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What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that permits F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study while in the United States.
OPT is a type of employment benefit for F-1 students who are maintaining their visa status. Typically, it is undertaken after completing a degree, and F-1 students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT, while students in STEM field are allowed an additional 24-month extension of OPT.
Authorization must be granted by USCIS. In order to apply, students must first receive an OPT I-20 from the CGE. Upon receiving the I-20, students must submit their documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjudication.
OPT Bascis
Am I eligible for OPT?
Am I eligible for OPT?
In order to be eligible, an F-1 student must:
Be a full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year.
2. Be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current Simmons I-20
3. Be completing their program of study at Simmons
4. Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of the application to USCIS
5. NOT have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (Part-time not included)
When should I apply for OPT?
When should I apply for OPT?
Students can apply for OPT as early as 90 days before their Program End Date and as late as 60 days after their Program End Date.
However, you have to apply within 30 days of receiving your OPT I-20 during this time period.
It is recommended students apply for OPT earlier, as the processing times can take up to 90 to 100 days during certain application times.
Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, be aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment.
What visa status will I have while waiting for OPT approval?
What visa status will I have while waiting for OPT approval?
During your pending OPT application, and after the OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of Simmons University. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the United States for the purpose of seeking employment in your field of study. This means that Simmons is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.
You can apply for OPT and remain inside the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa sticker as long as you are maintaining your F-1 status (i.e., your I-20 is valid and you are following F-1 regulations). It is only necessary to renew your F-1 visa if you plan to depart and re-enter the U.S. during your OPT authorization.
How to Apply for OPT
OPT Information Session - PPT Slides
OPT Information Session.pptxStep 1: Request an OPT I-20
Step 1: Request an OPT I-20
After confirming you are eligible for OPT, you will want to make an appointment with the Center for Global Education (CGE) and complete the Post-Completion OPT Acknowledgement and Request Form in order to receive your OPT 1-20. Your CGE Advisor will want to confirm the following:
You are:
On track to complete all graduation requirements in your final semester
Have selected an OPT Start Date
Not seeing anything above? Reauthenticate
Step 2: Begin Your OPT Application Packet
Step 2: Begin Your OPT Application Packet
To apply for OPT, you will need to first file Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. It is a U.S. Government form used to apply for permission to work in the US. This can be done through e-filing on the USCIS website.
Create an account with USCIS. Directions can be found here: How to Create an USCIS Online Account
Once logged in, select "File Form Online," and then select "I-765, Application for Employment Authorization"
Begin the I-765 Application form
Step 3: Required Documents for the OPT Application
Step 3: Required Documents for the OPT Application
OPT I-20:
Hand sign and date your OPT I-20. Digital or electronic signatures are not permitted.
Make a digital copy. The instructions page is not required.
Ensure the program end date on page 1 is correct.
Ensure the OPT recommendation on page 2 is correct (start and end dates are correct, pre-completion vs. post-completion, and full-time vs. part-time).
Most recent I-94:
Retrieve your most recent I-94 here.
If your most recent entry to the US was through a land port of entry, you may have a paper I-94; make a copy of it to submit with your I-765 OPT application.
Confirm that the information on your I-94 is correct.
Contact your ISSS advisor if there is an error on your I-94.
Most recently issued passport biographical ID page:
Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at the time USCIS receives your I-765 OPT application. If necessary, renew your passport before submitting your application.
Include any passport extension pages if applicable
US-passport style photo:
See US passport photo requirements here.
Must be taken within 30 days of submitting your I-765 OPT application
Should not have been used for a previous application or document such as a visa or passport
US passport-style photos can be obtained at businesses near campus such as CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx.
OPTIONAL: All prior CPT/OPT I-20's
Step 4: Pay I-765 Fee
Step 4: Pay I-765 Fee
After completing the application, you will need to pay the I-765 Fee for the application.
The USCIS fee is $470.
You can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
You should receive an I-797c receipt notice confirming the date of submission and your application number. I-797 Receipt Notice – Notices for applications submitted online are immediately available in your myUSCIS account. Hardcopy I-797 receipt notices typically arrives within 3–4 weeks.
You can use the receipt number from your receipt notice to track the status of your application on the USCIS website, Case Status Online.
If you filed the online I-765 application, you can also track the status of your application in your myUSCIS account.
Step 5: Waiting for OPT Approval
Step 5: Waiting for OPT Approval
It may take a few weeks after your application is approved to receive your EAD card. After USCIS approves an application, the EAD card is produced and then mailed via USPS to the mailing address provided on your I-765 OPT application.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – USCIS processing time is typically 90-100 days, but times can vary widely. Your employment can begin only after you receive your EAD card and on the approved OPT start date printed on your card.
Step 6: Begin Working
Step 6: Begin Working
You can begin working from the date listed on your EAD Card. You must do the following while on OPT:
Work at least 20 hours per week
Report Employment/Unemployment to the CGE - Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form
Report Updated Address
Post-OPT Options
Post-OPT Options
Return to Home Country
Return to Home Country
You will need to depart within the 60-day grace period that starts on the last day of your OPT, listed on your EAD Card.
If you pursued a STEM major during your study in the United States, you can apply for a 24-month extension under a STEM OPT. Your new employment must be directly linked to your STEM major and the company must be listed under STEM-designated list.
Pursue another Degree
Pursue another Degree
If you desire to pursue another degree program here in the United States, you will need to apply and get accepted into the program. After being accepted, you will submit a Transfer-Out Request Form to the CGE. This will transfer your SEVIS record and sponsorship from Simmons to your new institution.
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