Optional Practical Training Workshop

1. Optional Practical Training Workshop Dr. Juliet Hurtig PDSO at Ohio Northern University

2. Various Types of OPT • Post-Completion OPT: • After completion of all academic program and course requirements 17-Month STEM OPT Extension: • Available following standard post-completion OPT for certain students with a degree in a STEM field (*see list)

3. Eligibility: Currently in F-1 status Have been a full-time student for one year or more Limitations: 12 months of standard OPT per degree level OPT employment must be in student’s field of study 12 months or more of full-time CPT= No OPT If LESS THAN 12 months full-time CPT (e.g. 11 months 29 days) = eligible for full amount of OPT Part-time CPT does not count towards OPT OPT: Eligibility and Limitations

4. Student may not begin employment until: S/he has obtained an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS; The OPT start date (according to EAD) has arrived; AND S/he has completed all course requirements for the program of study Qualifying Post-Completion employment : Must average at least 20 hours a week May be paid or unpaid (so long as the unpaid position meets U.S. Labor Law standard for strictly volunteer work - it is your responsibility to research these standards) May have multiple employers and may change employers provided all employment is directly related to area of study OPT: Employment

5. OPT: Unemployment • Accumulation of more than the allotted amount of unemployment days constitutes a violation of F-1 status. • Post-completion OPT (max. 12 months): • No more than 90 days of unemployment • STEM Extension OPT (max. 29 months): • No more than 120 days of unemployment

6. 2/15/13 5/15/13 7/14/14 7/15/13 Program end date OPT: Calendar Standard OPT ends no later than 14 months from the program end date (followed by 60 day grace period) USCIS must receive OPT application no later than 60 days following end date (and no more than 30 days after DSO recommendation); OPT can begin no later than 60 days from program end date. May apply 90 days prior to program end date

7. OPT: Reporting Requirements • Students on post-completion OPT must report to the DSO within 10 days, changes in: • Legal name • Local U.S. residential address • Employer information • Periods of unemployment Please submit to the DSO the OPT Information Update Form to report these changes.

8. OPT: Travel and Re-Entry • Traveling while on OPT : • Travel is always at your own discretion • The risks of individual situations vary, and we will discuss your specific situation at your appointment with the DSO • While on Post-Completion OPT, a student is required to present at the U.S. Port of Entry: • Valid passport and F-1 visa (unless exempt) • I-20 with travel signature (valid 6 months - no longer 12 months); • Employment Authorization Document (EAD); • Employment letter (if returning to the U.S. after the employment start date listed on the EAD). • If outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, F-1 status and OPT authorization end.

9. 1. Student applies for OPT with DSO 4. Student signs I-20 and sends application to USCIS 5. USCIS service center adjudicates the application 2. DSO verifies student’s eligibility 3. DSO issues new I-20 with OPT recommendation and signs I-20 OPT: Application Process 6. USCIS approves application and sends EAD

10. OPT: Application Process ***See Handout Important points to remember: • Students ask DSO to recommend OPT within 30 days of the date they expect their application to arrive at USCIS and no earlier (this new I-20 will expire after 30 days). • The DSO will work with students at their individual appointments, advising them in choosing requested OPT start date: however, please remember this is ultimately their decision and responsibility • Students can not have a requested start date that is more than 60 days past their program end date

11. I-20 Page 3 with OPT Recommendation

12. Form I-765

13. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 13

14. Thank you for your attention. QUESTIONS?

15. OPT: STEM Extension • The 12-month limit on OPT can be extended by 17 months, for a total of 29 months, for certain students with a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) field. • To apply, a student must obtain a new I-20 with DSO recommendation, submit Form I-765 and supporting documentation and pay the application fee.

16. OPT: STEM Extension • Additional Requirements: Student must have successfully completed a Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List Student must be currently participating in a period of Post-Completion OPT, working for a U.S. employer, in a job directly related to the student’s major area of study • STEM Extension 6-Month Reporting: Schools are required to verify students are employed 6 months and 12 months after the STEM extension begins. Failure to do so will result in the termination of a student’s F-1 status.

17. OPT: STEM Extension Additional Requirements (continued): • Student must have a job offer for a paid position from an employer registered with E-Verify* • There is currently no list available of companies registered with E-Verify* • To find out if a company is registered with E-Verify*, it is recommended you contact the company’s Human Resources department and ask one of their representatives this question directly • Student must not have previously received a 17-month STEM Extension • While a timely-filed application is pending, employment eligibility is extended up to 180 days.