1. Office of International Student Services International Advising, Activities, and Assistance OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WORKSHOP

2. o What is OPT? ▪ Practical work experience ▪ In your field of study ▪ Commensurate with your education level o Who is Eligible? ▪ Initial OPT (12 months) ▪ F-1 students legally “in-status” ▪ Enrolled full-time for at least one academic year ▪ Completing a new course of study in a degree program – one OPT per educational level ▪ STEM Extension (24 months) ▪ Currently on Initial OPT ▪ No more than 90 days of unemployment during Initial OPT period ▪ Degree earned in an approved major in either Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math ▪ Employer part of the E-Verify program OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) OVERVIEW

3. What types of Employment are allowed? All OPT employment must be in a job that is related to the student’s degree program; no exceptions! When you have a job you must write a description on how your job is related to your degree progra m. You do not need a job at the time of filing, however. Employment allowed during OPT: o Must be greater than 20 hours to count o Paid employment o Multiple Employers o Short-term Multiple Employers (performing artists) o Work for Hire o Self-employed Business Owner o Employment through an Agency o Unpaid Employment (volunteers, unpaid interns) o Must not violate labor laws

4. Volunteer Work during OPT We recommend you obtain a letter detailing your job and responsibilities. This letter should include: A detailed listing of employment activities and projects, specifically the number of weekly hours engaged in each activity or project Copies of the company’s daily time and attendance records for the duration of your volunteer work Evidence of your physical presence in the location of your employment, such as rental agreements or receipts. If you are engaged in unpaid training prior to beginning paid employment, you should also obtain copies of training certificates or certifications received. The information above is require for all students applying for the OPT STEM extension, and is recommended for all other students to keep in their records in case of a future audit.

5. When should you apply for OPT? o No more than 90 days before your program end date, 60 days afterwards. Program end date is when you have taken all the credit for your program of study; INCOMPLETES do not count! o If you send the application too early ( more than 90 days) or too late (after 60 days), USCIS will reject your application. Very risky to wait until last minute. o You cannot leave the U.S. (even to Canada!) after your program end date and return to apply for OPT o You must have Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in hand and can only work during dates on the card

6. What time counts? o Each day (including weekends) during OPT authorization in which student does not have qualifying employment o Exceptions: Time outside U.S. counts unless: 1.) Employed during period of leave (vacation) and travel is authorized by employer 2.) Traveling is part of student’s employment o Student may be denied future immigration benefits, especially STEM o SEVP monitors number of days unemployment; SEVIS records are being automatically terminated if student is unemployed for more than 90 days. o Keep log of your employment (contacts, interview, offers) and unemployment o Volunteer in relevant field (and report that volunteer work to DSO) How will DHS enforce? 90 Days of Unemployment What should YOU do?

7. OPT Application Procedure 1.Attend OPT Workshop 2.Assemble documents  I-765 (Instructions in OPT packet)  2 passport photos  Check or Money Order written to “Department of Homeland Security “for $410  Copy of Initial I-20  Copy of Transfer Pending I-20s  I-94 (most current)  Copy of Visa  Copy of Passport  Previous EAD cards with I-20s requesting OPT 3.Make appointment with International Services Office to review your OPT application materials and prepare to mail.

8. Program End DateFall 2017Spring 2018Fall 2018 Earliest Employment Start Date 12/16/20175/16/201812/16/2018 Latest Employment Start Date (60 days after the program end date) 2/15/20187/15/20182/15/2018 Date OPT Must be Completed (14 months from program end date) 2/14/20197/14/20192/14/2019 Selecting your OPT Start Date Not earlier than day after program end date. *Please check your I-20 end date as the dates may differ. Your exact dates of filing are determined by the specific I-20 end date. Employment Program End Date Fall 2017Spring 2018Fall 2018 First Date to mail to USCIS (90 days before the program end date) 9/15/20172/15/20189/15/18 Last Date for USCIS to receive application (60 days after the program end date) 2/15/20187/15/20182/15/2019 Application

9. Timeline for OPT

10. I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Complete form before meeting with ISS. Leave out any answers you are unsure about. Form will be reviewed at meeting with ISS.

11. Walgreens CVS WalMart Office Depot Two Passport Photos Recent photo (Don’t use old pictures) Glossy finish Un-retouched Lightly print name & SEVIS number on back

12. Passport and Visa

13. I-94 Print Out or Paper I-94

14. CHECK or MONEY ORDER Payable to Department of Homeland Security $410 SEVIS Number (on Check)

15. 1.Make Appointment with International Student Advisor 2.Mail Application (make sure you can track -IMPORTANT !!!!) 3.Wait for Receipt Notice (Notice of Action – Form I-797) 4.Track Status at USCIS.gov 5. Report the following to ISS o EAD – Submit photocopy when you get your card! o Address – Report any changes (WHEN you move…..not 6 months later) o Employer – Report detailed information o Unemployment – Report dates (last day of Job) After the packet is complete

16. Receipt Notice with Receipt Number (very important) This is your case number with USCIS I-797 C Notice of Action

17. Current Case Status https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/ Case Status (Receipt number required)

18. Employment Authorization Card Check all information carefully! Give OISS copy upon receipt

19. o You can only apply for an SSN during the dates on your EAD card. o You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) with the following documents: o I-20 with OPT authorization o Employment Authorization Document (EAD) o Passport, visa, and I-94 card/printout o You DO NOT need an offer letter if applying for an SSN with an EAD card Social Security

20. o Keep records of your job search o Must advise OISS of name, address of employer within 10 days o Must report all periods of unemployment o Change of Status – Let OISS know o New I-20 – OPT will be terminated o 60-Day Grace Period o Copy of EAD Card to OISS o Must have EAD Card in-hand BEFORE working. Can only work during dates on card. While you are on OPT you are still considered a Nicholls F1 student!!

21. Travel while OPT Application is Pending o Not recommended by OISS after your program end date o You may travel and return before your program is completed. o If you insist on traveling while OPT application is pending. Students may re-enter the US to search for employment (provided no visa restrictions) o Carry I-765 Receipt Notice along with other documents o Carry proof of application “pending” status at time of departure

22. o Students on approved OPT may re-enter the USA to resume employment … not to look for a job! o Provided there are no visa restrictions o You should carry proof of employment (i.e. job offer letter, pay stubs) o Valid travel signature of International Advisor is still required!!! Travel after OPT Application is Approved

23. o Passport Valid 6 Months into Future o I-20 Signed within past 6 Months o Valid Visa – Visa Revalidation o Caution – may be more difficult to get a new F-1 visa to return for OPT employment o Carry EAD Card & Proof of Employment o No re-entry during 60-day grace period after OPT Travel while on OPT

24. o Extension and Work Authorization o OPT will be extended for students on OPT if they have a timely filed H-1B petition for “change of status” (not consular notification) o Student MUST present proof of a timely-filed H-1B petition (such as a mail receipt) to the OISS for cap- gap I-20 o New I-20 will authorize student status and employment to June 1 o If H-1B petition accepted, the student will need to submit Immigration Status Change Form to OISS along with petition approval. OISS will issue continued OPT I- 20 from June1 until September 30. o Terminated upon rejection, denial or revocation of H-1B petition o 60 day grace period still applies H-1B Cap Gap o Travel during this time should be avoided; proving intent to pursue F-1 activities can be difficult while H1-B pending or approved. May seem you are abandoning H1-B application. o 90-limit of unemployment continues during cap-gap

25. o A detailed listing of employment activities and projects, specifically the number of weekly hours engaged in each activity or project o Copies of the company's daily time and attendance records for the duration of your volunteer work o Evidence of your physical presence in the location of your employment, such as rental agreements or receipts. o If you are engaged in unpaid training prior to beginning paid employment, you should also obtain copies of training certificates or certifications received. The information above is required for students applying for the OPT STEM extension, and is recommended for all other students to keep in their records in case of a future audit. Volunteer Work during OPT We recommend you obtain a letter detailing your job and responsibilities. This letter should include:

26. Frequently Asked Questions

27. Yes, in some cases. 12 full months of full-time OPT per degree; subsequent degrees must be at higher degree level STEM-qualifying graduates working for employers enrolled in E-Verify – 17 additional months of OPT F-1 students with H-1B cap gap may apply for an extension to October 1 to bridge the cap gap FAQ 1: Can I get more OPT at a later date?

28.  Very difficult to change start date of the OPT application after submission  Very difficult to cancel all or part of a period of OPT once EAD card is issued  If you choose to withdraw your OPT application, your I-20 must be extended to a new program completion date.  Must pay OPT application fee again if you reapply later  Due to F-1 status issues and cost to student, we urge students to plan for a firm degree completion date and OPT start date. FAQ 2: Can I withdraw or change my OPT application?

29. YES, if Remaining requirements, such as a thesis or dissertation, for a current degree program Post-degree certification/licensure programs (examples: Human Relations, CPA Exam) Taking a class ‘for fun’ NO, if You begin a new degree program (start date of new I-20 ENDS OPT) You earn credit that COULD COUNT toward a new degree later FAQ 3: Can I study while on OPT?

30. Yes ALL employment must be directly related to the field of study on the I-20 You must routinely report your US employer and work address to ISS. Failure to report could result in a loss of F-1 status. FAQ 4: Can I change employers during OPT?

31. OPT = F-1 status. Travel abroad with: ▪ I-20 signed for travel by DSO ▪ EAD card ▪ Valid passport and valid F-1 visa ▪ employment confirmation letter. Departure from the US without the EAD is fine, butou must have the above documents to reenter the US. It may be more difficult to renew an F-1 visa while on OPT. FAQ 5: Can I travel out of the US while on OPT?

32.  60-day grace period following the completion date of OPT.  The time the OPT application was pending does NOT count against the grace period if you applied for OPT BEFORE graduating.  You may: change immigration status during the grace period, obtain an I-20 for a new degree program, or depart the US.  You are NOT work-authorized during the grace period. FAQ 6: Do I get a grace period after I complete OPT?

33. Student must routinely report your US employer and work address, and personal address!!! Information is reported in SEVIS by ISS Student must report start and end dates of any period of employment 90+ days of unemployment CAN mean loss of F-1 status 120+ days of unemployment during STEM extension period CAN mean loss of F-1 status PLEASE REMEMBER!!!

34. You MUST contact the Office of International Student Services to make appointment to process your OPT application packet. Please sign up today, call (985)449-7038 or email marilyn.gonzalez@nicholls.edu You will receive an OPT processing appointment at that time.