This document provides information about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students at Northeastern University. It outlines the eligibility requirements for post-completion OPT, including having maintained valid F-1 status and completed at least one academic year of full-time study. The document reviews the application process and timeline, listing the required forms and documents that must be submitted to the university's International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the OPT recommendation and work authorization.
This document provides information about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students at Northeastern University. It outlines the eligibility requirements for post-completion OPT, including having maintained valid F-1 status and completed at least one academic year of full-time study. The document reviews the application process and timeline, listing the required forms and documents that must be submitted to the university's International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the OPT recommendation and work authorization.
This document provides information about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students at Northeastern University. It outlines the eligibility requirements for post-completion OPT, including having maintained valid F-1 status and completed at least one academic year of full-time study. The document reviews the application process and timeline, listing the required forms and documents that must be submitted to the university's International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the OPT recommendation and work authorization.
This document provides information about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students at Northeastern University. It outlines the eligibility requirements for post-completion OPT, including having maintained valid F-1 status and completed at least one academic year of full-time study. The document reviews the application process and timeline, listing the required forms and documents that must be submitted to the university's International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the OPT recommendation and work authorization.
International Student and Scholar Institute (ISSI) 405 Ell Hall Northeastern University 617-373-2310 www.northeastern.edu/issi Topics Covered Optional Practical Training (OPT) Defined (P3) Eligibility Requirements (P4) Deadlines and Timelines (P 5-6) ISSI Checklist (P7) How to Complete and Submit Required Forms (P 8-15) Reporting Requirements (P 22) Travel Abroad and OPT (P 23) STEM Extensions (P 26) H-1B and Cap-Gap (P 27-28) Electronic Signature (P 29) Contact Information (P 30)
2 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status. It is 12 months of employment authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to F-1 students for the purpose of gaining practical experience directly related to their program of study. The ISSI recommends OPT. You will then apply to USCIS for work authorization. Pre-completion OPT (Pre-OPT) takes place during your program of study Post-completion OPT takes place after your program completion date* *Program completion date is defined as the end of your program of study (not necessarily the date of your graduation ceremony). 3 Post-OPT Eligibility & Requirements Students must have: Maintained valid F-1 student status Studied full-time for at least 1 academic year Completed fewer than 52 weeks of full-time Curricular Practical Training (Co-op, Internship)
Additionally: Only one Post-OPT application is allowed per each academic degree level. Students are eligible to apply for 12 months of OPT authorization upon completion of each higher degree level. 4 Deadlines & Timeframes OPT requires ISSI recommendation and USCIS authorization.
Students are eligible to apply for OPT: 90 days before the program completion date 60 days after the program completion date; USCIS must receive the application within 60 days of the program completion date
Processing time Once a complete OPT application packet has been submitted to ISSI, the OPT recommendation takes approximately 10 business days USCIS authorization takes approximately 2 - 3 months USCIS will not expedite OPT requests before the 90 day processing time has elapsed 5 OPT Application Timeline 90 days Possible OPT request start dates (60 days) 60 day grace period OPT employment of 12 months Program Completion Date Begin application process Last day for USCIS to receive your OPT application! End of 12 month OPT Last authorized OPT work date (based on EAD Card) Potential OPT Start Date 6 Requirements for ISSI OPT Recommendation Submit all of the following to the ISSI: 1. ISSI Form 133 2. ISSI Form 210 3. $200 administrative fee paid through your myNEU account 4. Copy of passport identity page 5. I-94 (If you do not have I-94 number or copy you can find it on this website-i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94) 6. Proof of electronic signature(OPT online seminarpage 29)
7 1. ISSI Form 133: Certification of Program Completion To be completed by academic advisor Signature of academic advisor (all students) Signature of Dean or SEVIS contact (graduate & all CPS students only) Student Signature To be completed by student 8 2. ISSI Form 210: Request for OPT I-20 See next slide for complete dates & window of OPT request dates USCIS allows you to request your OPT start date
You can request your OPT to begin 1 day after your program completion date or as late as 60 days after completion of study 9 2014-2015 Term End Dates - Possible OPT Start Dates that May Be Requested CPS Undergraduate Graduate Summer Quarter 2014 ends 8/23/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 08/24/14 10/22/14
Fall Quarter 2014 ends 12/06/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 12/7/14 2/4/15
Winter Quarter 2015 ends: 3/28/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 3/29/15 5/27/15
Spring Quarter 2015 ends: 6/27/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 6/28/15 8/26/15
Summer Quarter 2015 ends: 8/29/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 8/30/15 10/28/15 Summer II 2014 ends: 8/19/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 8/20/14 10/18/14
Fall 2014 ends: 12/12/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 12/13/14 2/10/15
Spring 2015 ends: 5/8/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 5/9/15 7/7/15
Summer I 2015 ends: 6/30/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 7/1/2015 8/29/15
Summer II 2015 ends: 8/25/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 8/26/15 10/24/15
Summer II 2014 ends: 8/23/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 8/24/14 10/22/14
Fall 2014 ends: 12/13/14 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 12/14/14 2/11/15
Spring 2015 ends: 5/8/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 5/9/15 7/7/15
Summer I 2015 ends: 7/2/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 7/3/15 8/31/15
Summer II 2015 ends: 8/29/15 Possible OPT start dates that may be requested: 8/30/15 10/28/15
10 3. Form G-1145: E Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance To be completed by student. Once OPT application is received by USCIS lockbox, student will receive electronic notification of receipt. 11 4. Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Section 11: Select Yes if you have received a work authorization card before. Select NO in all other cases. Do not complete Section 16: Students must enter code (c) (3) (B) for post - OPT Student signature, phone number and date here If Yes in Section 11, complete this part of the form. Indicate appropriate service center (Vermont, Nebraska, Texas, California) Look at your EAD card for dates. If NO in section 11 indicate N/A. Section 3: Address should be valid for 3 months. If using an address other than your own make sure to include your name on the mail box and use c/o friends name, address.
c 3 B Section 17: Indicate N/A on all 3 lines Jane Doe 617-xxx-xxxx 10/04/2012 X If this is your first application for OPT at this academic level check here Section 1: Name as it appears on passport/I-20 Section 2:If no other name mention as NONE 12 OPT Application Drop Off Times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 11:00 am 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 11:00 am 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 5:00 pm 11:00 am 1:00 pm
OPT application must be submitted to the ISSI during one of the drop off sessions indicated below: 13 Requirements for USCIS Processing The following must be submitted to USCIS within 30 days of OPT recommendation (if submitted after 30 days, OPT will be denied) 1. G-1145 (original) optional 2. I-765 (original) 3. Copy of new I-20 with OPT recommendation on page 3 4. Copies of all previous I-20s (pages 1 and 3) 5. Copy of identity pages in your passport including all correction and extension pages 6. Copy of most current F-1 student visa stamp or change of status approval notice 7. Copy of I-94 card (front and back) OR electronic printout* *For electronic printout, go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/.
8. Copy of the front and back of previous EAD card (if applicable) 9. Check, money order or bank check for $380 made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 10. Two passport photos with white background (lightly print your name and SEVIS ID# on back of each photo)
Also include a copy of the most recent port-of-entry stamp in passport.
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Send your OPT application to the applicable USCIS address When mailing through USPS, request certified return receipt 15 Fed Ex or UPS If you are using a mailing address in: Send your application to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Phoenix, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands USCIS Phoenix Lockbox For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries: USCIS P.O. BOX 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036 For Express mail and courier service deliveries: USCIS Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034 Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands or West Virginia USCIS Dallas Lockbox For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries: USCIS P.O. BOX 660867 Dallas, TX 75266 For Express mail and courier service deliveries: USCIS Attn: AOS 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067
Important! USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the OPT recommendation by the ISSI
If your application is not received by USCIS within 30 days, your OPT request will be denied
Remember to sign and date your new OPT I-20 and all previous I-20s if you have not already done so.
16 Employment Authorization Document You should receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in 2 to 3 months
If you have not received your EAD card after 90 days, call USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 and submit a service request to expedite
You may not work until you receive your EAD card and you may only work within the dates specified on your EAD
As soon as you receive your EAD card, check the card for errors. Contact USCIS Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 to rectify any mistakes 17 90 Day Rule of Unemployment While on OPT, you are allowed to accrue 90 days of unemployment
The 90 days of unemployment are cumulative
Students are considered out of status once they accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment
It is the responsibility of the student to track days of unemployment
ISSI advises students to keep a personal record of all OPT activity
18 Invalidating OPT Your OPT will be cancelled or invalidated if you: start a new program of study transfer to a new school change your status enter the U.S. using any visa other than F-1 violate your F-1 non-immigration status 19 OPT Employment All employment must be within the students field of study and appropriate to their degree level Begin OPT Employment only after the EAD card has been received. Students may work only within the dates indicated on the EAD card. Working before or after these dates is prohibited. Types of employment allowed for OPT: 1. Multiple employers: A student may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the students degree program. 2. Work for hire: This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment, where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, the student must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract period and the name and address of the contracting company. 3. Self-employed business owner: A student on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the students degree program.
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OPT Employment Continued 4.Employment through an agency or consulting firm: A student on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing that he or she worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency. 5. Paid employment: A student may work part time (at least 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT) or full time. 6. Unpaid employment: A student may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for a student on post- completion OPT. A student must be able to provide evidence acquired from the students employer to verify that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.
21 Reporting Requirements The following changes must be reported to the ISSI within 10 days Address update for students on OPT Employment update for students on OPT Name of the company Address of the company Start date with the company Unemployment Decision to discontinue OPT and depart the U.S. Change of status Return to school full-time / transfer 22 Travel Abroad After Program Completion Date and During OPT You will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.: Passport that is valid for an additional 6 months beyond the date of return to the US. Valid F-1 student visa I-20 with OPT recommendation on page 3 (travel signature must be less than 6 months old on the date of return to the U.S.) EAD card Proof of employment (generally offer letter is used) 23 Social Security Number (SSN) If you do not have a SSN, you may apply for one as soon as you have received your EAD card and the employment period has started. 24 Taxes Both federal and state taxes are due in mid-April each year. Please check the ISSI website for tax related information
For other tax questions, refer to irs.gov or consult with a tax specialist
ISSI does not give tax advice. Please contact a tax professional if needed 25 STEM/17-Month Extension In order to apply for STEM extension, the following criteria must be met: Qualifying CIP code for a major in STEM field Work for company enrolled in E-verify When to apply for STEM Extension: Refer to ISSI Form 204 Application may be submitted no earlier than 120 days prior to the post-OPT end date Application must be received by USCIS before original OPT period ends For more information go to: www.uscis.gov Student on STEM must check in with ISSI every 6 months to confirm work and current address STEM may only be applied for once in a lifetime 26 H-1B & Cap-Gap Extension H-1B is an employment based visa. Work with your employer regarding H-1B application requirements and process Cap Gap Extension is a government generated extension of OPT work authorization or status of stay. It bridges the gap between the end date of OPT and September 30 th of that given year If applicable, a Cap-Gap I-20 may be requested from the ISSI. For more information regarding cap-gap extension, go to USCIS website or the ISSI H-1B Guidance 27 H-1B & Cap-Gap Extension Continued To request a cap-gap I-20, submit the following to the ISSI: ISSI form 122 Copy of receipt or approval notice (I-797) Please note: USCIS regulations allow you to work without an I-20 indicating a Cap-Gap Extension. Whether or not your employer will allow you to work is at their discretion
Note: Travel abroad is not recommended during an H-1B Cap-Gap extension
28 Electronic Signature
In order for your OPT application to be accepted by the ISSI, you must complete the online Statement of Compliance verifying your full comprehension of this presentation.
If you have any questions regarding the material in this presentation, please contact the ISSI. 29 29 Contact Information Stephanie McCormick (Post-OPT, Cap Gap, STEM Ext.) Email: s.mccormick@neu.edu