OPT Information
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for a student to engage in employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Students may apply up to 90 days prior to their program end date and up to 60 days past their program end date. Due to USCIS processing times, it is highly recommended that students apply early.
Post-Completion OPT Preparation Course:
Students must first do the OPT preparation course in Canvas. If they don’t see the course when they log in to Canvas, they should contact the ISO to request their name be added to the roster. The Canvas course will continue to be available as a resource when students are preparing their application packet. OPT Packet Instructions via powerpoint are available in the Right-hand navigation panel on this page. Any student graduating in this current term and planning to apply for OPT must complete the “OPT Online Preparation Course” PRIOR to submitting the OPT Request Form.
Spring 2021 OPT Information Session:
Monday March 1, 2021 at 2:00 on Zoom https://unewhaven.zoom.us/j/98353823736
This will be posted later on the ISO myCharger landing page.
POST-COMPLETION OPT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Complete the OPT Online Preparation Canvas Course
Students graduating in the current term will be enrolled in the Canvas course, titled “OPT Online Preparation Course,” which gives detailed instructions on applying for OPT, completing required forms, and maintaining F-1 status while on OPT. All students that apply for OPT are required to complete the online course prior to submitting a Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request.
Step 2: Submit the Post-Completion OPT Request Form signed by your academic advisor to the ISO.
Students must submit the Optional Practical Training Request Form e-form
ISO will confirm the student has completed the Canvas course and then issue the OPT Request I-20 needed for the application. Students must be prepared to submit their OPT application to USCIS within 2 weeks of them submitting the OPT Request Form.
Step 3: Collect the required documentation.
Detailed instructions on completing forms can be found on the “OPT Online Preparation” course in Canvas.
· Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
· Copies of Page 1 and travel signature pages of ALL I-20s that have been issued to you from University of New Haven, and from previous institutions if available
· Printed electronic I-94 Record
· Color copy of your most recent U.S. F-1 visa
· Color copy of passport biographical page
· Two standard (2” x 2”) passport-sized, recent, color photos. Write your full name and I-94 number in pencil on the back.
· Check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the amount of the current application fee as posted at www.uscis.gov/i-765.
Step 4: Mail the OPT application packet to USCIS
Once students have completed the Canvas course and received their new OPT I-20, they must mail their packet to USCIS. Please note that USCIS must receive the OPT application within 30 days of the issue date on the OPT I-20.
The ISO is able to provide you with general guidance. However, any advice provided to you by our office does not constitute legal advice. Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, the USCIS may change its interpretation of immigration policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. This office will do its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.
TRAVEL AND REPORTING EMPLOYMENT ON OPT:
During a student’s OPT authorization period, they must continue to report to the International Services Office. Thoroughly review the Reporting Requirements page for information on reporting responsibilities, changing employers, unemployment, and travel while on OPT.
Failure to properly report employment in a timely manner can result in the termination of your work authorization period and may result in ineligibility for further work authorization applications.
Students approved for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) are required to report their current employer’s name and address within 10 days of the start date of any employment. They must also report any changes to or the termination of employment.
Students must submit the OPT Employment Information Online Form to report any changes in employment within 10 days.
Included in the form, students must upload the following documents:
- EAD card
- Job offer letter (including start date, number of hours per week, company name and address)
Students on OPT must continue to report any changes in their residential address, phone number, and email address within 10 days of any changes by submitting the Personal Information Update Form.
Failure to properly report employment in a timely manner can result in the termination of the work authorization period, loss of legal F-1 status, and may result in ineligibility for further work authorization applications.
Students approved for an OPT STEM Extension have additional reporting obligations. Required information must be submitted to ISO so it may be updated in SEVIS.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work authorization granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Students in F-1 visa status are required to have this work authorization if they wish to remain in the United States and work after completing their program of study.
Who is eligible to apply for OPT?
Students in F-1 visa status who have been in status for at least one academic year are eligible to apply for OPT. Time spent in the U.S. in a status that allows for study in the U.S. other than F-1 can count towards this one-year requirement. In addition, students must be physically present in the U.S. when filing the OPT application.
Do I need to have a job to apply for OPT?
No. You can apply before you have a job and you can change jobs while on OPT. In addition, OPT is not limited to a geographic location and you are eligible to work anywhere in the United States as long as the position is related to your major.
How long does OPT allow me to work in the U.S.?
F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. An additional 24-month STEM extension may be possible for certain majors on this STEM-eligible CIP code list.
What do I get if my OPT is approved to show that I am eligible to work?
When approved for OPT by the Department of Homeland Security, you will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) which notes the day you may start and must end employment. You can NOT start working before this start date. You also must receive your EAD card before you can begin working.
Can I work in ANY job once my OPT is approved?
No. OPT employment MUST be directly related to your field of study (your major at the University of New Haven). (For example, a Political Science major can NOT work as a sales clerk at a clothing store.)
What happens if I can’t find a job after my OPT is approved?
You begin accumulating unemployment time after the start date on your EAD card begins. You are only allowed 90 days of total unemployment while on OPT. Approved company vacation time does not count as unemployment time.
Do I need to be working in a full-time, paid position in order to avoid accruing days of OPT unemployment?
No, you do not have to be working full-time or getting paid while on OPT. However, you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week. You can work in multiple jobs/internships/volunteer positions that are all related to your field of study and can add up to 20 hours or more per week in total.