F1 Optional Practical Training

1. F-1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL
TRAINING
Yeshiva University
Office of International Students and Scholars

2. Types of F-1 Work Permission
1. On-campus employment
2. Off-campus employment
a) Practical training [8CFR214.2(f)(10)]
i. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) “…integral part of an
established curriculum.” [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(i)]
ii.Optional Practical Training (OPT) [8 CFR 214.2 (f)(10)(ii)]
A. Pre-completion
B. Post-completion
C. 24 Month STEM OPT Extension
b) Severe Economic Hardship [8CFR 214.2(f)(9)(ii)(F)]
c) Internship with an international organization: employment by a
recognized international organization within the meaning of the
International Organization Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669)
[8CFR214.2(f)(9)(iii)]
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 2

3. Optional Practical Training
What is OPT?
• Temporary employment authorization that is directly related to
your major field of study.
• It is a benefit of F-1 status
– OPT requires Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S.
Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorization.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 3

4. Optional Practical Training
Eligibility requirements:
Students must:
– Have completed one academic year of full-time study,
by the time OPT begins, AND
– be in F-1 status at the time of application, AND
– be in good academic standing and making regular
progress toward finishing your degree, AND
– not have already used 12 months of OPT at the
current degree level.
– You do not need a job to apply.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 4

5. When can you use OPT?
• Pre-completion: before you graduate*
– During the semester (part-time)
– Summer (part-time or full-time)
• Post-completion: after you graduate
– Full-time only
*Most students will qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
for summer internships, allowing you to save your OPT until after
graduation.
Optional Practical Training
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 5

6. How long does it last?
• 12 months of OPT per degree level
– OPT does not accumulate: USE IT OR LOSE IT
• OPT automatically ends when you transfer to a new
school or begin a new degree program at YU.
Optional Practical Training
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 6

7. Optional Practical Training
When Should You Apply for Post-OPT?
• 90 days before program completion through 60 days after
program completion.
• You have a 150 day window to submit a post-OPT
application to U.S. Customs and Immigration Services
(USCIS)
• You do not need a job to apply! Apply early!
• Check your I-20 end date to help count days. The I-20 end
date will be shortened if you are completing early. In
general:
– May completion: (usually May 31)
– December/January completion: end of the fall term
– Summer Completion: end of the summer term
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 7

8. Optional Practical Training
When Should You Apply?
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 9
Program Completion
May 31
Application Period:150 Days
90 days 60 days
March 3 July 30
OPT Start Date
60 days
July 30June 1
OPT Must be completed within 14 months of completion!

9. How do I apply?
• Complete the entire OPT application A list of all the documents you
must include in the application. Include two new passport photos.
– Complete the I-765 Tips for completing I-765
• Physically bring completed application to OISS
• Allow 2 weeks to process the application internally
• OISS will recommend OPT in your SEVIS record
• OISS will contact you to come in to finish the application
• Student mails application immediately to USCIS (do not file online)
– OPT Application must be received by USCIS by:
– the 30th day after OPT is recommended in SEVIS, OR
– By the 60th day after program completion, WHICHEVER DATE
IS EARLIER.
– Applications received by USCIS after the deadlines will be
denied.
Optional Practical Training
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 10

10. Form I-765
Page 1
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 11
If your name
doesn’t fit, hand
write it. Do not
enter in box 2.
Make sure your
address will be
active for at
least 6 weeks.
NEW!
Apply for
social security
number when
you apply for
OPT!

11. Form I-765
Page 2
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 12
Field 20:
Pre-OPT C3A
Post-OPT C3B
STEM OPT C3C
Print and sign
in ink, inside
the box!

12. Optional Practical Training
What Happens After I Mail My OPT
Application?
• You should receive a receipt in the mail from USCIS in about
4 weeks.
• The receipt will include a case number.
• Track the progress of your application by entering your receipt
number in the case status field on the USCIS website.
• OPT applications usually take 90 days but can take longer.
– It is not possible to expedite OPT applications
– Do not inquire before 75 days from the receipt date
• Please be patient!
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 13

13. Optional Practical Training
What Happens Once OPT is Authorized?
• EAD and I-797A approval notice will arrive by mail, separately.
• You may begin working once you receive the EAD and you reach the start
date on card, whichever is later.
• Social Security Number: if you applied on I-765, SSA will mail card within
10 business days of OPT approval.
• Unemployment: full-time employment (>20 hours per week) is required to
maintain legal F-1 status once OPT begins. Students are limited to 90 days of
accrued unemployment.
• While on OPT, all students are required to report within 10 days:
• any change of legal name or address
• any change or interruption of employment
• Please let us know about any changes to your immigration status or if you
decide to leave the U.S. before the end date on your EAD.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 14

14. Sample EAD
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 15
“Not Valid for
Reentry to U.S.”
means that you
cannot enter the
U.S. with only the
EAD. You also
need a passport,
visa, and signed
I-20.

15. Post-OPT and Travel Outside the U.S.
[8 CFR 214.2 (13) ]
1. Travel before program completion is the same as usual.
2. Travel after completion a list of required and recommended
documents is on the OISS website. I-20 travel signature
required every 6 months during OPT
3. Students are urged not to leave the U.S. until OPT is approved
if your F-1 visa has expired.
4. Students with an expired F-1 visa should speak with the OISS
prior to traveling.
5. ONCE OPT IS APPROVED, THE EAD BECOMES A
REQUIRED DOCUMENT FOR REENTRY TO THE U.S.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 16

16. Optional Practical Training
Common Pitfalls
• Application received at USCIS more than 30 days after OPT was recommended in SEVIS:
result: OPT will be denied.
• Poor photo quality (SHADOWS); TAKE OFF YOUR GLASSES
• Use newest version of Form I-765
• Check ($410) drawn on a foreign account, bounced check, check not correctly written. If
in doubt, obtain a money order from a post office or a bank check.
• Incorrect local mailing address
– Make sure you include a reliable mailing address on Form I-765, valid for at six
weeks (or until you receive the application receipt). You name should be on the
mailbox.
– All USCIS correspondence will be mail to the address you provide on the I-765
application.
• If you call the USCIS National Service Number and are asked to verify your address,
provide the address on your I-765, unless you have actually moved.
• If you must leave the U.S. after graduation before you have the EAD, have someone you
trust check your mail every day.
F-1 OPT Workshop 17

17. Optional Practical Training
OF NOTE:
• New: pay by credit card using form G-1450
• March 23, 2018: SEVP SEVIS portal launch: students will be able
to update their local address and report OPT Employment.
Maintain email addresses.
• Maintain health insurance!!!
• Do not wear glasses when you take passport photos
• SEVIS is tracking unemployment days. At some point the SEVIS
system will auto-terminate F-1 status. Remember to report your
employment.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 18

18. Thank you
• While on post-OPT you are still an F-1 student and still
under YU student immigration sponsorship.
• Feel free to contact our office for assistance with any F-1
non-immigrant concerns.
• Good luck and thank you for being a part of the Yeshiva
University community.
Spring 2018 F-1 OPT Workshop 19