1. OPT
WORKSHOP

2. 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

3. Timelines 90 day processing time 60 day grace period
This is the amount of time USCIS has to adjudicate your application
60 day grace period
You have a grace period which starts the of graduation to make your post-graduation decision
90 days of unemployment
STEM additional 60 days

5. What is OPT?
OPT is not merely employment off campus.
Practical Training
Must relate to current degree

6. Optional Practical Training
Post-completion:
Full-time after graduation (undergraduates) or completing all degree requirements (graduates) (90-Day Unemployment Limit)
Only work after you receive DHS EAD card
Multiple employers are OK
STEM OPT must be through an E-Verify employer

7. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Practical Training in a field directly related to student’s major area of study
No offer of employment is required when you apply.
Authorized for a maximum period of 12 months per educational level
I’m looking
for work !!!
Resume
Resume

8. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Must apply and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before training begins
Responsible for looking for employment
Expected to work or be seeking full-time job.
90 day unemployment limit
SEVIS may terminate your record if you exceed your limit
I’m looking
for work !!!
Resume

9. “When do I apply for OPT?”
Apply for OPT 90 days before: Completion of Degree
Choose OPT start date within:
60 day grace
period
12 months maximum of OPT
within 14 months of completion
60 day Grace Period
Possibility 1:
1 Year of OPT
Possibility 2:
Go back to Home Country
Start new degree program: You will need a new I-20 before the end of grace period
Possibility 3:
Possibility 4:
Change immigration status

10. Am I Eligible to Apply for OPT?
You may apply for OPT if you are in lawful F-1 status.
If you have been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year
You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before completing your studies or 60 days after.
You must apply and Texas Service Center must receive it prior to completion of your 60-day grace period.
You may apply for OPT for each program level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).

11. How Do I Apply for OPT?
Check our website at
Download the application forms OR pick up forms from International Programs & Services (IPS).
Complete these forms:
OPT Certification Form and have it signed by your Academic Advisor/Coordinator.
I-765 form (type the information)
G1145 form (optional)
Drop off the completed packet at the IPS office. **Do Not include your photos or money when you have your packet reviewed

12. What Do You Need in Your Completed Packet?
Completed forms and
Copies of all I-20s
Current passport & visa
4. I-94 form
5. 2-passport color photos (<6 months old) & envelope
6. Personal check or money order payable to US Department of Homeland Security for $410

13. Do Not Write in This Block

15. Your Signature

16. Sample I-94

17. What Do We Do?
We will review the I-765 Application for completeness; verify mailing address.
We will shorten Program End Date.
We will create the recommendation 1-20 with your chosen start date
We will supply a mailing envelope and mailing label addressed to the Texas Service Center, if needed.
We will need 3-5 business days to review packet

18. What Do You Need To Do Next?
You will mail your application to USCIS in a Priority Mail Envelope within 30 days of new I-20 creation.
Request delivery confirmation.
Report address changes immediately to our office if you plan to move.

19. How Will You Be Notified of Your OPT Status?
You will receive a Notice of Action official receipt form from USCIS in about 2-3 weeks.
As soon as you have a receipt number you can check your application status online.
You will receive the EAD card in about 30 to 90 days.
** Please notify our office if 60+ days elapse from application receipt!**

20. Can You Travel and Re-enter While On OPT?
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 and my I-20 is endorsed for travel and I have a job offer letter? YES

21. “What do I do after OPT?”
Apply for STEM 90 days before Completion of OPT
After OPT you receive another
60 day grace
period
24 months maximum on STEM
60 day Grace Period
Possibility 1:
Apply for STEM prior to OPT end date
Possibility 2:
Go back to Home Country
Start new degree program: You will need a new I-20 before the end of grace period
Possibility 3:
Possibility 4:
Change immigration status

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. Employment Directly Related to Major 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?

25. Volunteering Why volunteer? What are the rules?
Volunteering would keep you from accruing unemployment.
Volunteering is considered your “employment”
What are the rules?
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

26. Volunteering Questions Can you…
Volunteering Used as Employment:
Volunteer 30 hours a week in a Chem Lab and work at Dawn of Hope dispensing medications? NO
WHY?
Volunteering as Civic Engagement
If you are working fulltime in an area directly related to your major, can you volunteer at a homeless shelter?
YES

27. OPT STEM EXTENSION
STEM Extension: a 1 time, 24-Month extension available to SPECIFIC majors (an additional 60-Day Unemployment Limit)
How do I know if I am STEM eligible?
Visit Study-in-the-States website for eligible CIP Codes,
Must apply prior to Post-Completion OPT expires (may apply up to 90 days before OPT expires, not after)!!!
Is the STEM application process similar to OPT application process? Yes, but with a few modifications
Contact IPS for STEM specifics if applicable

28. ?
Questions ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?