1. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING Workshop Clemson University Office of International Services

2. This presentation will answer many questions regarding OPT, including:  What is OPT  How do I apply for OPT?  When do I apply for OPT?  Can I cancel/change my application?  What about OPT extension?  Travel on OPT  And more… Welcome!

3.  Off campus work authorization permitting a work experience in your field of study at a U.S. company or organization. Employment limited to your field of study Maximum authorization is 12 months WHAT IS OPT?

4.  Xiaoyu majored in Chemistry and is hired by Coca-Cola to work in their Research and Development department. WHAT EXACTLY IS OPT?

5. Maria is completing a degree in Biology. She wants to work as a waitress. WHAT IS NOT OPT?

6. Pre-Completion  During school vacations (full-time)  During school year (part-time) Post-Completion  After completion of program WHEN CAN I USE OPT?

7.  Once all coursework has been completed, students may concurrently work full-time on OPT while writing their thesis/dissertation.  Full-time enrollment is required.  Time spent during pre-completion OPT will be subtracted from the total 12 months of post- completion OPT. WHEN CAN I USE OPT? Masters or PhD students:

8.  Your completion date is when your I-20 expires, and you have completed your program.  Using post-completion OPT means you are FINISHED as a student. You are no longer eligible to extend your I-20. You are also ineligible to work in your graduate assistantship. WHAT IS COMPLETION? (when your I-20 will expire)

9.  You CANNOT work, paid or volunteer, between your completion date and your OPT start date. WHAT IS COMPLETION? (when your I-20 will expire)

10.  It is recommended that you apply before your completion date. USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the end of your 60 day grace period.  The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your completion date.  OPT must start within 60 days of the completion date. WHEN CAN I APPLY?

11.  You will receive a new I-20  You will send the required documents to USCIS  You receive a Notice of Action (receipt letter) within 2-3 weeks  You can track your application with the receipt number at: www.uscis.govwww.uscis.gov  Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will arrive within 90 days WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY?

12.  Your OPT can be cancelled without losing any time if you have not mailed your application  NO REFUNDS. You will lost the $380 application fee to USCIS  Your OPT may be cancelled once it has begun, but you risk losing considerable time during the cancellation process  ANY CHANGE to your OPT application is NOT recommended once it has been submitted  If you start a new degree program or transfer your SEVIS record to a new school during your OPT period, this will cancel your OPT work authorization WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

13.  You MUST work at least 20 hours a week  Your work MUST be in your field of study  You cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment  You must report changes in address, employers, and period of unemployment to International Services using the IS-150 Data Validation FormIS-150 Data Validation Form OPT Rules

14.  I-20 travel signature: no more than 6 months old!  If your application is still pending and you have completed your program, travel is risky  If your application was approved and you have:  A job; it is recommended that you travel with written support from your supervisor  No job; leaving the country is risky. Carry proof of your job search TRAVEL

15.  Extension of your OPT work authorization is available if you have a pending non-exempt H-1B petition (contact our office)  If your degree is in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), you may qualify for a 17 month OPT extension (contact our office)  You have a 60 day grace period after your OPT expires. You can use this time to:  Apply to change Visa status  Prepare to leave the U.S.  Begin a new degree program WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OPT ENDS?

16.  IS-140 Form signed by both you and your academic advisor  G-1145 Form (typed)  I-765 Form (typed)  Check made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380  2 US Passport photos (2x2) see link: http://travel.state.gov/passpor t/pptphotoreq/photocompte mplate/photocomptemplate_ 5297.html  Copies of: front and back of I-94, Visa, passport photo and biographical page (if there is one)  NO job offer required WHAT TO BRING TO OPT WORKSHOP

17. Photo Composition Template

18.  USCIS Website  MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten  NOT a required form, but we strongly recommend students to complete and submit with their application to receive confirmation of USCIS having received the documents G-1145Form

20.  MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten  USCIS Website  Address: Make sure you use a reliable address where you will be in 90 days. USCIS will NOT forward mail! If you are unsure, use International Services address  A-Number OR I-94 Number: You will write your I- 94 number  Date and Place of last entry: Can be found on your I-94 card I-765 Application Form

21.  Manner of Entry and Current Status: F-1 Student  Pre-Completion Code: (c) (3) (A)  Post Completion Code: (c) (3) (B)  OPT Extension Code: (c) (3) (C)  Question 17 is for Extension applicants only I-765 Application Form

23. Must be part of a STEM degree major Must be employed by an e-verify company e-verify company POST COMPLETION OPT Extension

24. For a list of STEM Degrees: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm Can apply as early as 180 days prior to OPT end date Renewal of Permission to Accept Employment #16: (c) ( 3) (C) #17: Complete with company information http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm POST COMPLETION OPT Extension

25.  A watched pot never boils! Waiting Game

26. OPT and other immigration questions can be emailed to is@clemson.eduis@clemson.edu Advising Hours Monday and Tuesday: 9:00-11:30 Wednesday and Thursday: 1:30-3:30 Or by appointment. Please call 656-3614. Requests for appointments through email will not be considered NEED MORE HELP?

27.  Questions? OPT