Savanna Hoffman
International students on an F-1 visa in the United States can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. OPT is available both before and after completion of academic studies, with a duration of up to 12 months. Students can apply for OPT by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the required fee and supporting documents. Additionally, a Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and endorse Form I-20. F-1 students on OPT maintain their visa status and can seek employment in their field of study. Those with STEM degrees may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, requiring additional steps such as working for an employer enrolled in E-Verify and submitting transcripts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is OPT? | Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. |
| Who is eligible? | F-1 students who have been full-time students for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters in some cases) and plan to seek employment in the United States in their field of study. |
| How long is OPT valid for? | OPT provides work authorization for up to 12 months. |
| Pre-completion vs. Post-completion OPT | Pre-completion OPT is available to students who have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year. Post-completion OPT is for students at the end of their academic program. |
| STEM OPT Extension | Students with STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. |
| Application Process | Students must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the required fee and supporting documentation. A DSO will make a recommendation by endorsing Form I-20. |
| Employment Restrictions | Students must not begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students are limited to a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period. |
| Travel | Students can travel internationally during the OPT period but must have a valid visa and a letter from their employer. They should also send their I-20 form to International Student Services for a travel signature. |
| Reporting Requirements | Students must report their employment to the designated office, such as Berkeley International Office (BIO) or Northwestern University's Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS). |
| Social Security Number (SSN) | Students need an SSN for paid employment in the United States and can apply for one as part of their OPT application. |
| Cap-Gap Extension | If OPT expires between April 1 and October 1, students may qualify for an extension until the commencement of their H-1B visa on October 1. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), students must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be enrolled full-time in an F-1 status for at least one academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that is certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. This requirement can be fulfilled even if the student had another nonimmigrant status during that time, as long as they have been continuously enrolled full-time.
Secondly, students must seek employment in their major field of study, which must be directly related to their area of specialisation. The proposed employment should not involve studying English as a second language. Additionally, students must not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same program level, as this affects their OPT eligibility.
Furthermore, students must be physically present in the United States at the time of their application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). They must also ensure that their visa is valid if they plan to travel in and out of the country during their OPT period.
For those pursuing a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, there is an option to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. To be eligible for this extension, students must have earned a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify, and have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorisation based on their STEM degree.
It is important to note that the OPT application process involves multiple steps and players, and any delays or mistakes can impact the start date of the OPT authorisation. Therefore, students are advised to apply for OPT as early as possible to ensure they receive the full 12 months of OPT and to increase their chances of reapplying if their initial application is rejected.
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Application forms
The application process for Optional Practical Training (OPT) involves several steps and requires various forms to be completed. Here is a detailed guide on the application forms:
Form I-20
Form I-20, also known as "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", is a crucial document in the OPT application process. It serves as proof of your student status and eligibility for OPT. You will need to submit a signed and dated copy of pages 1 and 2 of your new OPT I-20 form. Additionally, you should ensure that your DSO endorses your Form I-20 and makes the appropriate notations in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Form I-765
Form I-765, titled "Application for Employment Authorization," is another essential form in the OPT application. This form must be properly filed with USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation outlined in the form instructions. It is important to note that you must not submit Form I-765 before receiving your DSO's OPT recommendation in your SEVIS records and obtaining the updated Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation. The form must be completed using black ink only, and you should ensure you are using the current edition available on the USCIS website.
Passport-Style Photographs
As part of your OPT application, you will need to submit two passport-style photographs. These photos must be recent and meet specific requirements, such as writing your full name and date of birth on the back in pen. Ensure that the photos are unmounted and unretouched, complying with USCIS guidelines.
Copy of Passport
Include a copy of the photo page of your passport, including the expiration date and any extension pages. Make sure your passport is valid and up to date.
Previous Employment Authorization Documents
Provide copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents or OPT cards (both front and back). This allows USCIS to review your previous work authorizations.
Form I-94
Submit a copy of your most recent Form I-94, which provides information about your arrival and departure from the United States. Be sure to download your electronic I-94 and avoid printing the "get travel history" page.
Form I-797 Approval Notice
If you have changed your immigration status within the United States and have not departed since then, include a copy of your Form I-797 Approval Notice (both front and back).
Documentation of Previous CPT
If applicable, provide documentation of your previous periods of Curricular Practical Training (CPT). This information should be available from your Designated School Official (DSO) or OIS advisor.
Payment
Include a check or money order made payable to the "US Department of Homeland Security" for the filing fee, which is currently $410. Alternatively, you can use Form G-1450 for payment by credit card.
Form G-1145 (Optional)
Submitting Form G-1145 with your application will enable you to receive notifications via text or email when your application is received at the Service Center.
Request Advisor Review (Optional)
If you wish to have an advisor review your application before submission, complete the "Request Advisor Review: OPT Application Documents" e-form and generate a PDF of your I-765 application.
It is important to carefully review all the requirements and instructions for each form to ensure your OPT application is complete and accurate. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
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Employment conditions
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain practical work experience directly related to their major area of study. The employment must be directly related to the student's field of study. Students must not begin working before the start date on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies. However, pre-completion OPT time will be deducted from the available post-completion OPT time. Students must be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that is certified to enroll F-1 students.
Students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," within 30 days of receiving a recommendation for OPT from their Designated School Official (DSO) in their SEVIS records. The DSO will endorse the student's Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Students with STEM degrees may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT if they meet certain requirements, including working for an employer enrolled in E-Verify and submitting additional documentation.
During the OPT period, students must maintain their F-1 student status by complying with all requirements, including not working on a terminated EAD. Working in the United States without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country. Students must also track their unemployment days, as they are limited to a total of 90 days of unemployment during the post-completion OPT period.
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Travel considerations
When planning travel as an international student in the United States, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information, as US immigration policies can change rapidly. For instance, the US Department of State has resumed scheduling visa interviews for F-1 and J-1 student visa applicants, allowing students to book appointments at US embassies or consulates.
In terms of documentation, it is essential to have all the required documents signed and in order before travelling. This includes ensuring that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and active, and that your Designated School Official (DSO) has signed your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", within the last year. Additionally, you should carry proof of employment or a recent pay stub, with the employer's name matching the one listed on your I-20 form.
It is also important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned re-entry date to the US. If you are an M-1 student, carrying your most recent Form I-94, "Arrival/Departure Record", is recommended. Furthermore, you do not need to repay the I-901 SEVIS fee when re-entering the US, but you should carry the receipt as proof of payment.
For F-1 and J-1 visa holders, it is advisable to review the resources provided by the Office of Global Services (OGS) and consult their frequently asked questions (FAQs) for guidance on planning travel. Additionally, upon returning to the US, you should expect additional screening by US immigration officials, who may also review your electronic devices and social media presence. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your online presence reflects compliance with US laws and visa regulations.
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STEM OPT extensions
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary employment that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must hold a bachelor's degree or a higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an accredited SEVP-certified school.
Students may participate in the STEM OPT extension program twice. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, students must be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify, and the employment opportunity must be directly related to the student's STEM degree. Students must also submit the Form I-983 training plan, and report to their DSO every six months to confirm that their information is up-to-date.
The application process for the STEM OPT extension is similar to the standard OPT process, with a few additional requirements. Students must submit copies of their diploma and transcript, pay the I-765 application fee, and request an updated I-20 for the STEM OPT extension. Students can submit their application as early as 90 days before the end date of their post-completion OPT, but no later than the expiration date.
If a student's STEM OPT extension application is submitted on time, and their OPT period expires while the extension is pending, their employment authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is a type of work authorization that allows F-1 international students to gain work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months.
To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and plans to seek employment in the United States in their field of study. You must also not have previously used OPT at the same academic level.
To apply for OPT, you must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation. You should also ensure that your DSO recommends OPT in your SEVIS record before submitting Form I-765.
OPT allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study, which can enhance their resume and employability. It also extends their ability to remain in the United States for employment purposes and is a benefit of their F-1 status.
