OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

Workshop

Clemson UniversityOffice of International Services

This presentation will answer many questions regarding OPT, including: What is OPT How do I apply for OPT? When do I apply for OPT? Can I cancel/change my application? What about OPT extension? Travel on OPT And more…

Welcome!

Off campus work authorization permitting a work experience in your field of study at a U.S. company or organization.

Employment limited to your field of study

Maximum authorization is 12 months

WHAT IS OPT?

Xiaoyu majored in Chemistry and is hired by Coca-Cola to work in their Research and Development department.

WHAT EXACTLY IS OPT?

Maria is completing a degree in Biology. She wants to work as a waitress.

WHAT IS NOT OPT?

Pre-Completion During school vacations (full-time) During school year (part-time)

Post-Completion After completion of program

WHEN CAN I USE OPT?

Once all coursework has been completed, students may concurrently work full-time on Pre-Completion OPT while writing their thesis/dissertation.

Full-time enrollment is required. Time spent during pre-completion will be

subtracted from the total 12 months.

WHEN CAN I USE OPT?Masters or PhD students:

Your completion date is when your I-20 expires, and you have completed your program.

Using post-completion OPT means you are FINISHED as a student. You are no longer eligible to extend your I-20. You are also ineligible to work in your graduate assistantship.

WHAT IS COMPLETION?(when your I-20 will expire)

You CANNOT work, paid or volunteer, between your completion date and your OPT start date.

WHAT IS COMPLETION?(when your I-20 will expire)

It is recommended that you apply before your completion date. USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the end of your 60 day grace period.

The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your completion date.

OPT must start within 60 days of the completion date.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

You will receive a new I-20 You will send the required documents to USCIS You receive a Notice of Action (receipt letter)

within 2-3 weeks You can track your application with the receipt

number at: www.uscis.gov Your Employment Authorization Document

(EAD) will arrive within 90 days

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I APPLY?

Your OPT can be cancelled without losing any time if you have not mailed your application

NO REFUNDS. You will lost the $380 application fee to USCIS

Your OPT may be cancelled once it has begun, but you risk losing considerable time during the cancellation process

ANY CHANGE to your OPT application is NOT recommended once it has been submitted

If you start a new degree program or transfer your SEVIS record to a new school during your OPT period, this will cancel your OPT work authorization

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

You MUST work at least 20 hours a week Your work MUST be in your field of study You cannot accrue more than 90 days of

unemployment You must report changes in address,

employers, and period of unemployment to International Services using the IS-150 Data Validation Form

OPT Rules

I-20 travel signature: no more than 6 months old!

If your application is still pending and you have completed your program, travel is risky

If your application was approved and you have: A job; it is recommended that you travel with

written support from your supervisor No job; leaving the country is risky. Carry proof of

your job search

TRAVEL

Extension of your OPT work authorization is available if you have a pending non-exempt H-1B petition (contact our office)

If your degree is in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), you may qualify for a 17 month OPT extension (contact our office)

You have a 60 day grace period after your OPT expires. You can use this time to: Apply to change Visa status Prepare to leave the U.S. Begin a new degree program

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN OPT ENDS?

IS-140 Form signed by both you and your academic advisor

G-1145 Form (typed)

I-765 Form (typed)

Check made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for

$380 2 US Passport photos

(2x2)

Copies of: front and back of I-94, Visa, passport photo and biographical page (if there is one)

NO job offer required

WHAT TO BRING TO OPT APPOINTMENT

USCIS Website MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten NOT a required form, but we strongly

recommend students to complete and submit with their application to receive confirmation of USCIS having received the documents

G-1145Form

MUST be filled online, NOT handwritten USCIS Website Address: Make sure you use a reliable address

where you will be in 90 days. USCIS will NOT forward mail! If you are unsure, use International Services address

A-Number OR I-94 Number: You will write your I-94 number

Date and Place of last entry: Can be found on your I-94 card

I-765 Application Form

Manner of Entry and Current Status: F-1 Student

Pre-Completion Code: (c) (3) (A) Post Completion Code: (c) (3) (B) OPT Extension Code: (c) (3) (C)

Question 17 is for Extension applicants only

I-765 Application Form

A watched pot never boils!

Waiting Game

OPT and other immigration questions can be emailed to is@clemson.edu

Advising HoursMonday and Tuesday: 9:00-11:30

Wednesday and Thursday: 1:30-3:30Or by appointment. Please call 656-3614. Requests for appointments through email

will not be considered

NEED MORE HELP?

Questions?

OPT