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Optional Practical Training (OPT) (Post-completion)-- Employment Workshop

Optional Practical Training (OPT) (Post-completion)-- Employment Workshop . Office of International Programs Union East Rm. 203

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) (Post-completion)-- Employment Workshop

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  1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)(Post-completion)--Employment Workshop Office of International Programs Union East Rm. 203 www.sa.utep.edu/oip oip@utep.edu (915)747-5664 OIP

  2. Off-Campus Employment F-1 / F-3 students may work off campus in one of 3 ways: • Curricular Practical Training • Economic Hardship • Optional Practical Training

  3. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? • OPT is “temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.” • Employment is authorized for up to 12 months after studies are completed (*longer if eligible for 17-month extension)

  4. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? • 12 months of OPT is available for each degree level completed, provided you move from lower to higher degrees • Current policy: students in certificate programs may also apply for OPT

  5. Am I Eligible for OPT? • Have valid F-1 / F-3 student status at the time of application • Be a current UTEP student • Have been enrolled full time or equivalent for one academic year at the time you would begin OPT. • What is considered full-time? 

  6. Full-Time / Equivalencies • Undergraduates: 12 hours / term • Graduates (Master’s / Doctoral): 9 hours / term OR thesis OR dissertation • ATCP, Certificate programs: 9 hours • Part-time Border Commuters (Mexicans only): 1 academic course per term, renew I-20s on time • Last term: reduced course load permission

  7. OPT Eligibility • Must be enrolled in at least one course in last term • Must have less than 12 months of previous full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for current level of study. • Will complete all coursework by the end of the current term

  8. OPT Basics • Allows employment on a full-time basis • Also, you must work at least 20 hours / week to maintain your status • You may work an unlimited number of hours • You can use your OPT anywhere in the U.S.—Do not use it in Mexico • Note: F-3 students are restricted to living in Mexico & commuting to the US on OPT • Unpaid employment (volunteering) is permitted where it does not violate labor laws

  9. Things to Think About • Unlike CPT, you do not need to have a job offer before applying for OPT • OPT can begin up to 2 months after the program end date. • If you have a job offer already, this will help you choose your start date • If you have no offer, or need a little extra time for thesis or dissertation, choose a later start date

  10. Things to Think About • Applying for OPT may result in a change to your I-20 expiration date (officially called your “program end date”) • New date will reflect graduating term (write this down!): • Summer 2013 graduates: Aug 6, 2013 • Fall 2013 graduates: Dec 13, 2013 • Exceptions: completing thesis / dissertation in the middle of a term (can use earlier date)

  11. Things to Think About • You are NOT authorized to work between your program end date and the start of OPT • It is recommended to apply for OPT BEFORE you complete your program • You may apply up to 90 days before completion • You may also apply up to 60 days after program completion (but you may not be given a full 12 months of OPT)

  12. Choices for OPT Start Dates • Summer 2013 graduates: Aug 7, 2013 – Oct 5, 2013 • Fall 2013 graduates: Dec 14, 2013 – Feb 11, 2014 • These dates are dictated by the regulatory requirement that OPT must end no more than 14 months after degree completion.

  13. Earliest Date to Apply • Summer 2013 graduates: May 8, 2013 • Fall 2013 graduates: Sept 14, 2013 (These are the earliest dates you may mail your applications to US CIS; can submit paperwork to OIP 1-2 weeks prior to these dates)

  14. While on OPT • You can only have a maximum of 90 cumulative days of unemployment (throughout the entire year) • You should be actively looking for a job! • Report all employment / unemployment to OIP within 10 days of a change & every 6 months • Don’t forget that volunteer work can count to maintain your immigration status

  15. OPT Timeline –Spring Graduates Jul 16 : deadline for Spring ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock Feb 16: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 5/17/2013 Graduation US CIS processing Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Possible OPT start dates: 5/18/2013 – 7/16/2013 Feb 16: student applies at earliest date; mails packet Feb 1, 2013: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses Jun 15 start date Feb 8: Packet readyto mail June 15, 2013: Start working when you have the card in your possession Average 2 months processing time – receive card 3 months processing time - receive card

  16. OPT Timeline – Spring GraduatesIf you apply late July 16: deadline for Spring ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock Feb 16: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 5/17/2013 Graduation-may not work yet! US CIS processing Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Possible OPT start dates: 5/18/2013 -7/16/2013 June 1, 2013: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses July 10 start date 3 months (Sept) processing time - receive card Jun 8: Packet readyto mail Average 2 months (Aug) processing time – receive card

  17. OPT Timeline –Summer Graduates Oct 5: deadline for Summer ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock May 8: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 8/6/2013 Graduation US CIS processing Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Possible OPT start dates: 8/7/2013 – 10/5/2013 May 8: student applies at earliest date; mails packet May 1, 2013: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses Sept 15 start date May 8: Packet readyto mail Sept 15, 2013: Start working when you have the card in your possession Average 2 months processing time – receive card 3 months processing time - receive card

  18. OPT Timeline – Summer GraduatesIf you apply late Oct 5: deadline for Summer ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock May 8: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 8/6/2013 Graduation-may not work yet! US CIS processing Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Possible OPT start dates: 8/7/2013 - 10/5/2013 Sept 1, 2013: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses Oct 5 start date 3 months (Dec) processing time - receive card Sept 8: Packet readyto mail Average 2 months (Nov) processing time – receive card

  19. OPT Timeline – Fall Graduates Feb 11, 2014 : deadline for Fall ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock Sept 14, 2013: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 12/13/2013 Graduation US CIS processing Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Possible OPT start dates: 12/14/13 – 02/11/2014 Sept 14: student applies at earliest date; mails packet Sept 1, 2013: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses Jan 15, 2014 start date Sept 8: Packet readyto mail Jan 15, 2014: Start working when you have the card in your possession Average 2 months processing time – receive card 3 months processing time - receive card

  20. OPT Timeline – Fall GraduatesIf you apply late Feb 11, 2014 : deadline for Fall ‘13 grads to have application at US CIS; latest date to start OPT clock Sept 14, 2013: earliest you can mail app to US CIS (90 days before) Last Semester of Program Program end date 12/13/2013 Graduation-may not work yet! US CIS processing Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Possible OPT start dates: 12/14/2013 – 02/11/2014 Jan 10, 2014: Student turns in app to OIP ; chooses Feb 11, 2014 start date 3 months (April) processing time - receive card Jan 18: Packet readyto mail Average 2 months (Mar) processing time – receive card

  21. How to Apply • Apply for graduation (must be in Goldmine) • Complete the OPT request form: • Start / end dates • Turn in application to OIP

  22. Meanwhile, you should: • Complete Form I-765 (http://sa.utep.edu/oip/files/2013/06/4476_001.pdf) • Complete Form G-1145 (http://sa.utep.edu/oip/files/2013/06/g-1145.pdf) • Instructions to follow!  

  23. NEVER FILLED OUT I-765, MARK HERE START HERE ALREADY HAD OPT, MARK HERE SHOULD MATCH PASSPORT CONT. #11 CONT. #11 YOUR VALID U.S. MAILING ADDRESS DATE ON I-94 LAST CITY WHERE YOU ENTERED THE U.S. STUDENT STUDENT MONTH/DAY/YEAR 3 B C If you do not have a SSN, leave section blank N/A – Only for OPT Extensions USE I-94 # Refers only to form, not to CPT or On-Campus Employment YOUR SIGNATURE YOUR PHONE NUMBER DATE N/A

  24. YOUR LAST NAME YOUR FIRST NAME YOUR MIDDLE NAME Your e-mail address (UTEP or other) YOUR U.S. CELL PHONE NUMBER

  25. How to Apply • 5 business days later, you will receive an e-mail from an advisor at OIP advising you whether or not you are eligible for OPT • If you are, prepare the following: • Check or money order for $380 payable to “Department of Homeland Security” • 2 U.S. sized passport photos (2” x 2”); write your name and I-94# on the back

  26. How to Apply, cont’d… • Return to OIP to review & sign your new I-20 and pick up the mailing instructions for your OPT packet • Then, you will: • Make copies of new I-20, I-94 front & back, visa & passport (bio page only) • Attach original signed I-765, G-1145, photos & your payment of $380

  27. How to Apply, cont’d… • Mail your application to US CIS, using a traceable method • If using US Postal service, use certified mail with return receipt • Courier mail carriers (DHL, FedEx, etc.)

  28. Sample of I-20 with OPT Recommendation

  29. OPT Deadlines • Your OPT application must be received at the US CIS processing center NO LATER THAN: • Oct 5, 2013 – Summer 2013 graduates • Feb 11, 2014 – Fall 2013 graduates • What does this mean?....

  30. VERY IMPORTANT! 1. You must apply to the Office of International Programs FIRST before you can mail your OPT application to US CIS 2. You must allow AT LEAST one week for OIP to process your new I-20...PLUS, time for your OPT application to get from El Paso to Dallas, TX

  31. VERY IMPORTANT! OPT Application Deadlines at OIP: Sept 20, 2013 - OIP deadline for summer 2013 graduates Jan 28, 2014 – OIP deadline for fall 2013 graduates

  32. US CIS Processing • Application received at lockbox facility; application is reviewed; checked for all documentation • If something was not right with the application, a letter & your application will be returned within one week • It is VERY IMPORTANT that your documents are received by US CIS within 30 days of the date printed on the I-20; if you will be unable to do so, please see an advisor at OIP for further assistance

  33. US CIS Processing • If G-1145 was filed, student is notified • Application forwarded to Texas Service Center • Student will receive a “Notice of Action” in two to four weeks

  34. US CIS Processing • Application assigned to an officer for review and decision • If approved, work permit is created (called Employment Authorization Document, or “EAD” card) • Card mailed to I-765 address • Average processing time is currently approx. 2 months • DO NOT begin to work until you have the card, on the start date (the date may have changed from the one you requested).

  35. While Pending OPT Approval • It is okay to travel within the U.S. • VERY IMPORTANT: Are you not graduating as expected? Please see an advisor at OIP. • After the last day of finals in your graduating semester, it is NOT okay to work, not even on campus

  36. Once OPT is Approved • OPT card arrives to address on I-765 • Contact OIP for the OPT Notification Form or print it from our website (www.sa.utep.edu/oip) • This form must be submitted to OIP in compliance with federal regulations; for reporting employment

  37. OPT Card (EAD)

  38. OPT EAD Card • Official names: Employment Authorization Document, EAD, Form I-766 • Notation on OPT card – “not valid for reentry” • Is on every OPT card issued; means card by itself is not sufficient to reenter US; must have valid passport, visa & I-20 to enter • May reenter with card provided student has a job in the US • http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm

  39. After OPT is Approved • Ask yourself: “Have I finished my degree?” • If YES, then proceed to use your OPT to the full extent  • If NO, then follow the instructions on the next slide…

  40. Haven’t finished your degree? • See an advisor at OIP as soon as possible for detailed instructions

  41. Unemployment During OPT • If you have reached 90 days of unemployment: • You may not use your OPT permit to accept any offers of employment. The card is no longer valid. • Your choices may include: • Beginning another academic program which starts within 5 months (must have I-20 by 90th day) • Applying to change your visa status • Returning to your home country immediately • You do not have a 60 day grace period

  42. How to Calculate OPT Unemployment Example 1 Last day of OPT on EAD Jan 14, 2015 http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html Unemployed from Jan 15 to Apr 15 Apr Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Aug Apr 15 last (90th day) of permitted unemployment Jan 15, 2014: Start date on EAD card & no job (unemployed)

  43. How to Calculate OPT Unemployment Example 2 Last day of OPT on EAD Jan 14, 2015 http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Aug How many days of unemployment are still available? Answer: 90 Days May 15: End of Job A Jan 15, 2014: Start date on EAD card and first day of Job A

  44. How to Calculate OPT Unemployment Example 3 Last day of OPT on EAD Jan 14, 2015 http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html Unemployed July 31st to Aug 14th Unemployed Oct 1st to Nov 12th Unemployed Mar 31 to May 1st Apr Jan Feb Mar May Jun Jul Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Aug 90 – 32= 58 days of unemployment 43– 43= 0 moredays of unemployment 58– 15= 43 days of unemployment Mar 30: End of Job A Jan 15, 2014: Start date on EAD card and first day of Job A May 2nd: Start of Job B Jul 30th: End of Job B Aug 15: Start of Job C Sept 30th End of Job C Nov 12th Last (90th day of Permitted unemployment)

  45. Exit / Reentry to the U.S. on OPT • Check your visa!!! : • If you are going to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean islands, you can re-enter the U.S. with an expired F-1 / F-3 visa as long as your trip is 30 days or less (automatic visa revalidation) • Exception: students from Iran, Syria, Sudan, North Korea or Cuba • If you are going to another country, you MUST have an unexpired F-1 / F-3 visa to re-enter the U.S.

  46. Exit / Reentry to the U.S. on OPT • When reentering the U.S.: • You are still a student!!! If asked by an immigration official, remember that you are on practical training, and not “going to work.” • The law requires proof that you are returning for purposes of practical training; therefore, you will need a job offer letter, copies of pay stubs, etc. • It is not recommended to exit the U.S. after you have obtained your OPT card without such proof

  47. While on OPT • You can work as much as you like • You can work at multiple jobs, but each job must be related to the degree you just completed at UTEP • You can change jobs / companies

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