1. 1. UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNEOffice of International Student ServicesPost-Completion Optional PracticalTraining (OPT) Workshop
2. 2. What is OPT OPT EligibilityTopics OPT Application Procedure OPT Application Timeline How to apply for OPT Step 1 How to apply for OPT Step 2- The big 7 Mailing instructions After completing OPT Important Information Career resources Tell us about the workshop
3. 3. Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) isemployment authorization granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for F-1students to gain practical experience in their field ofstudy upon completion of their degree program. You are eligible for 12 months of OPT authorizationupon completion of each higher degree level. You do not require an employment offer to apply forOPT.What is OPT
4. 4. OPT EligibilityTo be eligible for OPT, you must: Be in lawful full-time F-1 status for full academic year Be in good academic standing with the university Have a valid passport Have not had more than 12-months of full-time CPT Have not previously had 12 months of post-completion OPT for thesame level of degree. Must be physically present in the U.S., in F-1 status, to apply toUSCIS NOTE: Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.
5. 5. OPT Application Timeline You can apply for OPT as early as 90 daysbefore your degree completion date. The recommended deadline to submit yourOPT application to OISS is no later than 3weeks before your degree completion date. USCIS takes approximately 3 months toapprove your OPT application. USCIS will accept applications up to 60 daysafter your degree completion date, but you maynot receive the full 12 months of OPT.
6. 6. OPT Application Timeline
7. 7. OPT Application Procedure1. Attend OPT Workshop2. Start the application process Fill in OPT request form Obtain Academic Advisor Letter3. Assemble Documents4. Appointment with OISS Advisor Bring ALL required documents, photos & check5. Mail Application Get Receipt Notice Track Status6. Report to OISS EAD Submit photocopy Address Report any changes Employer Report contact information Unemployment Report dates
8. 8. OPT Start and End DatesAs part of the OPT application, USCIS allows youto choose your OPT start date.You can choose for your OPT to begin as early as 1day after your degree completion date or as late as60 days after.NOTE: Doctorate and Masters students may choosetheir or the actual term or semester end date as theirdegree completion date.
9. 9. Term /SemesterOPT DATESProgram EndDatesOPT StartDates:To this date.(59th day)Fall Term 2014 11/2/2014 11/2/2014 12/31/2014Fall Semester/Mini12/14/2014 12/14/2014 02/11/2015Fall 2014Winter Term201503/15/2015 03/15/2015 05/12/2015Spring Term/Semester 201505/31/2015 05/31/2014 07/28/2015Summer Term201508/16/2015 08/162015 10/14/2015
10. 10. How to apply for OPTStep 11) Fill out the OPT request form2) Obtain a signed letter from your academic advisor3) Submit both documents to OISS office . Allow 3days for OPT I-20 to generated. A confirmationemail will be sent.
11. 11. 1950 Third StreetLa Verne, CA 91750909.593-3511. Ext. 4331Fax: 909.392.0713www.laverne.eduOISS POST-COMPLETIONOPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) FORMLast Name:___________________________ First Name: _________________________________Student ID #_______________ SEVIS ID#________________ Phone # ________________________La Verne Email:___________________________ Personal Email: ____________________________Current Address: ___________________________________________________________________Major: ________________________________ Degree: ___________________________________Expected program completion date: ___________________________________________________OPT Start Date _____________ OPT End Date _______________How will your planned employment be related to your coursework:I understand as a student on an F1 visa, I will continue to notify OISS of any changes in my addresswithin 10 days of my move._____________________________________ __________________________Student Signature Date*Submit this form along with a letter from your academic advisor indicating you are expected tocomplete your program in good academic standing in the current term or semester.OPTREQUEST FORM
12. 12. 1950 Third StreetLa Verne, CA 91750909.593-3511. Ext. 4331Fax: 909.392.0713www.laverne.eduOISS POST-COMPLETIONOPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) FORMLast Name:___________________________ First Name: _________________________________Student ID #_______________ SEVIS ID#________________ Phone # ________________________La Verne Email:___________________________ Personal Email: ____________________________Current Address: ___________________________________________________________________Major: ________________________________ Degree: ___________________________________Expected program completion date: ___________________________________________________OPT Start Date _____________ OPT End Date _______________How will your planned employment be related to your coursework:I understand as a student on an F1 visa, I will continue to notify OISS of any changes in my addresswithin 10 days of my move._____________________________________ __________________________Student Signature Date*Submit this form along with a letter from your academic advisor indicating you are expected tocomplete your program in good academic standing in the current term or semester.OPTREQUEST FORM
13. 13. How to apply for OPT --- Step 21. 2 - U.S. style passport photos (place a piece of tape on the back& with pencil, write your name and I-94 # on top of the tapelightly)2. $380.00 check or money order (made payable to U.S.Department of Homeland Security. In the memo section writeFor F1 OPT (SEVIS #))3. G-1145 (complete)4. I-765 Form (completed and sign without touching the lines)5. Copy of current I-20 with OPT request on the third page (providecopies of all CPT I-20s and previous EAD Cards)6. One copy of passport ID page7. One copy of I-94 card (front and back sides) or of the I-94 printoutThe BIG 7
14. 14. 2 Passport PhotosLocal Photo StudioClaremont Photo241 Harvard AveClaremont, CA 91711(909)625-4342Reminders:- Do not wear white or light colors- Keep your hair out of your face
15. 15. $380.00 Application FeeJosie Bruin417 Bruin Walk Way #1Los Angeles, CA 90095Pay to the order of: U.S Department of Homeland Security$380.00Three Hundred Eighty and 00/100DollarsFor F1 OPT (N000123456) JosieBruin
16. 16. FormG-1145Sanchez Araceliasanchez@laverne.edu (909) 448-4337
17. 17. I-765 Form
18. 18. I-765 Formcont.
19. 19. I-765 Form cont.Please make sure yourmailing address is validfor at least 4 months fromyour OPT applicationsubmissiondate . This addressMUST be in the state ofCA, and may not be aP.O. Box address.Enter your I-94 numberhere. Refer to the sample I-94 card in the next slidec/o OISS 1950 Third St. ULVLa Verne CA 91750Los Angeles United States12/31/1989127843695SANCHEZ ARACELIUnited StatesCA
20. 20. 01/01/2014Los Angeles, CA (LAX)F-1 Student3I-765 Form cont.Where can I find this info?Please refer to I-94c BStudentDo not completethis section
21. 21. I-765 Form cont.Araceli 909-448-4337 01/01/2014Between Lines
22. 22. I-94 Card SampleI-94 card numberPlace of last entry into theU.S.Date of last entry into theU.S.
23. 23. I-20 Sample
24. 24. Passport ID Pages
25. 25. Mailing InstructionsExpress Mail AddressUSCISAttn: AOS1820 E. SkyharborCircle SSuite 100Phoenix, AZ 85034U.S. Postal ServiceAddress:USCISP.O. Box 21281Phoenix, AZ 85036
26. 26. After completing OPT application You will receive a receipt from the USCIS for the check yousubmitted. This receipt will state your application numberwhich you can use to track the status of your application onlineat:https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do You will receive a Notice of Action receipt with the decision fromthe USCIS about one month later. If approved, you should receive your Employment AuthorizationDocument (EAD) card within 2 weeks. This card will state yourrequested OPT start and end dates. If not approved, you will receive a notice stating why yourapplication was denied. This process can take 2 to 3 months. Upon receiving your EAD Card, please submit a copy of thefront and back of the card to OISS.
27. 27. Notice of Action Receipt
28. 28. EAD CARD
29. 29. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Sending Packet Copy packet & send within 15 days of the OPT I-20 issue date Send to correct mailing address (determined by USPS or Express mailingoptions) Vacation /Travelling No traveling during application process Signature on I-20 is only valid for 6 months OPT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Start Date / Having EAD Card Begin to update job info on start date (Unemployed / Employment Info) Cannot begin to work until you have both the EAD Card and the start date OISS needs a copy of front/back of EAD Card Unemployment 90 days allowed during the OPT period (one year) If 90 days of unemployment is reached, student cannot complete the restof OPT period
30. 30. Career Services Recommended Job & InternshipResources *CareerLink: laverne.edu/careers Where La Verne students and alumni connect with employers, job postings,internships and volunteer opportunities. Register using your @laverne.eduemail only! *On-Campus Student Employment: laverne.edu/financial-aid/student-employment Federal Work-Study Job Board and Non-Federal Work-Study Job Board *Internship Opportunities: www.internships.com Internships are the best way to gain hands-on experience and professionalcontacts in your field of interest. *Salary Information: www.salary.com Find salary information for various job titles across the globe.
31. 31. Was this presentation helpful?a. Yes b. No Do you feel you have all the information you need to apply for OPT?a. Yes b. No Explanation Do you understand the application process?a. Yes b. No Explanation What part of the the application process might be confusing to you?ExplanationQuestionnaire