When can you apply for Optional Practical Training? application... · When can you apply for Optional Practical Training? ... SEVIS # N _____ VT Email: _____ Local Phone ... Sample

When can you apply for Optional Practical Training? Immigration regulations require that students be enrolled full time every semester. The only exceptions are (a) if a student

is already on OPT before the beginning of the semester or (b) if a student has been pre-approved for reduced enrollment in

his/her final semester (less than 9 hours).

Students who have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months (two academic semesters) are eligible for optional practical

training (OPT), which is a temporary employment authorization in their major field of study for purposes of gaining

practical experience. Students may receive twelve months of practical training for each higher academic level

(Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate). Some fields of study are eligible for an additional 17 month extension.

Students may apply for authorization for optional practical training directly related to their major area of study in the

following cases:

Pre-completion OPT during summer vacation. Students must intend to register for the next semester. It is

advisable to have a job offer at the time of application in this case. The job can be full or part-time. Apply 90 days

before you wish to begin work.

Pre-completion OPT while school is in session. Must maintain full time enrollment. Practical training may not

exceed twenty hours a week. Should have a job offer before applying, and cannot hold any on-campus positions

simultaneously. Apply 90 days before you wish to begin work.

Pre-completion OPT after completion of all course requirements except thesis or dissertation, or final project

requirements for non-thesis students. OPT is authorized to be worked before the student’s program end. Should

have a job offer before applying. Apply 90 days before you wish to begin work.

o If degree requirements will not be completed before the program end date on the I-20, must request an

extension of program.

o If less than 12 month allotment of OPT is used, must apply for remaining OPT time. Requires new OPT

application and fee.

o Students cannot enroll full time during this employment period; the maximum enrollment allowed is 6

hours.

o Students on pre-completion OPT are required to carry student medical insurance, whether enrolled or not.

Students either can sign up with Aetna, or can provide an Alternative Compliance Form completed and

signed by a different insurance company.

Post-completion OPT after program end date

o Apply no earlier than 90 days before the completion of the program, but no later than 60 days after

program completion (during the grace period).

o OPT must begin within 60 days of program completion, even if you apply during the 60 day grace period.

o Students carrying 3 or more course work hours may NOT begin OPT before the end of the semester.

o Students on assistantships, and any other students enrolled for full time hours, including research hours,

cannot begin OPT before the end of the semester or the end of their assistantship contract, whichever date

is later.

Extensions of OPT may be filed for a:

Cap gap extension if you have been approved for H1b during post-completion OPT, the H1b begins October 1,

and there will be a gap between when your OPT ends and the H1b status begins.

STEM extension if you graduated with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math, work for an E-

verify employer, and meet USCIS requirements while on post-completion OPT. ONE extension is permitted,

whether at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level. Once the extension is used, there is no other STEM

extension available.

Upon completion of all the application materials, an international advisor will review your application and decide either to

recommend or not recommend your application for submission to USCIS for adjudication. A new SEVIS I-20 will be

issued by the international advisor, indicating the recommendation for the OPT.

Please note:

Your OPT will be terminated if/when you transfer to another school or enroll in another degree program.

You may NOT work during any gap between your program completion date and the beginning of your authorized

OPT. You may only begin working once you reach your OPT start date AND have received your Employment

Authorization Document (EAD card).

Graduate School

International Student and Scholar Services Office VT NCR, 7054 Haycock Road, Room 411, Falls Church, VA 22043

703/538-8326, Fax: 703/538-8320, E-mail: [email protected], www.nvc.vt.edu/international

Optional Practical Training Application Packet for F-1 Students

Please print clearly. Complete this sheet and return it with all of the required copies and forms. Review all instructions included before completing the forms.

Last Name: ___________________________________________ First Name: __________________________________ Last 4 of VT ID # ______

SEVIS # N _______________________________________ VT Email: ________________ Local Phone Number: __________________

Local Address: ____________________________________________________(city)____________________(state)_________(zip code)_______________

Current Enrollment (check one): Bachelor’s Master’s Doctorate Major: ____________ GPA: _____________

Contract ending date (if on assistantship) ___________________ Anticipated program completion date (MM/DD/YYYY):__________________________

Please give us the following information about your dependents. Attach additional page if necessary.

Name (SURNAME, Given name) Date of birth Country of birth Gender (M/F) Relationship

Application Checklist:

I-765 (complete fillable pdf from www.uscis.gov, sign in blue ink) OPT fee ($380, make check payable to Department of Homeland Security)

I-20 Forms (copy pages 1 & 3 of current and ALL previous forms Recommendation Letter from Department (see attached sample)

Copy Passport ID page and any extension pages , and visa page Two color photos (see attached instructions)

Copy I-94 card, front & back

Dates of Proposed Practical Training: Beginning (MM/DD/YYYY): ___________________ Ending (MM/DD/YYYY): ________________

Please review all the instructions included in this packet before completing these forms. The completed application will need to be mailed to the appropriate

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. The processing time is approximately 3 months. You may NOT begin your employment until you receive the

approved EAD card from USCIS. USCIS will mail written confirmation of your approval to the address on the I-765 form. Contact the international student

advisor if you change your address or plan to travel before or during your OPT period.

I have read and understand all of the information regarding Optional Practical Training and employment.

Signature ____________________________________________________ Date ______________________________

Please return this form with the supporting documents to: International Advisor, VT Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Rd Room 411, Falls Church, VA 22043

Office Use Only: SHATERM SZAHOLD SFAREGQ PWIEMPV ASSISTANTSHIP CONTRACT ENDING DATE_____________ GOAINTL

TIPS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION (I-765)

General Instructions: You must complete all items (1-16 and #17, if applying for the 17 month extension for degree

holders in a STEM field). Read, sign, and date the certification section.

ITEM IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Applying for: Check “permission to accept employment” for your initial application, or “renewal”, if

you are extending a previously approved OPT program.

1 Name: Enter your name as it appears on your I-20 form and passport

2 Other names used: Include all the names here that appear in your passport but not on your I-20. List any

other names that you have used on official documents in the United States.

3 Address: Print clearly and be sure to include the complete address. USCIS will send all communication

to this address, including your work authorization card. This address also determines where you must file

the application. If your address changes after the submission of your application, you must notify USCIS

in writing of your new address.

4-8 Self-explanatory (for date of birth use month/day/year format)

9 Social Security Number: The number appearing on your social security card. DO NOT use your

Virginia Tech identification number that begins with “90x-xx-xxxx”, or any other VT generated number.

10 Alien Registration Number (I-94 number): Use the eleven-digit identification number on your I-94.

11 Previous employment authorization from USCIS: Check “yes” only if you submitted an application

directly to USCIS (for example: for optional practical training). Do not include on-campus employment

or curricular practical training (co-op) or work authorization that was granted based on a different visa

status (such as J or H).

12-15 Last entry and current status: Obtain this information from your current I-94.

16 Employment eligibility section: This is a reference to the regulations permitting your employment.

Write (c) (3) (A) for pre-completion OPT

Write (c) (3) (B) for post-completion OPT

Write (c) (3) (C) for STEM extension for STEM degrees

17 If applying for the STEM extension for degree-holders in a STEM field: Identify the degree you have

received, and provide a copy of your diploma. Provide your employer’s name and the E-VERIFY

employer ID number.

SIGN the form in blue ink within the lines provided, NOT outside the lines.

COMPLETION OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM, GRADUATION DATE

Your program completion date is the basis for determining the date you are eligible for full-time employment.

Your graduation date is the date when your thesis or dissertation is/will be submitted to the Graduate School,

generally defense date plus two weeks. If you choose a non-thesis option, your graduation date is the last day of

the last semester in which you are enrolled.

You may fill out the attached I-765 form in blue ink or use the fillable PDF here.

Sample letters for departmental recommendation for OPT The letter should be signed by your academic advisor or department head and printed on departmental letterhead. Sample A (application for post-completion OPT for employment after program end date) To Whom It May Concern: (Student’s name) is expected to graduate with a degree of ______ in month/year. The ________ Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training. Signature Title Sample B (application for pre-completion OPT after completing all course requirements but before defense of thesis or dissertation) To Whom It May Concern: _______ has completed all course requirements except thesis or dissertation as noted on the Plan of Study for a degree in ______. S/he is expected to defend in month/year. The ______ Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training from MM/DD/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY. Signature Title Sample C (application for pre-completion OPT for summer employment) To Whom It May Concern: (Student’s name) is enrolled full-time in the _________________ program of our department. S/he would like to gain some practical experience during the summer. The ________ Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training. Signature Title Sample D (application for pre-completion OPT while classes are in session) To Whom It May Concern: (Student’s name) is enrolled full time in the ______________ program of our department. S/he would like to gain some practical work experience during the semester. We understand that s/he is limited to employment of 20 hours per week, and cannot concurrently be employed on-campus during this practical training. S/he also must maintain full time enrollment during this employment period. The ___________ Department recommends that s/he be given an opportunity for the practical application of her/his academic training. Signature Title

DHS Photo Specifications for OPT Your photographs must be:

2x2 inches in size

In color

Identical to each other

Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance

Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background

Between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

Taken with a neutral expression and both eyes open

Taken in the type of clothes you usually wear o Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire

that is worn daily. o Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hairline. o If you normally wear prescription glasses, a hearing device, wig or

similar articles, they should be worn for your picture. o Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not

acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required.

o Glare on glasses is not acceptable. NOTE: Vending machine photos are not generally acceptable

Composition Checklist

Steps to Successful Photos:

Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open

Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)

Center head within frame

Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from bottom of photo

Photograph subject against a plain white or off-white background

Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or background

Encourage subject to have a natural expression

Print photo on thin photo paper or stock.

Ensure the print is clear and has a continuous-tone quality.

Do not retouch or otherwise enhance or soften photo. Visit USCIS for more information about photo specifications and examples.

Graduate School

International Student and Scholar Services Office Virginia Tech National Capital Region

7054 Haycock Road, Room 411, Falls Church, VA 22043

703/538-8326, Fax: 703/538-8320, E-mail: [email protected]

www.nvc.vt.edu/international

Report OPT Employment / Change of Address Fill out this form within 10 days of changing your address or securing/changing OPT employment. Personal Information

_______________________________ _________________________ ________________ Last/Family Name First Name SEVIS ID#

_______________________ ___________________ ___________________ VT ID# Email Address Phone #

Current/new address: _____________________________________________________ _______ Street Address Apt. #

__________________________ _______ ______________ City State Zip Code

Employment Information

________________________________________ ____________________ Employer Name Employer EIN

__________________________________ ______________________ __________________ Job Title Start Date End date, if known

Employment is: Full-time Part-time Self-employed (more than 20 hours per week) (20 hours or less per week)

Employer Address: _________________________________________ ________ Street Address Apt./Suite #

__________________________ ________ ________________ City State Zip Code

Supervisor Information: ______________________________ _______________________ Last/Family Name First Name

__________________________ _______ ___________________________ Telephone # Ext. Email Address

Provide a brief explanation of how the employment is related to your degree/course of study:

________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:____________

Please return this form to: International Advisor, VT Northern Virginia Center, 7054 Haycock Road Room 411, Falls Church, VA 22043

Phone: 703-538-8326 Fax:703-538-8320 Email: [email protected]

Graduate School

International Student and Scholar Services Office Virginia Tech National Capital Region

7054 Haycock Road, Room 411, Falls Church, VA 22043

703/538-8326, Fax: 703/538-8320, E-mail: [email protected]

www.nvc.vt.edu/international

Staying in Status While on OPT

I understand that OPT is a benefit of the F-1 status authorized by U.S. Immigration law. In

applying for OPT, I agree to abide by these regulations:

Work only in my field of study (as listed on my I-20) and in a position commensurate

with my level of education. Work may be full or part time, but all work must be in my

field of study.

Work only during the period authorized on the EAD (OPT card).

Do not accumulate more than 90 days unemployment.

Report any address changes and new employment or termination of employment within

10 days. This is done using the Report OPT Employment/Change of Address form.

Obtain a travel signature every 6 months if I will travel outside the US. It is also a good

idea to carry a letter confirming employment. A valid F-1 visa is also required to reenter

the US.

Taking a few classes is acceptable; enrolling in a new degree program may end my OPT.

I must keep my passport and I-94 valid.

If I wish to change my status (e.g. to H-1B), wish to transfer or start a new degree

program, I need to contact the International Student Advisor (703-538-8326 or

[email protected]).

_________________________ ________________________________ ____________

Student Name Student Signature Date

Checklist for application

1. Personal check or money order in the amount of $380, made payable to Department of Homeland Security.

2. Two 2”x2” color photos, with a full face, front view (follow instructions included in application package).

3. I-765 form, completed in fillable PDF from USCIS website and printed and signed in blue ink, or the paper form completed and signed in blue ink.

4. Recommendation letter from your department on VT letterhead.

5. Copy of pages 1 and 3 of the I-20 issued recommending OPT.

6. Copy of pages 1 and 3 of ALL previous I-20s, whether from VT or not.Copy of your passport ID page and any extension pages.

7. Copy of your I-94 (either electronic printout from CBP or the front and back of your I-94 card).

8. Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application Acceptance (optional).

9. If applicable: a. A copy of any previous EADs b. A copy of a change of status approval notice

Mailing addresses are below for VA, MD, and DC residents. If you live in a different state, please check with the International Student Advisor before mailing your application. For U.S. Postal Service Deliveries: For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries: USCIS Dallas Lockbox USCIS P.O. Box 660867 Attn: AOS Dallas, TX 75266 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067