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Optional Practical Training Optional Practical Training (OPT) Work Permission for F‐1 Students  Graduating in May 2011 g y Office of International Education Optional Practical Training Optional Practical Training • 12 12 months  off‐campus work  h ff k • After degree completion:   –O OPT necessary to work ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE  k & – on campus/off campus, paid/unpaid Office of International Education F‐1: Optional Practical Training p g • 3 part process: 3 part process:  Your department +OIE + USCIS • Authorized by US Citizenship &  y p Immigration Services (USCIS) •$380, Up to 90 days $380 U 90 d Office of International Education Optional Practical Training Optional Practical Training READ THE OPT HANDOUT! READ THE OPT HANDOUT! www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/forstu/pdf/opt.pdf p p p Today we will: • Outline OPT Basics • Review Application Process & Timing  • Discuss work options in US after OPT (H 1B etc) Discuss work options in US after OPT (H‐1B, etc) • Questions? Office of International Education Practical Considerations Practical Considerations • During OPT period: –You remain in F‐1 status  You remain in F 1 status • (OPT is not a status) –CMU holds your SEVIS record –We (OIE) are still your advisors/visa  We (OIE) are still your advisors/visa sponsor! Office of International Education OPT Usage OPT Usage • 12 months per advanced degree level • You choose dates…within limits –Once it’s granted, it’s “used” –Cannot have another 12 months of OPT  after a 2nd Master’s degree Office of International Education Employment • What work can you do on OPT? – Any y • related to YOUR field and level of study   • Paid, unpaid, volunteer, contract • Job title doesn’t matter… • Nature of work does –No job offer needed to apply Office of International Education Types of OPT Types of OPT • Types of OPT: • Pre‐completion Pre completion  • Post‐completion  • STEM t i STEM extension • Part‐time or Full‐time • Always full‐time after completion of  requirements for degree requirements for degree Office of International Education Employment Authorization Document  p y (EAD) Office of International Education DRIVER S LICENSE RENEWAL!! DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWAL!! A# helps  find your  record at  record at DMV for  license/ state id  t t id Office of International Education Employment Authorization Document  p y (EAD) You CAN ONLY legally  work in the US when: work in the US when: •You have received the EAD •You are within the valid  dates on the EAD d h EAD Office of International Education Application Process TWO Part System: y Step 1. Recommendation • • • Step 2. Application Signed by your advisor &  submitted to OIE submitted to OIE Goal: new I‐20 with OPT  recommendation • Mail to USCIS • Goal: EAD card I‐20 TIME:   y 5 business days at OIE • APPROVAL TIME:  Up to 90 days  Up to 90 days Office of International Education The Application Process The Application Process Step 1. S 1 Recommendation • • • You +  You + Your  Advisor OIE          (5 days) New OPT      N OPT I‐20 Office of International Education Completion Date on I 20 Completion Date on I‐20 5/13/2011 New end date = advisor’s end date (page 1) Office of International Education The Application Process: Advisor s Form The Application Process: Advisor’s Form Step 1. S 1 Recommendation • • • You +  You + your  Advisor OIE          (5 days) New OPT      N OPT I‐20 Office of International Education The Application Process: OPT Dates The Application Process: OPT Dates Choosing your start and end dates: Choosing your start and end dates: START DATE BASED ON YOUR COMPLETION DATE START DATE: • Can be the day after program completion  (date on advisor’s form); OR 5/13/2011 5/14/2011 • Up to 60 days after that •NO MORE THAN 60 DAYS! 7/12/2011 Office of International Education The Application Process: OPT Dates The Application Process: OPT Dates Choosing your start and end dates: Choosing your start and end dates: END DATE: • Start date plus 365 days or fewer • ex:  Start date= 5/14/2011 End date= 5/13/2012 •Cannot be extended.   Office of International Education The Application Process: OPT Dates The Application Process: OPT Dates Choosing your start and end dates: •Early start:  Unbroken work permission •Late start: Late start:   •No job offer? Won’t cut into unemployment (90 days) •CAREFUL – CAN’T CHANGE DATES CAREFUL  CAN T CHANGE DATES •OPT pending?  Status is fine…but no WORK without EAD! Office of International Education The Application Process The Application Process Step 1. S 1 Recommendation • • • Advisor OIE         (5 days) New OPT      I‐20 • Completed Advisor’s Form… •Turn in today •Turn in today •Drop off at OIE front desk • OPT I‐20 ready in 5 business days •No email reminder •No email reminder Office of International Education The Application Process The Application Process IMPORTANT! •OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30  days of the date your OPT I‐20 is issued. y y •Be ready to file when you turn in your request!  •I‐20 more than 30 days past issuance date?  OPT  rejected!  Office of International Education The Application Process The Application Process REMEMBER STRICT USCIS TIMELINES! Don’t send application more than 90 days before program completion OR more than 60 days after! I-20 issuance can’t be more than 30 days old when it arrives at USCIS > 90  days