OPT Basics 1 How to Apply When to Apply What to Expect
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OPT Basics
1
How to Apply
When to Apply
What to Expect
What Is OPT?Optional Practical Training
• Experiential learning benefit granted to F-1 students to work in their major field of study
• You can apply for twelve months of OPT for each level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
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What Is An EAD?
• The card you receive from USCIS when OPT is approved
• Proof that you are authorized to work
• Employment may begin only once
• you receive the EAD and
• Valid From date on the card has been reached
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E: EmploymentA: AuthorizationD: Document
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Sample EAD
New Version Old Version
Who Is Eligible To Apply?
Any F-1 student who:
Has been enrolled on a full-time basis in their degree program for one academic year (Fall & Spring).
Possesses a valid foreign passport and a valid USF I-20 which indicates the student's correct major and level of study.
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Types Of OPT
• Pre-Completion OPT
• Post-Completion OPT (often called Standard OPT)
• STEM OPT
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Pre-Completion OPT
Takes place prior to completion of program
Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT
• Authorized to work over 20 hours per week
• Only available during annual vacation (Summer)
Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT
• Limited to 20 hours per week
• Must be registered full-time during Fall/Spring
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Pre-Completion OPT:
Considerations
[Pre-Completion + Post-Completion = 12 Months]
• Any Pre-Completion granted is deducted from 12 month total of Post-Completion
• Part-time authorization is deducted at ½ the time approved
(Ex. 3 months part-time = 1.5 months deducted)8
Post-Completion OPT or
Standard OPT
• Takes place after completion of program
• Limited to a maximum of 12 months
• Requires full time employment (20+ hours per week)
• Must be completed within 14 months of graduation
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Post-Completion OPT:
Considerations
• End date of the I-20 will be shortened
• May not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment
• All on-campus employment must cease by end date of shortened I-20
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Who Is Eligible For Post-Completion OPT?
• Students who will complete ALL degree requirements and are eligible to graduate
• Graduate students with ONLY thesis or dissertation remaining
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Graduate Students With Only Thesis
Or Dissertation Remaining
Pre-Completion OPT
Unemployment is not counted
May work full-time
Cannot apply for STEM Extension
No cap gap extension available
May extend program if extra time is needed
Post-Completion OPT
Unemployment counts
Must work full-time
Can apply for STEM extension
Eligible for cap gap extension
Cannot extend program if do not finish thesis/dissertation by end of OPT period
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STEM OPT (Extension)
• Additional 24 Months of OPT for students in select STEM fields/majors
• Must be on Post-Completion OPT to apply
• Must be Working for an E-verify Employer
• Cannot be Volunteer or Self-Employed
• May only apply twice in a lifetime
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S: ScienceT: TechnologyE: EngineeringM: Mathematics
DHS STEM Designated
Degree Program Listhttps://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Document/2016/stem-list.pdf
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• Find your CIP
Code on the 1st
page of your I-20
• If your CIP Code
starts with 14, 26,
27, or 40, it is
STEM!
• You can use (CTRL F) to search
the list but be sure to
use all the #s
ex. 11.0501
When Can I Apply For OPT?
• Pre-Completion
90 days prior to the desired start date
• no earlier than 90 days prior to having met your one full academic year
• Post-Completion
90 days prior to completion of coursework or degree completion (graduation)
• up to 60 days after the degree completion date
• STEM Extension
90 days prior to the end of Post-Completion OPT
• up to expiration date of current OPT 15
How Long Does It Take To Get…?
I-20 for Application (from USF International Services)
The process is broken down into 3 main e-form phases
OPT Academic Confirmation – 3-5 business days
OPT Packet Preparation – 5-10 business days
OPT Requested Dates – 3-5 business days
15-20 business days to get I-20 for USCIS application
EAD Card (from USCIS)
USCIS can take 90+ days from the date they receive your application16
How Do I Apply for OPT?
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Go to www.iStart.usf.edu and choose
F-1 Practical Training - Apply
How Do I Apply for OPT?
Read OPT Guide and E-Form Instructions
Pass OPT Quiz with 100%
Complete the remaining E-Forms
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How Do I Apply for OPT?
OPT Academic Confirmation E-Form
• Undergraduates need Academic Advisor information
• Graduates need Graduate Coordinator, Program Director, or Chair
information
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What Documents Do I Need?
OPT Packet Preparation e-Form requires uploadingscanned copies of the following:
• Two new 2" x 2" passport photographs
• Cashier's check or Money Order
• USCIS Form I-765
• Passport Biographical Page
• Visa (or I-797 Approval Notice)
• I-94
• Most recent Port of Entry Stamp
• Any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
• CPT notated I-20s20
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Obtain two new 2x2 passport photographs. Photos must not be more than 60 days old. Passport photos can be obtained at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.
Write the following on the back of the photo (gently with a pencil or felt pen): Name A# (USCIS #)
or I-94#
Photos
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Money Order/Cashier Check
Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security
Amount: $410.00
If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550
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Money Order/Cashier Check
Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security
Amount: $410.00
If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550
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Money Order/Cashier Check
Payable to: US Department of Homeland Security
Amount: $410.00
If application is mailed on or after Oct. 2, 2020 the fee increases to $550
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PassportBiographical
page
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Visa
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I-94
Requesting Dates for
Post-Completion OPT
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The OPT Requested Dates E-Form completes your
submission
Choosing Dates For
Post-Completion OPT
Start date must be within 60 days from graduation
End date is usually one year later
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For Summer 2020:
Earliest Start Date: 09/01/2020Latest Start Date: 10/30/2020
For Fall 2020:
Earliest Start Date: 12/14/2020Latest Start Date: 02/10/2021
Choosing Dates For
Post-Completion OPT
Considerations:
How much time will you need for your job search?
(only 90 days of unemployment allowed)
Do you have an employer waiting to hire you?
Do you want a break after your studies?
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What Happens After I Submit My
Post-Completion OPT
Application in iStart?
Office of International Services will review submitted e-forms
Upon approval of each e-form you will receive email with
instructions to move on to the next step.
Upon approval of last e-form (OPT Requested Dates) you will
receive email with instructions to pick up I-20.
You will prepare and mail final application packet directly to
USCIS which must arrive within 30 days from the I-20 issue
date and prior to the end of your grace period
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Preparing Your OPT Application
For USCIS
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Cover Sheet
What Happens After I Mail My
OPT Packet To USCIS?
In 3-4 weeks you should receive a receipt notice
Upload to iStart F-1 Practical Training - Apply
Track the progress of your OPT on USCIS website
www.USCIS.gov - click on Check your Case Status
Receive EAD card
Upload to iStart F-1 Practical Training -Apply
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Informed Delivery By USPS
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Use this service for notifications the night before mail is delivered!
If you receive a
notification of delivery
and the EAD card is
not delivered, you can
go to the Post Office
before the EAD is
returned to USCIS.
Tracking Your Application:
USCIS Case Status
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Form G-1145
• Use this form to request
a text message and/or email
when USCIS accepts your
form.
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What Do I Need To Do
While on OPT?
Report any change in address within 10 days using OASIS
Report employment updates within 10 days using iStart
Enter information in iStart F-1 Practical Training -Report
Report any changes to your name in iStart
Report any changes to immigration status to International Services
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Common Questions
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What If I Don’t Have An SSN?
You may request an SSN when applying for OPT on the I-765
application form.
If Requesting SSN after OPT Approval:
• Must obtain your EAD Card
• Must reach “Valid From” date on EAD before requesting SSN
Then take immigration documents to the SSN office
• I-20 with OPT notation
• EAD
• I-94 Card
• Passport50
What If My Visa Is Expired?
• You can still apply for OPT!
• Does not impact your status in the United States
• Will require renewal if traveling outside the US
• Do not attempt to renew your visa while on OPT if…
Have not received your EAD card
You don’t have a job
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Can I change my requested OPT dates once I’ve applied?
NO!
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When Can I Start Working?
Obtain EAD card and
Reach “Valid From” date on EAD card
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Can I work before I get my EAD?
NO!
On-campus Employment must end IMMEDIATELY after the program end date
Any employment after new I-20 end date must be using the EAD
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Can I Travel While On OPT?
Before Graduation and No EAD:
Possible
After Graduation but No EAD:
Not Recommended
After Graduation and EAD arrival:
Possible
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What Items Do I Need For Travel On
OPT?
• A valid, unexpired passport
• A valid, unexpired F-1 student visa stamp
• An OPT I-20 signed within the last 6 months
• EAD Card
• Letter from your current employer
For more details see the OPT Travel Advisory on our Travel Page
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Additional Considerations
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What If I Can’t Find A Job While On OPT?
Before exceeding 90 days of unemployment you may:
Transfer to another school
Obtain a new I-20 for a new program at USF beginning within 5 months
Apply for a change of status (if applicable)
Exit the US58
What If I Decide To Go Home
Permanently?
Notify our office that you plan to leave by
completing the F-1/J-1 Exit Form in iStart under
F-1/J-1 Student Services
Provide proof of your exit so we can complete
your SEVIS record
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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?
Grace Period (60 Days after OPT expiration)
• Time given to prepare to depart the US
• No work is allowed during this period
• During this time you may:
Depart the US
Transfer to another school
Obtain Change of Level I-20 for new USF program
Apply for a change of status (if applicable)
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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?
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Transfer
Must have record transferred and new I-20 created before the end of 60 day grace period
Transfer Requests are submitted in iStart
• Requires copy of admission letter
New program must begin within 5 months from OPT expiration
What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?
Change of Level (USF)
Must be accepted to USF
Requires updated financial documents
Must obtain new I-20 before end of 60 day grace period
New program must begin within 5 months from OPT expiration
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Change of Status (COS)
Speak to an Immigration Attorney (Recommended)
Best if you time your application so that the COS is
complete prior to the end of your 60 day grace
period
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What Can I Do After My OPT Ends?
STEM OPT Has Additional
Reporting Requirements
Log in to istart.usf.edu and Report STEM 6 Month Validation every 6 Month (6, 12, 18, 24) from the STEM OPT Valid From date
Log in to istart.usf.edu and Report Required STEM Evaluation Validation with your 12 and 24 month 6 Month Validation and at the end of any employment
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The End
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