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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) permit students in F-1 status to work in the United States so that they may reinforce what they have learned in university and college degree programs. This benefit is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). Like Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the work must be in the student's field of study. Unlike CPT,
(1) USCIS, not UNVA, authorizes this training;
(2) a job offer is not necessary to apply for OPT;
(3) the student may participate in OPT before and/or after completing the program of study. A student may work for one or more employers, change jobs, or look for work during the training period. Whatever the scenario, the student must carefully plan when to participate in OPT because it is limited to only one year (12 months).
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for OPT, you must have:
- Valid F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months);
- A valid passport;
- An I-94 card that shows that you are currently an "F-1" student who may remain in the U.S.
for "D/S" (duration of status);
- An
unexpired
I-20 that accurately reflects the correct/current major and degree program level.
- You are currently registered as a full-time or authorized part-time student.
PERIODS OF PARTICIPATION :
You may participate in OPT:
- Full-time, after completing your program of study;
WHEN TO APPLY:
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You must apply for OPT authorization before the completion of your program of study. Proof of authorization comes in the form of a card, the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is issued by USCIS. The USCIS processing times for this card vary from one to three months. Because the process could take up to 90 days, you should apply approximately 3 months and no earlier than 4 months in advance of the desired employment start date.
PROCEDURE - To apply for OPT authorization
WHEN MAY YOU BEGIN WORKING?
You may begin working
after you have received the EAD card,
OR
on the beginning date as noted on the EAD card, whichever is the later.
RESPONSIBILITIES WHILE ON OPT:
You are required to report to the IES the following information:
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Any change of address;
- Any change of status;
- If you are terminating the OPT earlier than the dates you were granted;
TRAVEL WHILE ON OPT :
You may travel while on OPT. However, please keep in mind that you are still in F-1 status and that you will need the following in order to re-enter the
U.S.:
-
Your I-20 signed for travel within the past 5 months;
- Your EAD card;
- A letter from the employer indicating you have a temporary job in your field of study and are returning to employment;
- Your valid passport with a valid F-1 visa.
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If your visa stamp has expired, or you have not received your EAD card, or you are not working yet, then please see an advisor before traveling during OPT.
- If you have graduated and have not applied for OPT, then you cannot travel and then return to apply for OPT later.
AFTER OPT:
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You will be allowed a sixty-day grace period beyond the last day of training as
-
indicated on the EAD card. You may not work during this time. You must notify the International students office if you plan on transferring to another program after your OPT
* Color photos: Photos that do not meet the specifications will be rejected and will result in delays. Please share the attached specifications with the photographic studio to which you go.
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