OPT Information. What is OPT?? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the regulations as:...
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Transcript of OPT Information. What is OPT?? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the regulations as:...
OPT Information
What is OPT??
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the regulations as:
“Temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of
study.”
8 C.F.R. §
214.2(f)(10)(ii)
OPT Definition
1 year of work authorizationMust be in major field of study
1 year for each higher degree level
OPT Eligibility
Must be in F-1 status with one year completed as a full-time student
Eligible to apply 90 days prior to completion date or 60 days after
90 days 60 days
Packet Materials
Green sheet Checklist, hints, and guidelines
Blue sheet OPT application & academic adviser
verificationI-765 and G-1145 (white sheets)
Official application to USCISYellow sheet
Basic info & FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Blue Sheet
This form will not be sent to USCISFill out info on frontUse NON-Miami email addressUse current mailing addressCompletion date
UG—date program requirements are met (last day of semester)
Grads—date coursework is completed OR thesis/dissertation is finished
IT MAY BE HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!
Requesting an OPT Start Date
Date Requirements
Start date must be within the 60 days AFTER degree completion
Example:If completing on May 6:
Start date can be anywhere from May – July 5
Start Date
OPT officially starts when card is received AND start date arrives
3 months is the standard time for USCIS to process an OPT application
If you want to start right after graduation, apply earlyAppl
y
USCIS approv
es
Receive OPT card
Start working!
Keep in Mind…
Possible to have a start date LATER than requested Example:
Date requested is May 9—packet is sent April 15 Application won’t be processed until after requested start date
so… New start date will be the date OPT application is approved
NOTE: If application is approved prior to requested start date, work authorization will begin on requested start date
OPT start date = when days of unemployment begin 90 days of unemployment begin accruing immediately if
not employed Only 90 days total for duration of OPT!!
Academic Advisor Verification
Turn the blue sheet over!Your Academic Advisor MUST complete and sign this side before you apply for OPT
They are verifying when you will complete your degree requirements
Form I-765
Official application that is sent to USCIS Write neatly in blue or black pen, or:
Fillable PDF form on USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf
Name—EXACTLY as appears on passport Family: ALL CAPS (HEIDEMANN) First: Molly Middle: if listed on passport Example: HEIDEMANN Molly
Form I-765
#2—leave blank in most cases#3—address where USCIS will mail OPT card
OIE address recommended#4-9—you can figure this out!#10—1-94 card number (11 digits)#11—previous employment authorization?
OPT or work visa NOT on-campus work or CPT
#12-14—most recent entry to US Date of entry Port of entry (airport) Manner of entry (usually “F-1 student”)
Form I-765
#15—current status is “F-1 student” (EVERYONE!)
#16– code # (green page has answer or will be filled in already)
#17—leave this blankSign correctly!
Between lines or will NOT show up on OPT card Phone #--don’t worry they won’t call!
Leave bottom part blank (under “Signature of Person Preparing Form…)
Form G-1145
OPTIONALIf you complete this form, USCIS will send
you a text message and/or email when your application is received
You will still receive a paper receipt notice in the mail
No extra fee for this service
Passport photos
2 passport style photos must be: Taken within past 30 days Identical In small plastic baggy (“snack size”)
Lightly print name and I-94# on back sideGaskill Hall Print Center
$5 Check out this website:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_827.html
I-20s
Please bring all original I-20s They won’t be sent in to USCIS We would like to review them You should make sure you still have them
A new I-20 will be processed at your OPT intake It will have your OPT recommendation on it You will get to take the original with you that day A copy will get sent to USCIS with your application
Copies of documents
You must bring copies of: Your passport identity page (with name, photo, and
expiration date) – include extension/renewal page if applicable
Your I-94 card (front AND back) Any previous employment authorization documents (if
you answered “yes” to #11 on the I-765)
Fee
The fee for applying for OPT is $380It is non-refundableBring a check or money order made payable
to “US Department of Homeland Security”If using a check, make sure the account is
open and there are sufficient funds in it!If the check has an old address, cross it out
and write your correct address
Yellow Sheet
READ THE YELLOW SHEET (OPT basics and FAQs)!
It contains helpful information and frequently asked questions (including information about traveling while on OPT!)
If you have questions, you can ask them at your OPT intake appointment
Next Steps
Gather all of the materials on the checklist and complete your forms (don’t forget your academic advisor’s signature!)
Call OIE (529-5628) to schedule an OPT intake appointment
Bring all of your materials to the appointmentOIE will submit your application to USCIS for youIf you use our address, we will notify you by email
when your receipt notice and OPT card arriveKeep OIE updated on your address and your
employer’s name and address