Reporting: You must report all employers to OIA within 10 days of any new job. Multiple jobs: OPT is not employer specific. As long as they otherwise meet all employment criteria, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously Showing that OPT is directly related to a degree program After your OPT has been approved and you start working, you are required to report what your position is and how it is related to your degree program through the OIA OPT Update Form.
You must be able to concisely describe how your work is related to your studies in sentences. OIA advisers are unable to determine your degree relevancy or confirm that your job is directly related; determining the relevancy is up to you. Make sure to proofread before submitting your updates. If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to the student's degree, SEVP highly recommends that you obtain a signed letter from your supervisor or manager or the employer's hiring official stating how your degree is related to the work performed and keep it for your records.
OIA does not need a copy of this statement. The Student Exchange and Visitor Program SEVP recommends that you maintain evidence - for each job - of the position held, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the your supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. This documentation should be kept for your own records and may be requested during future immigration applications e.
OIA does not need a copy of this documentation. Keep a list of all gigs, the employer, and duration of each. Work for hire: Commonly referred to as or Independent Contractor Employment; keep evidence of the duration of contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. You should be able to prove that you have the proper business licenses and that it is related to your degree program.
It can be a big or small company, start-up, internship, temporary work, full-time, post-doc, hourly, unpaid, salaried, unconventional hours, non-profit, for-profit, self-employment, NGO or any other employer situation. Additional questions about types of OPT employment? Unpaid Employment: You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern while on OPT, where this practice does not violate labor laws. Assuming it meets all other criteria, unpaid internships and volunteer positions can qualify as OPT employment for reporting purposes.
However, the work cannot start until after you complete 3 quarters of full-time enrollment. Your OPT start date can be between the day after your end date and 60 days after your end date. If you are outside of the U. If you cannot attend, you can review the OPT workshop slides or recording , as well as all of the information of this webpage, including the OPT FAQs Starting your OPT application without attending or viewing the workshop could lead to application errors and delays in processing your request, as well as have a negative impact on your application to USCIS.
You must include OPT start and end dates on this form. For post-completion OPT, your OPT start date has to be between the day after your end date and 60 days after your end date.
Upload the following two documents as a pdf signed Verification of Completion Form and completed I application : a. If your ending quarter is earlier than your current end date, your F-1 record will be shortened to reflect the change. Shortening your record will add additional processing time, so please plan ahead.
This document is required for post-completion OPT applications only. Fill it out online and then print it write-able PDF format. Follow the instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions will cause review and processing delays. If this does not work, we recommend printing and uploading or saving as an image For any technical issues editing the form: If you have any issues editing any of the sections of the pdf, you can always handwrite your answers, as long as the handwriting is neat and legible.
Submission: Your form will be considered "submitted" once you see green text at the top of the page.
See image below for example of a fully submitted form. Your name field should match your I exactly. Part 2, 5a-e : This is where your EAD will be sent. You must select an address that will be valid for the next months.
If your address will change, you can ask a friend, relative or employer if you can add their name and U. EADs will not be sent abroad. When using a friend, relative or employer's address , you must write their full name in the "In Care of Name if any " field.
The U. Postal Service will NOT forward government mail to a new address. If you live in an apartment, check the 'Apt. Include the last four digits of the zip code Ex. You will likely need to hand write this. S' address is correct in the my. Part 2, Items : Optional. If you already have your SSN, you can leave these items blank. This option was added to the I in early October, If you applied prior to Oct , this option did not exist.
Part 2, 21a: Visit the U. If you entered the U. Part 2, 21c Travel Document Number, if any : Most F-1 students will not have a separate travel document other than their passport, so this can be left blank Part 2, Enter the date of your most recent entry into the U.
Part 2, 23 : Enter the port of entry you last came through on the entry stamp in your passport. Part 3: Choose 1a, complete , and sign and date in 7a-7b. Your signature must be handwritten , as electronic signatures will not be accepted and may lead to the denial of your application.
If you are submitting the online OIA application , it is fine if you leave the signature blank until you get the draft copy back. That way, you will not need to print, scan, and upload the document. It may say ' Don't forget to sign! If you can't get the document to print without the warning message, it is fine. USCIS has started that including the warning will not impact your application.
Still include this page with submission even if you do not need to complete it. List Page 3, Part 2, Item 26 where requested here. List Page 2, Part 2, Item 12 where requested here. Review at OIA takes approximately one week. Due to high volume, we cannot accommodate expedite requests , so please plan ahead. You will receive an email confirmation when your new I is ready. Email providers vary in how the sort mail; make sure to check your junk mail folder, as well.
Save all previous Is for your records. You may be asked for them during future applications. I : Any errors that need corrected on your I will be noted in red ink. Once you get your draft back, make sure to review the I in detail along with the instructions above.
If there is red on your I, you must print and complete a new one that includes the OIA suggestions in black ink. OIA does not need to review other drafts. Be sure to print all 7 pages of the I, single-sided.
If the screenshot address is different from your current address, it will not impact your OPT application. However, as you are required by law to keep your address up to date, make sure you follow the SEVIS Address Update instructions to make any necessary changes to fulfill your F-1 address update requirement. Once you pick up these documents, then you can move on to Step 2.
Form I Application for Employment Authorization include all 7 pages, and handwritten signature and date on page 4. If filing online, you will input this information directly into the online I form. Two NEW passport photos in color that meet the U.
Photos must be NEW and must not have been used in any previous application. If filing online, can just upload photo.
Payment: A personal check or money order payable to the "U. Department of Homeland Security". Do not use abbreviations. If filing online, you can just enter your payment information into the system when prompted. Either check or money order is fine. Payment must come from a U. If it is no longer accurate, you can cross it out on the check and hand write the new address that is associated with your bank account. This fee is non-refundable. This is true whether you withdraw your application or if it is rejected.
Copy of OPT I the newest one with the OPT recommendation on page 2 : Sign the I at the bottom of page 1 Do not send the original version of this I the actual I you received from us , send a copy instead and keep the original. Include page 1 and 2 of your I The third page with the regulatory information does not need to be included. You do not need to include EAD copies from other statuses e. J-2, H-1B, etc. Don't have copies anymore? See our Application FAQ for guidance on how to meet this requirement.
Copy of the identity page s of your passport. This includes the page that has your photograph and biographical information color photocopy recommended. You do not need to include a copy of your F-1 visa. If filing online, this form will not be needed. Double check your I address! Make sure: The address on the I will be valid at least months into the future If you are sending to friend or family member, their name must be on the address line of the I e.
If you are sending to a friend or family member's address, make sure the return address on your envelope has both of your names on it e. This will help make sure the application is sent back to you correctly in the unlikely event the post office sends it back to you as 'undeliverable'. Make sure to apply in time! It usually takes an additional days for USCIS to provide a receipt after they receive your document by mail. You can check the date located next to the adviser signature on page 1 this is NOT your travel signature date on page 3.
If you are approaching the day time limit, contact OIA before sending your application. We may need to cancel your original OPT request and add a new one before you send it. Postal Service Certified Mail. The destination is based on the address you are using on your I The cost of mailing your OPT application will differ from the cost of mailing a standard letter. Visit the post office in person or check the USPS website to ensure you include sufficient postage on your package.
Be sure to inform our office when you find employment and also report any subsequent employment changes within 10 days. A student must work at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying position in their field of study to be considered employed.
If a student has a variable schedule, within a month, it should average out to at least 20 hours per week. The law is intended for positions that are recognized by the sponsoring employer as "volunteer" or "unpaid internship" positions. The position would need to fulfill the following requirements:. You are not permitted to be a full-time student or be enrolled in a degree program. In order to be enrolled in a degree program, either part-time or full-time, you will need to return to a student visa and your Post OPT will terminate.
I'm in my last semester and have applied for OPT. Can I be outside the US while it's pending? Is there anything else I should know? I'm in my last semester and haven't yet sent my OPT application to the government. Can I send it from outside of the US? Do I still need handwritten signature on my I form or can it be a digital signature? I am on post-completion OPT and have been put on furlough. Is furlough considered unemployment that will then count towards my maximum unemployment days? How does this impact my OPT?
If I am coming close to reaching my unemployment limit while on OPT, will I get additional time due to the current situation? Will time spent working remotely outside the United States count towards my unemployment limit? I will be completing my post-completion OPT soon. I am concerned that I will not be able to leave the United States before my 60 day grace period ends.
What options exist for me? Your OPT Application. When should I apply? How long does the application take? Which date should I select for the start date? What if my application is rejected or denied? I plan to move and I haven't received my "OPT card" yet. What do I do? My application is taking a long time. Can I do anything to speed up the process? If your application has been pending for more than 5 months from the day the US government received your application, we suggest you take the following actions: Check the status of your application on the USCIS website.
Let USCIS know that your case is outside normal processing time by submitting a case inquiry with them. You will have to submit your receipt number to them when you call. What do I do to get it? I didn't receive my "OPT card" by mail.
What if I applied for OPT but didn't actually complete my degree program? Can I work on or off campus while waiting for my EAD? Can I start working without pay while waiting for my EAD? You should also keep in mind the following: You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS. If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a certain deadline.
If you are denied for OPT while outside the United States, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment. If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail. Communicate with BIO about your travel plans. When can I start working? What counts as "employment" on OPT? Students may work in a job related to their field of study at least 20 hours per week if work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student's 90 days of unemployment.
Multiple employers. Short-term multiple employers performing artists. Students such as musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short term employers gigs.
The student should maintain a list of all gigs, including the dates and duration. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs. Work for hire commonly referred to as " employment". This is a type of employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship.
If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. Self-employed business owner. Students may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full-time at least 20 hours per week. Employment through an agency. Students must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
Unpaid employment. Students on the initial month OPT may work as volunteers or unpaid interns , where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.
Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U. See After OPT options below. Students who are granted a month extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of days over their entire post-completion OPT and STEM periods.
Approved vacation from a job does not count as "unemployment" if you are still considered an employee there. Jobs that are fewer than 20 hours per week will count towards the day unemployment limit. How do I know if my job is related to my degree? All employment must be related to your major field of study. You must report all employment and address changes to BIO within 10 days of any change see Reporting Requirements.
You are limited to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT. The travel signature on page 2 of your I is valid only 6 months while on OPT. Reporting Requirements All students on OPT are required to report their current address and employment information within 10 days of any change.
Taking classes while on OPT Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the United States. See Reporting the Early Completion of your OPT for step-by-step instructions After OPT : If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, c heck with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your day grace period without a negative impact to your immigration status H-1B : If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B , you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I
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