What is Optional Practical Training OPT

1
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

• OPT is an on-the-job training opportunity offered
  to students upon completion of their degree.
  Students are allowed to work for one year within
  their degree field. Students may apply for an
  extension of the OPT for an additional 17 months
  for a total of 29 months.
• Students are allowed to apply for OPT for each
  higher degree they complete.
• Students could apply for up to three different
  OPT programs, one OPT for each higher degree they
  earn (BS, MS, PhD.).

2
Am I Eligible for OPT?

• OPT is available to students who have completed
  their degree. (Completion is defined as defending
  and turning in the library approved copy of your
  thesis or dissertation or graduation from a non-
  thesis program.)
• OPT is available to students who have been
  enrolled for the previous nine months without any
  violation of their immigration status.
• Students enrolled in an Intensive English program
  are not eligible.

3
OPT is For A Defined Period

• Initial OPT is limited to 12 months or less. You
  may request an extension to OPT for an additional
  17 months for a total period of 29 months if
  certain conditions are met.

4
When Should I Apply for OPT?

• United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
  (USCIS) may take 90 days or more to process your
  OPT application. Please be sure you apply early
  enough to allow for processing time. Applications
  will be accepted 90 days in advance or up to 60
  after the completion of your degree.
• OPT start day must still be within 60 days of
  completion date.

5
When Should I Use My OPT

• An undergraduate student or a non-thesis graduate
  student can only use OPT after you have completed
  course requirements and have graduated.
• If you are in a thesis or dissertation program
  you can use OPT only after you have defended and
  turned in your library approved copy of your
  research.

6
What Do I Need to do to Apply for My OPT Card?

• You must attend an OPT workshop. You will receive
  all necessary forms during the OPT workshop. Plan
  ahead, apply in a timely manner.
• Be sure you are completing your degree program
  within the current semester. If you do not
  complete in the current semester you must be
  enrolled for all following semesters until you
  complete.

7
Approvals Required

• Your Academic Authorization Form requires the
  signatures of
• Your Academic Advisor
• Your Department Chairperson
• Note Their signatures ensure that they are aware
  
• of your intention to complete your
  degree
• and apply for OPT.
• All employment for OPT should be within the
  students degree field.

8
Required Documents

• Forms All Forms are provided to you in the
  packet at the OPT workshop.
• Complete all forms in any color of ink except
  black. The USCIS representatives want to know
  they have received original documents and not
  copies of documents.
• The post completion OPT code listed under 16
  of the I-765 is now ( c) ( 3 ) ( B )
• The code for an extension application for 16
  on the I-765 is (c) (3) (C)
• Photos Four passport size color photos, these
  photos should be 2 X 2 inches. http//www.travel.s
  tate.gov/passport/pptphotos/fags.html

9
Required Documents

• Identification One copy of each of the
  following
• Your personal identification page of
  your passport
• Your current visa
• The front and back of I-94.
• Note The personal page is the page with your
  photo and the adjoining page with the official
  stamp.
• Copies of any EAD (Employment Authorization
  Document) cards you may have been issued.
• A check which is made out to the U.S. Department
  of Homeland Security in the amount of 340.00

10
Expediting OPT Applications

• OPT applications can sometimes be expedited if
  you include your job offer letter in the
  application packet which is sent to Nebraska
  Service Center the service center does not
  guarantee that applications will be expedited.
• If you do not include this with the application
  we cannot request an application be expedited at
  a later date.

11
What Happens - Once I Submit my OPT Application?

• Student accounts are checked to see if there are
  any HOLDS. Holds must be removed before we can
  proceed with the application process, because
  this serves as one indicator of being in good
  standing with your institution.
• A new I-20 reflecting the requested dates of OPT
  is issued.
• You must sign the new I-20 before the application
  can be processed.
• Once the USCIS Service Center receives your
  application, they will issue a receipt (form
  I-797C) to you acknowledging the acceptance of
  the application (usually within two to three
  weeks).

12
Requirements for Employment

• For an F-1 student to maintain valid status while
  on OPT, he/she must be employed in their earned
  degree field.
• Students may not accrue a total of more than 90
  days of unemployment during the initial OPT
  period.

13
What Should I do to Receive my OPT Card?

• When the International Affairs Office receives
  your OPT card, you will receive an e-mail
  informing you of its arrival.
• You will receive an e-mail confirming the arrival
  of the OPT card, additional information is
  needed
• A. Your International Student Advisor will
  contact your Graduate Associate and request the
  date you defended and turned in your library
  approved thesis or dissertation.
• B. If you are a non-thesis student, the date
  of graduation is your completion date.
• Assure that all HOLDS have been removed from your
  student account.

14
Obtaining the OPT Card

• Once all requirements have been met, please
  schedule an appointment with your International
  Advisor to obtain your OPT card. You will also
  need to fill out an Exit Form at this time.

15
Student Reporting Requirements

• Student must report within 10 days of initial
  employment.
• A. Employers name
• B. Mailing and Physical Address
• C. Hiring Date
• D. Any dates of unemployment

16
Reporting Requirements When Changing Employers

• Within 10 Days You must report.
• Name of Previous Employer
• Last date of Employment
• Name of New Employer
• Mailing and Physical Address of New Employer
• Starting Date with New Employer
• Any dates of unemployment

17
Travel During the Application Period

• If you do travel outside the United States during
  the OPT application period, it is advisable to
  have with you your current I-20 which needs to be
  signed for travel, and the OPT card if available.
  You should also have with you a offer letter or
  proof of employment from your employer if
  available.

18
Permanently Leaving the Country Prior to End Date
of OPT

• Report to your International Affairs Office that
  you are leaving the country.
• Provide the date that you are leaving the
  country.
• The DSO is required to truncate your OPT end
  date to the date you are leaving the country and
  your OPT is complete. You can not reenter the
  country on the OPT card.

19
How do I Maintain my Status While on OPT?

• You must keep your medical health insurance
  active after you complete your degree and are on
  OPT. There cannot be a break in the insurance
  coverage.
• You may fulfill this requirement in one of
  two ways
• If your employer provides your health insurance
  please submit copies of the front of the
  insurance card to the Missouri University of
  Science and Technology, International Affairs
  Office, at 104 Norwood Hall, Rolla, Mo. 65401
• If your employer does not provide you with health
  insurance by the time your current coverage ends,
  you must continue the current insurance through
  the University of Missouri. You may purchase and
  pay this premium through the International
  Affairs Office at 104 Norwood Hall.
• You must keep the International Affairs Office
  advised of all physical local and foreign address
  changes.
• Report the name, address of any employer you may
  have. Please include your position title and any
  periods of unemployment.

20
Questions?

• If you have additional questions about OPT,
  please contact the International Affairs office.

21
Remember Plan Ahead!!!
22
Good Luck !We hope you find that Perfect Job!

• If we can provide assistance please contact us at
  573-341-4208.

23
Where in the world
do you want to be?
For more information on studying abroad, please
contact the Office of International Affairs 104
Norwood Hall, 341-4208