F1 Optional Practical Training

F1 Optional Practical Training

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  F-1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING YeshivaUniversity Office of International Students and Scholars
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  Types of F-1Work Permission 1. On-campus employment 2. Off-campus employment a) Practical training [8CFR214.2(f)(10)] i. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) “…integral part of an established curriculum.” [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(i)] ii.Optional Practical Training (OPT) [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(ii)] A. Pre-completion B. Post-completion C. 24 Month STEM OPT Extension b) Severe Economic Hardship [8CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(F)] c) Internship with an international organization: employment by a recognized international organization within the meaning of the International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669) [8CFR214.2(f)(9)(iii)] Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 2
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  Optional Practical Training Whatis OPT? • Temporary employment authorization that is directly related to your major field of study. • It is a benefit of F-1 status – OPT requires Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorization. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 3
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  Optional Practical Training Eligibilityrequirements: Students must: – Have completed one academic year of full-time study, by the time OPT begins, AND – be in F-1 status at the time of application, AND – be in good academic standing and making regular progress toward finishing your degree, AND – not have already used 12 months of OPT at the current degree level. – You do not need a job to apply. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 4
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  When can youuse OPT? • Pre-completion: before you graduate* – During the semester (part-time) – Summer (part-time or full-time) • Post-completion: after you graduate – Full-time only *Most students will qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for summer internships, allowing you to save your OPT until after graduation. Optional Practical Training Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 5
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  How long doesit last? • 12 months of OPT per degree level – OPT does not accumulate: USE IT OR LOSE IT • OPT automatically ends when you transfer to a new school or begin a new degree program at YU. Optional Practical Training Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 6
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  Optional Practical Training WhenShould You Apply for Post-OPT? • 90 days before program completion through 60 days after program completion. • You have a 150 day window to submit a post-OPT application to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) • You do not need a job to apply! Apply early! • Check your I-20 end date to help count days. The I-20 end date will be shortened if you are completing early. In general: – May completion: (usually May 31) – December/January completion: end of the fall term – Summer Completion: end of the summer term Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 7
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  Optional Practical Training WhenShould You Apply? Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 9 Program Completion May 31 Application Period:150 Days 90 days 60 days March 3 July 30 OPT Start Date 60 days July 30June 1 OPT Must be completed within 14 months of completion!
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  How do Iapply? • Complete the entire OPT application A list of all the documents you must include in the application. Include two new passport photos. – Complete the I-765 Tips for completing I-765 • Physically bring completed application to OISS • Allow 2 weeks to process the application internally • OISS will recommend OPT in your SEVIS record • OISS will contact you to come in to finish the application • Student mails application immediately to USCIS (do not file online) – OPT Application must be received by USCIS by: – the 30th day after OPT is recommended in SEVIS, OR – By the 60th day after program completion, WHICHEVER DATE IS EARLIER. – Applications received by USCIS after the deadlines will be denied. Optional Practical Training Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 10
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  Form I-765 Page 1 Spring2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 11 If your name doesn’t fit, hand write it. Do not enter in box 2. Make sure your address will be active for at least 6 weeks. NEW! Apply for social security number when you apply for OPT!
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  Form I-765 Page 2 Spring2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 12 Field 20: Pre-OPT C3A Post-OPT C3B STEM OPT C3C Print and sign in ink, inside the box!
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  Optional Practical Training WhatHappens After I Mail My OPT Application? • You should receive a receipt in the mail from USCIS in about 4 weeks. • The receipt will include a case number. • Track the progress of your application by entering your receipt number in the case status field on the USCIS website. • OPT applications usually take 90 days but can take longer. – It is not possible to expedite OPT applications – Do not inquire before 75 days from the receipt date • Please be patient! Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 13
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  Optional Practical Training WhatHappens Once OPT is Authorized? • EAD and I-797A approval notice will arrive by mail, separately. • You may begin working once you receive the EAD and you reach the start date on card, whichever is later. • Social Security Number: if you applied on I-765, SSA will mail card within 10 business days of OPT approval. • Unemployment: full-time employment (>20 hours per week) is required to maintain legal F-1 status once OPT begins. Students are limited to 90 days of accrued unemployment. • While on OPT, all students are required to report within 10 days: • any change of legal name or address • any change or interruption of employment • Please let us know about any changes to your immigration status or if you decide to leave the U.S. before the end date on your EAD. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 14
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  Sample EAD Spring 2018F-1 OPT Workshop 15 “Not Valid for Reentry to U.S.” means that you cannot enter the U.S. with only the EAD. You also need a passport, visa, and signed I-20.
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  Post-OPT and TravelOutside the U.S. [8 CFR 214.2 (13) ] 1. Travel before program completion is the same as usual. 2. Travel after completion a list of required and recommended documents is on the OISS website. I-20 travel signature required every 6 months during OPT 3. Students are urged not to leave the U.S. until OPT is approved if your F-1 visa has expired. 4. Students with an expired F-1 visa should speak with the OISS prior to traveling. 5. ONCE OPT IS APPROVED, THE EAD BECOMES A REQUIRED DOCUMENT FOR REENTRY TO THE U.S. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 16
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  Optional Practical Training CommonPitfalls • Application received at USCIS more than 30 days after OPT was recommended in SEVIS: result: OPT will be denied. • Poor photo quality (SHADOWS); TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES • Use newest version of Form I-765 • Check ($410) drawn on a foreign account, bounced check, check not correctly written. If in doubt, obtain a money order from a post office or a bank check. • Incorrect local mailing address – Make sure you include a reliable mailing address on Form I-765, valid for at six weeks (or until you receive the application receipt). You name should be on the mailbox. – All USCIS correspondence will be mail to the address you provide on the I-765 application. • If you call the USCIS National Service Number and are asked to verify your address, provide the address on your I-765, unless you have actually moved. • If you must leave the U.S. after graduation before you have the EAD, have someone you trust check your mail every day. F-1 OPT Workshop 17
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  Optional Practical Training OFNOTE: • New: pay by credit card using form G-1450 • March 23, 2018: SEVP SEVIS portal launch: students will be able to update their local address and report OPT Employment. Maintain email addresses. • Maintain health insurance!!! • Do not wear glasses when you take passport photos • SEVIS is tracking unemployment days. At some point the SEVIS system will auto-terminate F-1 status. Remember to report your employment. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 18
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  Thank you • Whileon post-OPT you are still an F-1 student and still under YU student immigration sponsorship. • Feel free to contact our office for assistance with any F-1 non-immigrant concerns. • Good luck and thank you for being a part of the Yeshiva University community. Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 19