Optional Practical Training

1. Optional Practical Training International Student Services Revised January 31, 2014

2. Immigration Vocab Quiz What do they stand for? • USCIS • United States Citizen and Immigration Service • This is who we refer to as “immigration” • For OPT, you send your application to USCIS for processing • DSO • Designated School Official • International Advisors process immigration for F-1 & F-2 non-immigrants • SEVIS • Student and Exchange Visitor Information System • Database that contains F and J student records • When we update your SEVIS record, you will usually receive an updated I-20

3. Immigration Vocab Quiz What do they stand for? • EAD • Employment Authorization Document • Also referred to as a “work permit” • E-Verify • Electronic Verification of employee work authorization • Optional government program • If your employer uses E-Verify, you will take extra precaution to update your information correctly with your DSO • STEM graduates must work for an E-Verify employer in order to be eligible for the STEM Extension

4. 8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10) Regulations for OPT come from 8 Code of Federal Regulations 214.2(f)(10). This detailed code outlines everything you need to know to stay legal in the US as an F-1 on OPT. Most important things to note: • OPT is an extension of your F-1 status • OPT gives you authorization to work in your field of study, usually after graduation • You must continue to report to International Student Services with any update in your address or employment

5. Optional Practical Training Optional Not required for your degree. Generally after graduation Practical You’re practicing what you learned in the classroom. Must have one academic year in program before eligible. Training Must be in your major field of study. Not applicable to past degrees.

6. OPT Basics • 12 months of standard OPT • 17 month STEM extension • Optional Practical Training • You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT • OPT is still in F status • Employer does not sponsor your immigration • Choose OPT or higher degree • Apply for OPT if you are unsure. OPT ends when you start a new degree • You can travel with a valid visa • More travel information later in this presentation

7. OPT Start Date • You choose your start date any time in your Grace Period. • Earliest: Day after program end date • Latest: 60 days after program end date • To begin employment you must have: • EAD and reached your OPT start date • Allowed 90 days of unemployment on OPT • Starts on your start date • 90 days unemployment throughout all of standard OPT

8. Choosing OPT Start Date • How to choose your start date • If you know you will have a job, early start date • If you think you’ll have trouble finding a job, choose a later start date 90 day Unemployment Begins on OPT Start Date May June July August September October May 13 Program End Date 60 day Grace Period OPT Start date can be anytime in this period.

9. Late OPT Start Date • If you think you’ll have trouble finding a job, choose a later start date May June July August September October October 13 Must have employment July 13 OPT Start Date May 13 Program End Date

10. Early OPT Start Date • If you know you will have a job, early start date May June July August September October May 13 Program End Date August 14 Must have employment May 14 OPT Start Date Can begin working

11. If you Apply Late • Waiting to apply for OPT leads to reduced work opportunity. May June July August September October May 13 Program End Date September 13 90 day processing time June 13 Apply for OPT July 13 End of Grace Period. Latest OPT Start Date No OPT Applications will be processed the last or first 2 weeks of the semester

12. After You Apply • Receive delivery confirmation • Money disappears from your account! • Receive email with receipt number • Receive Request for Information • OPT Approval & EAD Card • Request a new I-20 from ISS

13. Instructions for OPT Application See slides on Instructions for OPT Application

14. Applying for OPT • Apply 90 Days before Graduation • 2-3 month processing time • You may not work until you receive EAD • You may not apply for OPT the last two or first two weeks of the semester • Gather Documents • Forms for File • I-765 Form • Copies of immigration documents • $380, passport pics • Make an ISS Appointment • Bring all completed items. I’ll review and complete application. You mail to USCIS. Also view slides on Instructions for Applying for OPT for detailed instructions for completing OPT forms.

15. While on OPT • Report via online form: www.ualr.edu/international/optupdate • Change of address • Change of employment • Loss of employment • Abandoning OPT • OPT is still F status • So you must maintain all regulations related to your F-1 OPT status • Drivers license issues • You may have difficulty renewing your drivers license if your program has ended and you are still waiting on your EAD.

16. Traveling on OPT • Must have a Valid Visa • OPT is not a reason for F-1 renewal • Must have EAD card • Must have a job offer letter • Must have I-20 travel signature • Good for one year

17. Transitioning to H1 B • Employer can sponsor on April 1 • H1B starts October 1 • Eligible for Cap Gap if OPT ends between April 1 and October 1 • New I-20 for cap gap • H1B permits study

18. Questions? International Student Services 2801 S. University Avenue EDU 101 Little Rock, AR 72204 internationalservices@ualr.edu 501-683-7566