OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Transcription

1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

2 What we ll cover What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? When and how do I apply? Issues OPT STEM Extension Unemployment limits Reporting requirements Travelling while on OPT Post-OPT work option (H1-B)

3 What is OPT? F-1 Work Authorization Usually used postgraduation 12 months per higher educational level Work must be related to DEGREE Still in F-1 Status

4 What is OPT? Open Work Authorization Do not need a job offer to apply Full or Part-time Anywhere in the US Multiple jobs Paid or unpaid

5 Process Attend OPT Session you re here! Complete OPT Checklist OPT appointment with Eva Wong or Emily Bailey Call (after 11am) Mail your OPT application

6 When Can I Apply? 2/15/2016 5/15/ Days Grace Period 7/14/ days before degree completion Earliest to apply and make appt. * Degree completion date can be flexible for MA/Phd. students I-20 degree completion date* Graduation 60 days after degree completion App must reach USCIS by this date OR Depart US Transfer SEVIS record Initiate change of visa status

7 When Can I Apply? Can take up to 3 months to approve app. Benefits of applying early Time to fix errors Receiving approval early will help to apply for benefits (e.g., extending Driver s License, applying for SSN)

8 Then days: Immigration can send you an and text message acknowledging receipt of application 2-3 weeks: Immigration will send you a Receipt Notice Up to 3 months: OPT is approved 2-4 weeks after approval: Create and mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT) card

9 How Long Can I Work? EAD Card Start Date Can only start working after receiving card and reaching the start date 12 months of OPT Employment End Date Employment ends 12 months after start date on EAD card 60 Days Grace Period End of Grace Period Depart US Transfer SEVIS record Initiate change of visa status OPT Start and End dates: 5/16/2016 5/16/2017 Earliest 7/14/2016 7/14/2017 Latest

10 OPT Checklist (pg.1) Must be completed before appointment! Review of all documents during appointment

11 Reves OPT E-Form Access the form online Requested OPT dates Start date within 60 days of graduation date Changing dates is complicated! Dates finalized at OPT Appointment

12 Advisor Section (pg. 2) Advisor section only for certain MA/PhD. students Only if you plan to begin your OPT before your expected graduation date have completed all required coursework

13 Check/Money Order (pg. 3)

14 2 Color Photos (pg.4) Format is important! Do not use photos submitted for visa AAA Williamsburg, CVS, Walgreens Double check photos before leaving Common errors: Background too dark (blue or grey tint) Shadows on face/background

15 Instructions for I-765 Form (pg.5 & 6) Official Immigration Form TYPE in information - form will be scanned Do not complete the forms online! Download and save copy of OPT packet before you complete the forms Follow instructions in the OPT packet

16 Instructions for I-765 Form Common mistakes: (pg.6) 1: Name as it appears in your passport #3: Use our address (recommended because post office cannot forward Immigration mail) #16 : ( c ) ( 3 ) ( b ) is the code for postgraduation employment #17: leave blank Signature: Has to be in the blank space provided do not touch the line above or below. Sign with a blue pen.

17 G-1145 Form (E-Notification) (pg.8) Option to receive and text message informing you that Immigration has received your application days to arrive

18 Copies of I-20s, I-94, and Passport I-20s: All I-20s ever issued to you Ist and 3 rd pages of each I-20 New I-20s 1 st and 2 nd pages W&M, previous schools I-94 printout ( ( Get I- 94 Now on right) Passport identity page

19 Copies cont. Previous EADs (if applicable) Change of status notice (if applicable) Where can I make copies? Copy Center (Swem Library) Law, Business, VIMS library Not at Reves Center! We will scan app., so do not staple your documents together

20 OPT STEM Extension STEM extension 24 additional OPT months STEM majors only Employer must be registered with E-Verify Can use previous STEM degree

21 Unemployment Limits Cannot accrue more than a combination of 90 days of unemployment while on OPT What counts as employment? At least 20 hours/week and related to degree Volunteering Unpaid internships Multiple employers Employment agency See website for more info

22 Unemployment Limits Keep records of employment (e.g., offer letter, reference letter). Consequences: Termination of SEVIS record Denied visa, denied re-entry to US, denied later benefits (e.g., H1-B)

23 Reporting Requirements Address Change New Employment How Work Relates to Degree Changes in Employment

24 Reporting Requirements Send us your updates within 10 days Address updates via Employment updates via ( Changed your status? Let us know! No plans to use OPT, left the country Let us know! We ll contact you via your W&M

25 Travel Documents To Re-enter the US Apply before leaving country! Unexpired F-1 Visa Travel Signature Signed within last 6 months EAD/OPT Card

26 Travel Best case scenario you have a: Job or job offer (carry employment letter) Valid F-1 visa EAD card More risky if missing one of the items Have not heard of problems with W&M alumni H-1B or greencard pending, talk to your attorney or company

27 Immigration Scams! Immigration will never ask for personal information or money by or phone If you receive such an or call, contact our office!

28 Next Steps Call to schedule OPT appointment. Easiest way to get an appointment! OPT Intake Checklist must be completed! (Do not staple documents together) Questions? Emily Eva

29 Post-OPT Work Visa Option Most common: H1-B work visa Visa status for employment in specialty occupation (requires Bachelor s or equivalent as minimum) Can only get it through employer sponsorship Granted for up to 6 years (Two 3-year increments) Dual intent: Often used as stepping stone for a greencard

30 Questions?

31 OPT H1-B Cap Gap Extension OPT extension for pending/approved H-1B OPT automatically extended to 9/30 (for Oct 1 start date) unless H-1B is denied/withdrawn (then expires on denial date) Example: OPT H-1B Cap Gap Extension April 1, 2017 July 14, 2017 Oct 1, 2017 (USCIS receipts H-1B app.) (OPT ends) (H-1B start date)

32 H1-B Sessions Fri, Jan pm Reves Room (1st floor of Reves Center) Wed, Feb pm Reves Conference Room (2 nd floor of Reves Center)