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Optional Practical Training Online Workshop

Optional Practical Training
Online Workshop
This PowerPoint workshop is designed to be viewed in Internet Explorer (links do not function properly in other browsers). Please be sure that your browser is set to ALLOW pop-ups. When it loads in your browser, click the screens to advance through them. Let00 begin with some information to help you get the most benefit from this workshop00/b>
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Important Instructions/Reminders
First of all, review all the information carefully! This workshop is designed to answer most of the questions students will have about OPT. If you skip screens, or do not read carefully, you may not understand some important concepts. Of course, if you have any remaining questions after you go through the workshop, you are welcome to
Be sure to follow the instructions in the slides carefully and use the links provided to download the forms you will need for the OPT application. Do not use old versions of forms, or forms from other sources. Be sure to download the most recent versions of any application forms from this workshop presentation. Do NOT use site search! When using links in the workshop, remember to use your browser00 00ack00button to return to the workshop after you have viewed/downloaded the page you need.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What Is OPT?
OPT, which stands for 00ptional Practical Training,00 is authorization which permits F-1 students to engage in employment related to their field of study, for a maximum of 12 months per academic degree level. Note: OPT may not be used for jobs that are not related to the field of study as indicated on your current I-20, even if you have previous degrees or work experience in those other areas!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Where Can I Use OPT?
OPT gives you permission to work for any employer, as long as: Your authorization (as shown on the card the immigration service will send you) is valid, and The employment is directly related to the field of study on your most recent I-20.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Work More Than One Job?
Yes, as long as each job you take is directly related to your field of study as indicated on your most recent I-20. You may change employers during your OPT period; you do not have to obtain permission from the immigration service to do so, but you must be sure that your new job still meets the requirement that the work be related to your field of study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If My Job Isn00 00elated00
OPT is intended to be used for 00ractical application00 of your area of study, therefore the regulations only allow it to be used for jobs which are related to the field of study on your I-20. Misuse of your OPT authorization could cause problems for you later if you apply for H-1B work authorization, permanent residency, etc. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to comply with the rules defining what jobs are appropriate for OPT!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Who Is Eligible for OPT?
OPT is only available to students who: hold valid F-1 status, and have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. Note: If you fell out of status and then regained status by leaving the United States and coming back with a new I-20, you must wait for one academic year AFTER making your new entry to the U.S. before you can have OPT.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
One Academic Year00efinitions
To be 00awfully enrolled full-time for one academic year00means: You have been a full-time student for at least 9 months (two semesters, on a semester calendar), and You have been enrolled full-time while holding a status that permits full-time study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If I Had a Status Problem?
If you violated your F-1 status at some point and later regained valid F-1 status, you should know: If you regained status by leaving the United States and returning with a NEW I-20, then you may only count the time AFTER your return toward the one-academic-year enrollment requirement. If you applied for and were granted a formal reinstatement by the immigration service, then you may count ALL your time as a full-time F-1 student toward the enrollment requirement.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Use OPT Before I Graduate?
Sometimes, yes. Pre-completion OPT may be used during your academic program; however, it may only be granted on a full time basis during summer vacations. During fall or spring semesters, OPT may only be granted on a part time basis. When this happens, the part time authorization is deducted from your total eligibility at a 50% rate. For example: 6 months of part time OPT authorization means that 3 months of OPT eligibility is deducted from your 12 month limit for a particular degree level.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
When Is OPT Most Often Used?
Most students use their OPT as 00ost-completion00 OPT, meaning: After completion of all courses required for a bachelor00 degree, or After all coursework requirements for a master00 or doctorate degree (with thesis/dissertation pending), or After final deposit of master00 thesis or doctoral dissertation.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
When Should I Apply For OPT?
The Citizenship & Immigration Service (CIS) must receive your OPT application NO EARLIER than 120 days prior to your completion of coursework, but NO LATER than the completion of your academic program. Remember that 00ompletion00of your academic program for CIS purposes is not the same as the official 00raduation00 date listed by the University!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
So What Defines 00ompletion?00/font>
CIS defines completion of the academic program in the following ways: Undergraduates: The date of the last final exam Non-thesis master00 students: The date of the last final or comprehensive exam, or submission of the final project Master00 students with thesis: The date of final deposit (not defense!) of the master00 thesis Doctoral students: The date of final deposit (not defense!) of the doctoral dissertation
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Long Does The Process Take?
Processing time for your OPT application, once CIS receives the application, is usually between 1 and 3 months. You may apply as early as 120 days (4 months) prior to the completion of your coursework requirements, so we suggest you apply as early as possible within this 00indow00of time. General Rule: To have the best chance of getting your authorization by the time you finish your program, apply at the beginning of your last semester in the program.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Don00 I Have To Find A Job First?
No offer of employment is required for OPT. You do not have to secure a job offer before applying; however, while you are in the OPT period, you are expected to either be working (in an appropriate job) or 00ctively seeking employment.00/font> While not being able to find a job during the OPT period does not make you 00ut of status,00it is in your best interests to keep evidence that you have been 00eeking employment00if you are not able to find a job right away.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
When Can My OPT Start?
When you apply for OPT, your foreign student advisor will request a beginning date for the OPT based on the date you are expected to complete your academic program. If your application cannot be processed by the CIS service center in time to accommodate the requested beginning date, the OPT will be valid beginning on the date that CIS approves the application.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Do You Determine The Date?
For undergraduates, the requested beginning date will be the day after the last final exam. Failure to complete all your program requirements by the expected completion date can cause problems for your OPT. For this reason: You should not take correspondence courses during your last semester, unless you are certain you can complete them by the end of the semester You should have a thorough degree check done to be sure you know exactly what requirements you have to meet by the end of the semester
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Do You Determine The Date?
For master00 students with a non-thesis program, the requested beginning date will be: No earlier than the day following the completion of coursework requirements, but No later than the date of the last scheduled comprehensive exam or the date of submission of the final project, if applicable
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Do You Determine The Date?
For master00 students with a thesis program, the requested beginning date will be: No earlier than the day following the completion of coursework requirements, but No later than the date of the final deposit (not defense) of the thesis
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Do You Determine The Date?
For doctoral students, the requested beginning date will be: No earlier than the day following the completion of coursework requirements, but No later than the date of final deposit (not defense) of the dissertation.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Choose A Different Date?
Immigration regulations allow the period of F-1 status to cover: The academic program, plus Authorized Optional Practical Training, plus A sixty-day 00race period00intended to follow OPT, during which the student must obtain an I-20 for a new program or depart the United States. Note: If you intend to change status following OPT, the immigration service should RECEIVE your change of status application BEFORE your OPT expires.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
A Different Date00/font>
Since the regulations and CIS interpretations of those regulations allow for: Program + OPT + 60 days
The beginning date requested by ISS will not be later than the completion of coursework/exams OR the final deposit of thesis or dissertation, whichever comes later.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If CIS Approves OPT Late?
Students may not be approved for OPT that would extend more than 14 months beyond their completion date (as defined earlier). If the student, due to the timing of the application OR delays on the part of CIS, does not receive the OPT approval by the date originally requested, he/she will be given 00djusted00dates by CIS. These 00djusted00dates will begin on the date the application is approved and will not extend more than 14 months beyond program completion.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Will I Be Out Of Status Then?
As long as your OPT application was received by CIS prior to your program completion, you will not be out of status while you wait for the application to be processed, even if it takes a very long time. However, since regulations allow for 00rogram plus OPT plus sixty days,00you might use up your grace period (and some of your OPT time) between the completion of your program and the approval of your OPT if your application is delayed.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What Is My Grace Period Then?
According to CIS officers, F-1 students have 12 months maximum OPT and ONE sixty-day grace period following program completion; therefore, no later than 14 months following the date of your program completion, you must: Obtain a new I-20 for a new program/level of full time study, or Depart the United States. If you are planning to change status following OPT, be sure that CIS receives your application BEFORE your OPT expires!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Is OPT Good For Only 12 Months?
OPT can be authorized for a maximum of 12 months for each successive (higher) degree level. Although it is possible to use OPT both during and after program completion, the maximum amount of full-time OPT that can be granted for each degree level is 12 months. Example: If you complete a master00 degree, then use 12 months OPT, you will not be eligible for any more OPT for a second bachelor00 or master00 degree; however, you would be eligible for 12 more months following a doctorate degree.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How Many Hours Can I Work?
For post-completion OPT, the only type of authorization granted for OPT is 00ull time.00nbsp; This means you may work 40 hours per week plus overtime (any number of hours, basically), as long as any employment you engage in meets the requirement that it is related to your field of study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Do I Lose OPT If I00e Had CPT?
Students who have had Curricular Practical Training, or CPT, only lose OPT for a particular degree level if they have accrued 365 days or more of FULL time CPT at that degree level. Until the student accrues that amount of full time CPT, no OPT eligibility is lost. Part time CPT, in any amount, has no effect on OPT eligibility whatsoever.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If I Want To Study In OPT?
During OPT, you may take part time classes if they are 00ncidental00 to your primary activity of working or actively seeking employment. If you wish to engage in full time study, you must obtain a new I-20 for your full time program. Engaging in full time study with a new I-20 invalidates the remainder of your OPT, even if your authorization card has not reached its end date.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If I Start A New Degree?
If you begin a new full time academic program before your OPT ends, then your OPT authorization is AUTOMATICALLY INVALIDATED Once your OPT has been invalidated in this manner, you LOSE the time you had originally been authorized for that level and may not 00ave it00or apply for it later on. Plan carefully!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What If I Come Back Later?
If you have used your full 12 months of OPT eligibility for a particular level (or if it has been invalidated), you may be eligible for additional OPT if you pursue another, HIGHER degree level. Since you are only given additional OPT when moving to a higher degree level, you will NOT gain additional OPT by doing another degree at a lower level.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I 00plit00My OPT Time?
If you plan to do more than one degree at a particular level, you may request a shorter period of OPT at the first degree in order to save some of your eligibility for that level for another degree. However, you cannot 00plit00your post-completion OPT in this way for just one degree program. You would need to do a second degree at the same level to use the remaining post-completion OPT time for that level.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Cancel My OPT Application?
Prior to the approval of your OPT application, you may request the cancellation of the application if you have a compelling reason (you realize you will not be able to complete when expected, etc.); however, this is NOT guaranteed to be successful! Once OPT has been authorized, it CANNOT be cancelled; any time that had been granted to you in that authorization is lost. Make your plans carefully!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Leave The U.S. In OPT?
Traveling during OPT is much more risky than traveling during the academic program. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED. However, if you do choose to travel outside the U.S. during your period of OPT, you should know what you will need and prepare carefully.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What Is Needed For Travel?
To travel during OPT, you need: A travel endorsement (signature from your foreign student advisor) on your I-20 especially for OPT, which is not more than six months old at the time of your return to the U.S. Your valid OPT authorization card, which is known as the 00AD00 (Employment Authorization Document). A valid F-1 visa (you will need to apply for a new one if yours has expired). A letter from your employer indicating that you will resume employment under OPT on your return. To get the travel endorsement, you must submit your I-20 to ISS. Plan sufficient time to do this BEFORE travel!
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Can I Still Work On Campus?
Once you complete your academic program (according to the definitions discussed earlier), you may not work on campus unless: You have received your OPT authorization card; The dates on the authorization card are current; The job is related to your field of study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What Is ISS00Role During My OPT?
During your period of OPT, you must still continue to update ISS with any changes in your living address, within 10 days of moving. We continue to update your address in the SEVIS system during this time. You must also notify ISS if: You change status You stop employment and leave the United States You decide to start a new academic program (at the U of A or somewhere else)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
So How Do I Apply For OPT?
First, you need to ask your academic advisor or major professor to complete an Academic Verification Form. Download the appropriate form at one of the following links:
Next, complete a Form I-765. Use only the form that can be downloaded from this link: Department of Homeland Security.00/b> Do not abbreviate or use other names. Personal checks are preferable, since they can be tracked more easily and can serve as proof of the application filing date if a formal receipt notice is lost.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How To Apply00/font>
If using a check, remember: You cannot use a 00emporary00check. The check must have at least the account holder00 name printed in the upper left corner. You cannot mark out or alter any preprinted information on the check (such as an old address). CIS will reject 00ltered00checks. Be sure to write out the amount completely on the 00ollars00 line, exactly as it appears here: Three hundred forty and 00/100
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
How To Apply00nbsp;
Schedule an appointment at ISS to submit your completed OPT application. You can select a time by using our online scheduling system or by calling our front desk at 575-5003.
Be sure to bring all your documents when you meet the advisor to submit your application. In addition to your completed application forms, photos, and check, you should ALSO bring: Passport (valid for at least six months in future) I-94 Card I-20 Any previous EAD (work authorization) cards you may have received 00 for example, if you have had OPT in the past
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
What Happens After That?
ISS will submit your application to the appropriate CIS service center. Approximately 2 to 3 weeks following your OPT appointment, a receipt notice will arrive which includes your 00ase number,00 which can be used to track your application on CIS00online system.

refer page:-------http://www.officesoon.com/doc/10937-optional-practical-training-online-workshop