1. Optional Practical Training Rules & Regulations

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. After Documents are Collected
Schedule appointment with Drew Gephart, International Services Manger, by ing 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 to USCIS. Students who are finishing program this semester can apply February 25, 2019.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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