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OPT (Optional Practical Training ) for F-1 Students
Optional Practical Training is defined as temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study (8 C.F.R. 214.2 (f)(10)(ii).
General Information about OPT
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Available to students who have been enrolled in a full course of study in the U.S. and have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year, prior to the start date of OPT
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Available to students who have not exceeded 12 months of full-time CPT
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Does not require an employment offer at the time of application
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Can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the desired OPT start date
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Requires recommendation from an ISSS Advisor (DSO) and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS)
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Authorized once for each degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate) for up to 12 months
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Must be received at USCIS within 30 days of the date DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS
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Employment can begin only on or after the start date on the EAD card
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Allows for no more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month employment period. Thus, employment must begin no later than 90 days after the start date of the EAD card
Types of OPT
A)
Pre-completion OPT (Code: (c) (3) (A))
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Can be applied for at any time during program of study (after completing at least one academic year)
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Granted prior to degree completion; cannot exceed program completion date listed on the I-20
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Authorized part-time (20 hours per week or less) while school is in session, or full-time during the summer semester (if not enrolled full-time) and other official breaks and holidays, if currently enrolled and expecting to enroll for the next available semester
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Deducted from the 12-month period of OPT eligibility (students must apply separately for post-completion OPT for the period not used as pre-completion OPT-90-day unemployment period does’t apply)
B)
Post-completion OPT (Code: (c) (3) (B))
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Should be applied for during the semester in which student expects to receive the degree and up to 90 days prior to the desired OPT start date
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Must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the program completion date listed on the I-20
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Authorization granted for full-time OPT up to 12 months (less any period of authorized pre-completion OPT)
C) Extension OPT (STEM)
for eligible student in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Fields (Code: (c) (3) (C)) (please see below)
Graduate students who have completed all degree requirements except for thesis/dissertation may apply for either pre-completion or post-completion OPT. Students are eligible for the post-completion option only if all program requirements are completed prior to the desired OPT start date (coursework, qualifying examinations, proposal) except for thesis or dissertation hours.
Travel during OPT
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Students engaged in Pre-completion OPT must follow the same travel requirements that apply to all F-1 students who are currently enrolled
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Students engaged in Post-completion OPT should consult with ISSS prior to making travel arrangements
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Traveling before receiving EAD card and an employment offer should be avoided. When traveling, page 3 of the I-20 must have the DSO’s travel endorsement (valid for six months).
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Traveling with a pending OPT application is not recommended.
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Obtaining a new F-1 visa while on OPT can be risky.
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Consulting with an ISSS advisor before making plans to travel outside the U.S. is recommended - each travel situation is different and may require individual advising.
Reporting Requirements during Post-Completion OPT
FAU is responsible for the F-1 SEVIS record and I-20 for the duration of OPT. Students must keep ISSS informed of the following:
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Initial employment information within 90 days of the OPT start date (employer name, location, address, contact information, including email) as well as any subsequent changes in employment.
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Completion of OPT prior to OPT end date due to change of status or return to the home country
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Acceptance to another degree program in F-1 status (will require SEVIS transfer if going to another school in the U.S.
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Student’s current address and contact information (including a non-FAU email address); change of address information must be provided within 10 days.
ISSS Notification Requirements during OPT
Persons engaged in OPT continue to be in F-1 status, and ISSS continues to have responsibility for maintaining these records throughout the duration of OPT. Students engaged in OPT
must provide ISSS
with the following information:
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Initial employment information
within the 90 days
of the OPT start date.
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Report to ISSS every six months (confirm employment and current address).
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Consequent changes in employment.
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Changes of address (within 10 days of occurrence).
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Change of status to another category.
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Departure from the U.S. prior to the end date of OPT.
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Transfer of schools to begin a new academic program prior to OPT completion.
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Plans to travel outside the U.S. to renew F-1 visa.
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