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
IPS : International Programs and Services

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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).

8. Timeline WHEN TO APPLY
GRADUATION
BEFORE
AFTER
90 DAYS
60 DAYS

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

10. How to apply Go to our website: Read instructions
employment/opt.php
Read instructions
Download and complete forms

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

12. 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

13. 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!

14. Forms OPT Certification

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

16. Forms g-1145

17. Forms i-765
* Adapted from University of Alabama

18. Forms i-765

19. Forms i-765

20. Forms i-765

21. Forms i-765

22. Forms i-765

23. Forms i-765

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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!

27. 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

28. ** 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 **

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

30. 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?

31. 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!

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

33. 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

34. 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

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

36. 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

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

38. OPT STEM EXTENSION
1 time, 24-Month extension available to specific majors
Check if eligible
Visit Study-in-the-States website stem list: 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

39. 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.

40. 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.

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

42. 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

43. ?
Questions ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

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