Optional Practical Training (OPT) International Students Optional - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Optional Practical Training (OPT) International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Today we will discuss: • What is OPT • When to Apply • Items Needed for OPT Application • How to Apply • Important Considerations • Social Security Number

What is OPT? Defined as up to 12 months of “ temporary employment directly related to the student’s major area of study.” Types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT – part-time or full-time after 1 year of study Post-completion OPT –full-time after graduation • What type of work qualifies for OPT? • Any work in your field of study • Can be paid or unpaid, as long as student gains direct benefits • Regular paid employment or multiple short term employers qualify • Self-employment qualifies • Anywhere in United States – but not outside of the US • Language training students are ineligible for OPT

When to apply? I-20 • You can only work after receiving work authorization from USCIS • A job offer isn’t required to apply for OPT • USCIS must receive application within 30 days of OPT I-20 being issued

Items Needed for OPT Application 1. Complete form I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization” 2. Collect the following items: 1. 2 Passport style pictures (taken within last 30 days) 2. Photocopies of all I-20 forms 3. Copy of passport biographical page 4. Copy of F-1 visa page in passport 5. Copy of I-94 6. Personal check or money order made payable to US Department of Homeland Security. 1. Before December 23, 2016 filing fee is $380 2. After December 23, 2016 filing fee is $410

How to apply? 1. Schedule an appointment with Kari Olsen. Bring all documents. You will receive an OPT I-20 at the appointment. 2. Mail all documents, including filing fee, to USCIS within 30 days of OPT I-20 being issued Mailing address: USCIS P .O. Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036 Applications are processed in 60-90 days. If approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the mail.

Important Considerations Impact of CPT on OPT After an total of 12 months full-time CPT, a student will no longer be • eligible for Optional Practical Training. Report all OPT changes to NWTC within 10 days : New employer • Loss of employment • Your mailing address • No more than 90 days of unemployment are allowed • Travel International travel is not recommended while waiting for OPT approval • Talk with International Programs before traveling while on OPT •

Social Security Card Application After getting a job offer: Bring your job offer to International Programs. We will write you a letter supporting your application for a Social Security Number Take your letter and job description to the Social Security Office • (1561 Dousman St.) Fill out application Form • Bring Passport • It will take 1-2 weeks to get your social security card in the mail.

Questions?