WHAT IS IT?
WHY DO I WANT IT?
HOW DO I GET IT?
AND WHAT IS A STEM EXTENSION?
• Twelve (12) month work authorization for the F-1 student visa
• Purpose: work experience in your field of study
• US Immigration sees OPT as a “Benefit” of valid visa status and
“Academic Training”
• Employers view OPT as a trial for future employment
What are my options for work?
1) Pre-Completion
• OPT starts and ends before you complete your degree.
• Must be part-time (20 hrs/wk) during semester unless you
have completed all course requirements except thesis or
dissertation.
• Days of Unemployment are not counted
2) Post-Completion
• OPT begins after your completion date (i.e. graduation!)
• This includes ALL work, paid or unpaid, after you graduate.
• Must apply for each of these separately
• Allowed up to 12 months total combined
• Must apply through USCIS and pay a fee
• $380 for applications received BEFORE December 23, 2016
• $410 for applications received ON or AFTER December 23, 2016 (due to increase)
• Your application can take 3 (THREE!) months to process
• When approved, you will get a card called the “EAD” (Employment
Authorization Document)
• You can work anywhere in the U.S.
• You don’t need a job to apply for OPT
• Days of unemployment will be counted (90 Max)
• Work must be related to your degree
• Twelve months of OPT for each higher academic level
• Must update information with ISO while on OPT (still F-1)
• Starting 90 days before the end of the program (semester)
• Not later than 60 days after the end of the program
The Spring 2017 term ends on May 21:
You may apply after February 21
and
You must apply before July 21
1. Choose a start-date then submit OPT application 3 months before that date!
• Apply early! USCIS may take 90 days’ processing time
• Deadline = 60 days past your completion date.
2. Gather necessary documents
• Copies of immigration docs
• 2 Passport style photos
• Check or Money Order for $380 or $410
(depending on when you mail it in)
• Completed Form I-765
• A new I-20 with the DSO recommendation
3. Schedule an appointment with Lauren Clarke: She will issue a new OPT I-20
and is glad to look over your application before you mail it.
4. Mail application packet to USCIS: Be careful -- Read instructions!
• Complete Form I-765
• Check for the appropriate fee
($380 or $410) to USDHS
• Copies of:
• Passport ID page
• I-94 and visa stamp
• OPT I-20
• All previous I-20s
• Any previous EADs
• 2 passport photos
• WAIT….
• Notification from USCIS in 2-3
weeks = they received it.
• Case Number in left-hand corner
to check status online at
www.uscis.gov
• The 90-Day processing period
begins from date of receipt
• Prepare to be patient; a 90-day wait is normal
• Be clear with potential employers
• Check case status online at https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do
• Update address with USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283
to prevent delays in receiving your card
•You cannot begin working until the EAD is in your hand!
•You cannot begin working before the start date on your EAD
• Copy the card and send it to Lauren Clarke
Now what?
• May begin work from start date
• Report address change to Lauren Clarke
• Report employer name and address
• Best advice: Do not travel while OPT application is pending.
• If travel is necessary while OPT is pending or before OPT starts, consult
with Dean Clarke
• After OPT is granted and start date has passed:
• Do NOT travel outside the U.S. if you do not have a job!
• While on OPT, you must present the following upon re-entry to US:
1.
EAD (OPT card)
2.
Proof of employment
3.
I-20 signed within last 6 months
4.
Valid F-1 visa
• Name change
Reminders
• Do not accrue more than
• 90 days unemployment
• 120 days (STEM)
• Residential address
• Work in a field related to
Report to Amherst ISO:
• Employer name and address
• Any changes in employment
• Change of visa status
• Back to school
your degree program
• I-20 signed every six (6)
months
• You are still an F-1 student!
• An additional 17 months of work authorization if you have:
• A degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, field
of study.
• A job/job offer with an employer who has signed up with the E-Verify
program (federal contracts)
• Currently working on 12-month OPT
• Applying for the STEM:
• Very similar process to 12-month OPT ($380 or $410, paperwork)
• Contact us 60-90 days prior to expiration of initial OPT
• Must apply *before* your current OPT ends
• May continue to work while waiting for approval and new card
• Can’t travel outside of the US until you get your new STEM EAD card.
• Your company must sponsor you for this visa type.
• F-1 visa ends upon H1B start date.
• Private Sector: H1B applications are submitted starting on 04/01
and close on 10/01. ISO can issue a “Cap-Gap I-20” if needed.
• Non-Profit/University : H1Bs can be submitted at any time.
• If approved, contact ISO and send copy of Approval Notice.
Email or schedule an appointment with
Lauren Clarke
[email protected]