Employment After Graduation For F-1 International Students

Transcription

1 Employment After Graduation For F-1 International Students Spring 2015 International Students & Programs Office University of California, San Diego

2 Overview Career Services Center Application Deadlines Application Process 1/6/2016 file.pptx

3 The Career Services Center 1/6/2016 Your one-stop shop for career planning, graduate or professional school advising, internships, job opportunities, and more! file.pptx

4 What Career Services Center Offers Career & Internship Advising Helps students develop the self awareness and skills to identify and pursue their professional goals. Professional and Graduate School Advising Helps students with the complex application process for graduate programs in medicine, health, law and other academic disciplines. Employment Services Connects students with bona fide career opportunities, as well as part-time campus jobs, Work Study positions, and Peace Corps service.

5 Career Preparation Express 15 Minute Walk-In Advising Scheduled Appointments Resume & Cover Letter Critique Interview Practice Workshops & Events 1/6/2016 file.pptx

6 Employment Options for F-1 Students On-Campus Employment Off-Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT) H-1B Employment Visa Optional Practical Training (OPT) Permanent Residency ( green card )

7 What is Optional Practical Training? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of the F-1 students status OPT is work authorization for employment with any employer in your field of study A job is not required to apply for OPT During the OPT period, you maintain F-1 status and are required to report address and employer changes

8 When Can I Get OPT? Before completion of studies (precompletion) After completion of studies (postcompletion) Undergraduates: last day of final quarter Graduates: last day of final quarter or date of defense

9 How Much OPT Can I Get? 12 months after each higher degree level Additional time for STEM majors

10 When Can I Apply? The application for Post- Completion OPT must be received by USCIS: No earlier than 90 days before program completion No later than 60 days after your date of completion

11 Possible Start Dates End of Quarter Earliest Date to Submit to USCIS Last Day to submit to USCIS Possible Employment Start Dates FALL 2015 WIN 2016 SPR 2016 SS SS Fall 2017 Dec. 12, 2015 Sep. 15, 2015 Feb. 8, 2016 March 19, 2016 Dec. 22, 2015 May 16, 2016 June 10, 2016 March 14, 2016 Aug. 7, 2016 July 30, 2016 May 2, 2016 Sept. 26, 2016 Sept. 3, 2016 July 6, 2016 Nov. 30, 2016 Dec. 10, 2016 Sept. 12, 2016 Feb. 6, 2017 Dec. 13, Feb. 8, 2016 March 20, May 16, 2016 June 11, Aug. 7, 2016 July 31, 2016 Sept. 26, 2016 Sept. 4, 2016 Nov. 30, 2016 Dec. 11, 2016 Feb. 6, 2017 Students are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of OPT. The end date will be 12 months after the requested employment start date.

12 Fall Graduation 2015 OPT Application Period = 90 days before completion and up to 60 days after Program Completion date 60-day grace period ends/ Last day to submit to USCIS Aug. Sept. 15 Oct. Nov. Dec. 12 Jan. Feb. 8 OPT start date must occur within the 60-day grace period

13 OPT Application: Choosing Authorization Dates You can choose your start date anytime between the date after completion and 60 days after that. FALL 2015 First Possible Request Date Last Possible Request Date Sept Oct Nov Dec 12 Dec 13 January February 8 Program Completion date Last day OPT can be authorized for is February 7, 2017 The OPT end date cannot be more than 14 months from the date of graduation. Because OPT can take 90 days to be processed, an application submitted after Nov. 8, 2015 will probably not be authorized for the full 12 months.

14 Winter Graduation 2016 OPT Application Period = 90 days before completion and up to 60 days after Program Completion date 60-day grace period ends/ Last day to submit to USCIS Nov. Dec. 22 Jan. Feb. March 19 April May 16 OPT start date must occur within the 60-day grace period

15 OPT Application: Choosing Authorization Dates You can choose tour start date anytime between the date after completion and 60 days after that. The date must be no later than 14 months after the completion date. Winter 2016 First Possible Request Date Last Possible Request Date Dec. Jan. Feb. March 19 March 20 April May 16 Program Completion date Last day OPT can be authorized for is May 15, 2017 Because OPT can take 90 days to be processed, an application submitted after February 16, 2016 may not be authorized for the full 12 months.

16 Spring Graduation 2016 OPT Application Period = 90 days before completion and up to 60 days after Program Completion date 60-day grace period ends/ Last day to submit to USCIS Feb. March 14 April May June 10 July Aug. 7 OPT start date must occur within the 60-day grace period

17 OPT Application: Choosing Authorization Dates You can choose tour start date anytime between the date after completion and 60 days after that date. The date must be no later than 14 months after the completion date. Spring 2016 First Possible Request Date Last Possible Request Date March April May June 10 June 11 July Aug. 7 Program Completion date Last day OPT can be authorized for is Aug. 6, 2017 Because OPT can take 90 days to be processed, an application submitted after May 7, 2016 may not be authorized for the full 12 months.

18 Summer Session 1 Graduation 2016 OPT Application Period = 90 days before completion and up to 60 days after Program Completion date 60-day grace period ends/ Last day to submit to USCIS April May 2 June July July 30 Aug Sept. 26 OPT start date must occur within the 60-day grace period

19 OPT Application: Choosing Authorization Dates You can choose tour start date anytime between the date after completion and 60 days after that date. The date must be no later than 14 months after the completion date. SS First Possible Request Date Last Possible Request Date March April May July 30 July 31 July Sept. 26 Program Completion date Last day OPT can be authorized for is Sept. 25, 2017 Because OPT can take 90 days to be processed, an application submitted after June 26, 2016 may not be authorized for the full 12 months.

20 Summer Session 2 Graduation 2016 OPT Application Period = 90 days before completion and up to 60 days after Program Completion date 60-day grace period ends/ Last day to submit to USCIS June July 6 Aug Sept Sept. 3 Oct Nov. 30 OPT start date must occur within the 60-day grace period

21 OPT Application: Choosing Authorization Dates You can choose tour start date anytime between the date after completion and 60 days after that date. The date must be no later than 14 months after the completion date. SS First Possible Request Date Last Possible Request Date June July Aug Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Oct Nov. 30 Program Completion date Last day OPT can be authorized for is November 29, 2017 Because OPT can take 90 days to be processed, an application submitted after Aug 30, 2016 may not be authorized for the full 12 months.

22 The OPT Application Process Fill out forms & submit package to ISPO After 10 working days, your new I-20 & OPT recommendation will be ready Mail package to USCIS Receive receipt notice from USCIS Receive EAD card & begin employment 1/6/2016 file.pptx

23 The OPT Request Form Choose the dates of your OPT authorization Fill in your expected degree completion date Obtain the signature of your academic, college, or department advisor

24 I-765 Form: Application for Employment Authorization The I-765 is the USCIS form you need to submit with your OPT application The I-765 form can be downloaded from the USCIS website. Important: You must always use the most current version of the I-765.

25 Completing the I Check the box indicating that you are requesting Permission to accept employment. 3. Address in the United States The address you put here is where the EAD will be mailed. This address needs to be valid for at least 3 months, the length of time it may take to process your OPT application Sample Address La Jolla, CA 92092

26 Completing the I-765 Signature CANNOT touch line or text Write telephone number and date

27 Step 2: Prepare the Application Package and Submit to ISPO ISPO OPT Request Form Academic History from TritonLink Print a copy of your entire Academic History from TritonLink; make sure to include all quarters of enrollment in printout. Original I-765 Form and Photocopies of Passport & Visa Copy of most recent I-94 Paper Version (front and back) or Electronic Version (Print Out on CBP.gov/I94). Photocopies of:: Application Fee $380 and All your previous 2 Passport-Sized I-20s Photos Make sure all your I-20s are signed before copying them. Keep the originals for your records. Use a personal check or money order Payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Write your name and SEVIS number on the back of each photo and your check.

28 Sample Check

29 Photo Specifications: Passport-Size Photos Photos must meet the specifications of U.S. style passport photos. To see a full description of these specifications, go to the U.S. Department of State web site. Please have your photos professionally taken and cut to size A well-composed photo 1/6/2016 file.pptx

30 Step 3: Submission and Pick-Up of OPT Package from ISPO Drop off complete application at ISPO Allow 10 working days for processing (7 if submitted during OPT Submission Day) Receive or phone call from ISPO informing you to pick up your OPT package Receive instruction sheet, new I-20 & the rest of your application Review documents and instructions carefully

31 Your New OPT I-20 If everything is properly submitted, your new OPT I-20 will be ready within 10 days. Check It for Accuracy! Program End Date: The completion date will be updated to match the completion date on your OPT Request Form. Your I- 20 may look like it will expire soon, but don t worry the I-20 remains valid for the length of your OPT authorization period School Attestation: Note the date I-20 was issued; your OPT package must reach USCIS within 30 days of this date. Student Attestation: Sign and date the I-20 and make a copy to send with your OPT package. Your Signature

32 Your New OPT I-20 Travel signature is now only valid for 6 months instead of 1 year

33 Step 4: Mail the OPT Application to USCIS For Regular or Certified Mail Checklist Review Please refer to the supplemental handbook for a checklist review of all documents you must submit to USCIS. *Remember to photocopy your I-20. Do not send the original! For Express Mail USCIS Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ Application Deadline USCIS must receive your application no later than 30 days after your OPT I-20 has been issued. The issue date is located next to the Advisor s signature on Page 1 of the OPT I-120. Please account for mailing time. 1/6/2016 file.pptx

34 Step 5: Receive Receipt Notice from USCIS 1/6/2016 file.pptx

35 Step 6: Receive EAD Card from USCIS EAD card should arrive within 10 days of approval Contact ISPO if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) during the 90 day processing time

36 The Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

37 Social Security Number You must apply for a Social Security Number after receiving your EAD Card and letter of employment You must receive a letter verification from our office

38 Maintaining your F-1 Status While on OPT You must report employment using the F-1 OPT Employment Reporting Form This form can be found on the OPT webpage of the ISPO website.

39 Taxes Tax Workshops at the International Center Mid-March of every year Federal and State Tax Workshops We do not provide advising relating to filing taxes. If your home country is exempt due to a tax treaty with the US please visit the website 1/6/2016 file.pptx

40 Traveling Abroad on OPT Documents Required For Re-entry to the U.S. 1. A valid passport 2. A valid F-1 visa stamp 3. Your OPT I-20 with a valid travel endorsement signed on page 3 by an ISPO Advisor at. The travel endorsement is valid for 6 months while on OPT 4. The EAD (Employment Authorization Document) 5. Evidence of financial support for the OPT period is strongly recommended (such as a bank statement or letter from sponsor or employer) 6. A job offer letter

41 STEM OPT An extension of 17 months is available to students with STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) The following conditions must be met: Employer must be e-verified Student has not received a 17-month extension after earning a STEM degree in a previous program level Degree must be on the current STEM Designated Degree Program List (available at Employer must agree to report the termination or departure of an OPT employee Application for 17-month extension must be filed before the expiration date of the current OPT employment authorization For more information, see: F-1 STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT): Information Sheet

42 Points to Remember 1. A job is not required to apply for OPT. 2. It may take up to 3 months to receive the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and you may not start work until after receipt of the EAD card. PLEASE NOTE: Applications are currently taking the FULL 3 months to process! 3. Once you complete your degree and your I-20 has expired, you must have a valid EAD to work on or off campus. 4. More than 90 days of unemployment during OPT may be considered a violation of F-1 status. 5. Employment must be related to the degree program noted on your I-20. Once the OPT application is submitted to the USCIS, it is impossible to change your selected authorization dates. 6. Withdrawing the OPT application is very difficult and the OPT, once approved, cannot be cancelled. 7. OPT can only be extended beyond 12 months in limited circumstances (see for more info).

43 Frequently Asked Questions How long can I stay in the US after the end date of my OPT? You have 60 days after your OPT ends to leave the US, request a transfer of your I-20, or change your status. You cannot work. How do I get an extension of my EAD? Only students who have completed certain STEM majors and have an employer who is enrolled in E-Verify are eligible for a 17 Month Extension OPT. See STEM Extension for more information. What counts as employment? There are many options to satisfy the employment requirement including paid, unpaid, part-time and full time work related to your field of study. Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work? All students on Post-Completion OPT, whether they have completed their degree or not, are required to work 20 hours per week. Students who do not work an average of 20 hours per week are not meeting the employment requirement. I have been unemployed for 80 days. What is going to happen on the 90 th day? If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of status which may affect your ability to travel in and out of the US in F-1 status, future immigration benefits, and change of status applications. Can I change employers while on OPT? Yes. OPT work authorization is not job-specific. Therefore, you may change employers, or have multiple employers at the same time, provided that each position is directly related to your major field of study and commensurate with your educational level. You will need to update the employer information with ISPO within 10 days of the change.

44 Contact ISPO Advising: Monday, 9-12noon Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9-12noon and 1-4pm Phone: (858) Website:

45 Thank You! International Center University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive #0018 La Jolla, CA Phone (858) URL icenter.ucsd.edu