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OPT Information Session

OPT Information Session. Welcome and Thank You for Coming!. Questions: What level are you? Grad or Undergrad? When are you completing your program? Who has a thesis/Dissertation?. Agenda. OPT basics Definition Eligibility Employment while on OPT Choosing a start date

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OPT Information Session

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  1. OPT Information Session

  2. Welcome and Thank You for Coming! Questions: What level are you? Grad or Undergrad? When are you completing your program? Who has a thesis/Dissertation?

  3. Agenda • OPT basics • Definition • Eligibility • Employment while on OPT • Choosing a start date • How to apply – forms and materials • Travel and other FAQs • Next steps

  4. 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) What is OPT??

  5. OPT Definition • 1 year of work authorization • Must be in major field of study • 1 year for each higher degree level

  6. OPT Eligibility • Must be in F-1status with one year completed as a full-time student • Does not require job offer • Eligible to apply 90 days priorto completion date or 60 days after

  7. Employment on OPT • Can only begin working once OPT card is received and only during the dates listed on the card • All employment must be related to major field of study • Cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment! • Must work a minimum of 20 hours per week • Volunteer or unpaid internships okay as long as: • Work is related to major field of study • Working at least 20 hours per week • Practice does not violate labor laws • Can work for multiple employers or change employers

  8. Requesting an OPT Start Date It may be harder than you think!!

  9. Date Requirements • Requested start date must be within the 60 daysAFTER degree completion OPT Start Date Range 90 days 60 days 2/4/2012 5/4/2012 7/3/2012 OPT Application Date Range

  10. 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 early

  11. Keep in Mind… • Possible to have a start date LATER than requested • Example: • Date requested is May 7—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 of unemployment total for duration of OPT!!

  12. Things to consider… • Do you have a job offer? • When do you want to be able to start working? • How long do you think it will take to find a job? • If you choose an early start date, but don’t find a job, your days of unemployment will begin to accrue • If you choose a late start date, but find a job sooner, you won’t be able to start working • May lose out on OPT time!

  13. Packet Materials • Checklist • OPT application & academic adviser verification • I-765 and G-1145 • Basic info & Frequently Asked Questions

  14. OPT application • This form will not be sent to USCIS • Use NON-Miami email address • Use current mailing address • Completion date • UG—date program requirements are met (last day of semester) • Grads—date coursework is completed (if no thesis/dissertation) OR thesis/dissertation is finished • OPT requested start date

  15. Academic Advisor Verification • Turn the sheet over! • Your Academic Advisor MUST complete and sign this side before you apply for OPT • For undergrads – must be divisional advisor • They are verifying when you will complete your degree requirements

  16. 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

  17. 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”)

  18. 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 blank • Sign correctly! • Between lines or will NOT show up on OPT card (see below) • Phone #--don’t worry they won’t call! • Leave bottom part blank (under “Signature of Person Preparing Form…) SIGN HERE

  19. Form G-1145 • OPTIONAL • If 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

  20. 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 side • Hughes Hall Print Center • $5 • Check out this website: • http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_827.html

  21. 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

  22. 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)

  23. Fee • The fee for applying for OPT is $380 • It is non-refundable • Bring a check or money order made payable to “US Department of Homeland Security” • Cannot accept cash or credit/debit card! • 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

  24. Frequently Asked Questions • READ THE FINAL SHEET OF OPT PACKET! • 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

  25. 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 appointment • OIE will submit your application to USCIS for you • If you use our address, we will notify you by email when your receipt notice and OPT card arrive • Keep OIE updated on your address and your employer’s name and address throughout OPT

  26. Questions? Thanks for coming! QUESTIONS???

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