1. Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) Spring 2017
International Graduate Student Services (IGSS)
Graduate School
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

2. Discussion Items F-1 employment overview
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT) ?
Eligibility
How To Compile OPT Application?
Special Issues:
Travel outside the U.S.
While OPT application is pending
During OPT
Unemployment limitations
Extensions
Reporting requirements

3. F-1 Employment Overview
On campus
Off campus
Curricular Practical
Training (CPT)
Optional Practical
Training (OPT)
Pre-Completion
- Summer (PT or FT)
- While in school (FT enrolled, PT OPT)
- Thesis/Dissertation Phase
Post-Completion
After program end date
Extension
(STEM or Cap-Gap)

4. What is Optional Practical Training?
Work authorization granted by USCIS that allows a student to extend F-1 status and gain practical experience in his/her academic field
Two conditions: work must be related to the major area of study and be at least 20 hours/week
May be used anywhere in the U.S.
OPT is not tied to a particular employer and does not require a job offer for application (unlike CPT and H-1B).

5. Eligibility Valid F-1 status for at least nine months (two semesters)
enrolled full time every semester, or approved for reduced enrollment
Application submitted no earlier than 90 days before projected completion date and not later than 60 days after actual completion date – application window
Twelve months OPT after each higher degree (BS, MS, PhD)
unused OPT time may not be accumulated
Students on assistantships may not begin OPT before the end of semester, or end of contract, whichever is later.

6. How to Compile OPT Application Packet
All of the following information can be found on our website at
Complete OPT application cover page
Complete G-1145 for or text receipt of your application (optional)
Complete I-765 per USCIS instructions
Ask your department for a letter (use sample A for post-completion OPT)
Have your photos taken (see requirements)
Make single-sided copies (do NOT staple together):
Passport ID page, any extensions
Visa
I-20 forms - pages 1 & 3 of I-20s issued before July 2015, pages 1 & 2 of I-20s issued after
Printed I-94
Write a check for $410 addressed to the U. S. Department of Homeland Security

8. G-1145
You will receive an or text message confirming receipt of your application.
The “official” receipt notice will be delivered by mail (post). Be sure to keep this document.

9. I-765
Print clearly using black ink or complete fillable .pdf online
Permission to accept employment
Name - on mail box !
Applied for employment authorization? If yes, copy of EAD; CPT doesn’t count
Last entry (on I-94)
(c) (3) (A, B, or C)

10. I-765
Sign in the block using blue ink

11. Departmental Recommendation
Signed by your advisor, and printed on VT letterhead
____ is expected to graduate with a degree of ____ in month/year. The ______ Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training. (sample A for post-completion OPT)
Completion month/year must match date given on OPT application form.

12. Be aware of any gap in your employment eligibility !
New I-20
End date may change !
Be aware of any gap in your employment eligibility !
You may NOT work between your program end date and the start of your OPT authorization.
You may continue with academic work, but not employment.
DSO signature must be within the previous 30 days

13. New I-20
Employment authorization, OPT dates requested
Signed three times
Page 1 and page 2 - DSO signature must be within the previous 30 days
Automatic travel signature – good for 6 months.

14. How Do I Submit my OPT?
Submit OPT application to IGSS in 120 GLC, no sooner than 90 days before projected program end date, and no later than 60 days after actual program end date
New I-20 will be issued. You will receive an when form is ready.
You must stop by IGSS in 120 GLC to sign new I-20; copies will be made and original form returned to you
Complete OPT application packet will be mailed to USCIS by IGSS

15. What happens next ?
Application is mailed to Texas Lockbox, or other lockbox, based on address on I (Alert us if you use an address outside of Virginia)
You will receive an and/or text when the application is received if you completed a G-1145 form
Official receipt notice is mailed by USCIS to address on I-765
If using a friend’s address, be sure your name is on the mailbox !
Immigration documents will NOT be forwarded by the post office
If receipt notice is returned to service center, OPT processing stops
Check receipt notice: verify name and address, note case number
Customer Service
Notify USCIS if your address changes while your application is pending:

16. Things to Remember
Application must be entered in SEVIS and received by USCIS no sooner than 90 days before program end date, and no later than 60 days after. Submission outside of these dates will result in denial.
Application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of DSO recommendation in SEVIS and signature on the I-20.
DO NOT E-file because photos (biometrics) must be taken at support centers (Alexandria, Norfolk, Charleston).
Case status can be checked:
You cannot start working until you receive the EAD card – OPT begins on start date printed on the card.

17. Can I cancel my OPT application ?
Yes, if the application has not yet been filed (still held by the Graduate School).
Very unlikely if the application has been filed, but not yet adjudicated. Student should contact the USCIS in writing. Strongly discouraged; consult with IGSS before taking action.
No, if the application has been approved by USCIS.

18. OPT and Duration of Status
14 months
60 day
grace
period
60 day
grace
period
Academic
Program
12 months OPT
Unemployment < 90 days
No work
No work
Begin program
End
program
Depart
Transfer
Start new program
Change status
Apply for OPT 90 days before end of program
Latest OPT start date
Latest OPT completion date

19. Can I travel while on OPT?
Domestic travel is allowed:
Passport
I-20
EAD card
International travel:
Valid F-1 visa
OPT I-20 endorsed for travel within previous 6 months
OPT card (EAD=Employment Authorization Document)
Offer letter from employer or other proof of current employment
If you need to renew your F-1 visa, remember that funding information is required

20. What if I don’t have a job? Unemployment
Unemployment during post-completion OPT -- may not exceed 90 days
No grace period after the 90-day limit
STEM extension -- unemployment increased to 150 days total
Travel outside U.S. while unemployed -- counts in 90/150 day limit
Part-time work (20+ hours ) -- counts as employment
Unpaid work (20+ hours ) -- for ex. an unpaid internship, may count as employment; keep accurate records. Avoid violation of labor laws.

21. OPT 24-month STEM Extension (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Submit STEM extension application to IGSS
Current OPT must be post-completion and based on STEM degree (per eligible CIP code)
Two lifetime STEM ext. possible, (2nd STEM must be at higher educational level and after another 12 months of standard post-completion OPT)
Employer (any and all) must be registered in E-verify program;
File before the expiration of the current EAD, but no sooner than 90 days before the expiration date; and no later than 60 days after a DSO signs the I-20
Application extends current EAD up to 180 days while pending
Don’t travel if EAD is expired and STEM extension is pending
Work must be at least 20 hours/week for STEM employer, limited to total of 150 days unemployment for 36-month period
Student MUST report to IGSS every 6 months, even if there is no change

22. OPT and Cap Gap extension
If you are on post-completion OPT and an H petition is filed on your behalf:
your F-1 status and OPT work authorization will be extended if the H-1 petition requests change of status with an October 1 start date
If you are in the 60-day grace period (post-completion OPT is expired) and an H petition is filed on your behalf:
your F-1 status will be extended if H-1 petition requests change of status with an October 1 start date
Cap Gap eligibility date is date USCIS receives I-129 petition and fee

23. OPT and Cap Gap Extension
H-1B petition is filed by an employer on behalf of employee
H-1 cap: 65, ,000 available, application April 1, start work on October 1
H-1 cap gap: break between end of F-1 status and beginning of H-1status
OPT: May 2016 to May 2017
H-1 begins: October 1, 2017
Gap: May 2017 to October 1, 2017

24. How to Request OPT Cap Gap Extension
Provide IGSS with proof of H1-B petition filed, received, or approved.
New I-20 can be issued with revised OPT end date after USCIS’s CLAIMS updates SEVIS record. No fee for the new I-20.
Avoid travel during Cap Gap – EAD is expired; if you travel, apply for H-1 consular processing, October 1 start date.
Cap gap extensions are terminated if the H petition is rejected, denied, or revoked. The 60-day grace period would still apply.
OPT Extension application

25. Reporting Requirements
All F-1 students on OPT are required by the Department of Homeland Security to report to their schools all periods of employment and unemployment for the duration of their OPT within 10 days of any change.
While on OPT you MUST report to IGSS:
Current U.S. address (also update on Hokie SPA)
Any changes in your official name (due to marriage or other reasons)
Change of your employer’s address
Change of your employer’s name
Students on OPT STEM extension must also report:
Employment status 6 months after extension start date, even if info hasn’t changed
Employment status 12 months after extension start date, even if info hasn’t changed
Use the “Report OPT Employment/Change of Address” form
Submit to IGSS in person, or by to or by fax to

26. Document each position held during OPT
Job title
Description of the work as related to your degree
Proof of duration of each position
Contact information for supervisor or manager

27. What do I need to remember ?
You may not enroll full time or be on an assistantship during OPT.
You may NOT work during any gap between your program completion, as noted on your I-20, and the beginning of your OPT.
You must comply with all reporting requirements during your OPT and any extensions.
Your OPT will be terminated if you transfer to another school, or if you begin another degree program at VT, or if you change your visa status. Termination occurs on transfer release date in SEVIS, or on COS approval date.

28. Questions ? Tina Lapel Kimberley Cossey Karen Wills Matt Grice
Please contact us if you have any questions about your immigration status while you are on OPT.
Tina Lapel
Kimberley Cossey
Karen Wills
Matt Grice
Jenn Million
International Graduate Student Services (IGSS)
Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown or