

After Documents are Collected Schedule appointment with Drew Gephart, International Services Manger, by emailing dgephart@peralta.edu. The earliest you may apply is 90 days before your program ends. Please bring all documentation and a new OPT I-20 will be created for you to email to USCIS. Students who are finishing program this semester can apply February 25, 2019.

After you Apply/Approval Process Receive a Receipt (I-797) in 2-3 weeks Check status of application online using receipt # (I-765 status) Receive Employment Authorization Document/Approval Notice (3- 4 months) Upload a copy of your EAD card, I-797C, Notice of Action (Receipt) to the Documents Center in your GPS OPT Record Receive Social Security Card if you don’t have one already

Employment Requirements SEVP Portal Account May not begin work until the date on the EAD Card Report your employment related to your course of study within 10 days of being hired in the SEVP Portal Not permitted to be out of employment for more than 90 total days during your approved OPT period Post-Completion: Must work more than 20 hours per week (may include multiple jobs if necessary) Receive a new I-20 with Approved I-20/Updated Employment

Travel while on OPT It is not advisable to travel outside of the U.S. while your OPT authorization is pending or if you have been authorized for OPT but do not have a job to begin/resume Please check with a DSO before traveling while on OPT. If you do travel… Need I-20 signed for travel, EAD Card and letter of employment (recommended)

When OPT is completed 60 day grace period once OPT End Date is reached Transfer out to another school, must begin new program within 5 months of OPT End Date Return to Peralta Colleges for next available term – Need to apply for a new program with a new Student Education Plan Return to home country prior to end of 60 day grace period