Optional Practical Training

General Information

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization which allows F-1 students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience. You may be entitled to up to 12* months of OPT per educational level (i.e. Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc). If a student begins a new academic program at a higher level, the student is eligible for another 12 months of OPT.

*Or up to 24 months if you are a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) major.

Please note that Optional Practical Training requires authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which typically takes 90 days to obtain. We recommend that you apply 3-4 months before you wish to begin employment.

---

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OPT, you must:

1. Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year
2. Currently be maintaining a full-time program of study and hold valid F-1 status
3. Intend to work in a job directly related to your major field of study

A job offer is not required to be eligible for, or to apply for, OPT, but the student is expected to work. The student must report the name and address of employer as soon as employment has been secured and whenever there is a change of employment. If you are uncertain whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please meet with Crossroads.

---

Two Types of Optional Practical Training

Pre-Completion OPT

• During the school year: Students may apply for part-time OPT which permits them to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Students must also keep a full course load. A part-time OPT period is computed at half the regular full-time period when applied to the 12 month OPT limit. For example, students who choose to engage in OPT while school is in session during the fall semester (4 ½ months) would have two months and one week deducted from the 12 month OPT limit.
• During vacation periods: A student may do part-time or full-time (21 hours or more per week) OPT during school breaks.

Post-Completion OPT

• After completion of the degree: OPT can be full-time or part-time. While you may work part-time hours during post-completion OPT, OPT will be calculated as full-time and will still be limited to 12 months (or 29 months with a STEM extension).
• Post-Completion OPT Deadlines: Students may apply up to 90 days before completion of studies and 60 days after completion of studies. Travel is not recommended during this period. If you depart the USA after you complete your studies and have not applied for OPT, you are no longer eligible to apply.

---

Overview of the Application Process

Step One: Student requests and I-20 OPT recommendation from Crossroads

Complete the  OPT I-20 Request Form:

• Read through the entire information packet
• Complete the student section of the  OPT I-20 Request Form.
• Meet with academic advisor to have second page of request form completed
• Submit the completed form to the Crossroads Office
• You will get your new I-20 when you have your OPT appointment with Crossroads

You may request an OPT I-20 by either:

• Bring the form to Crossroads: If you have read the information packet and do not have any questions, you may drop off the  OPT I-20 Request Form to Crossroads.
• Meeting with Crossroads: If you have read the information packet but still have questions, you can meet with Crossroads and then submit your  OPT I-20 Request Form. We recommend you bring your immigration documents with you.

You may need to meet with Crossroads if you are:

• Unsure which OPT dates to select
• Unsure of your completion date
• Recently returned to Geneva after taking a leave
• Considering a second degree at the same education level (i.e. a second Bachelor’s degree)

Step Two: Student completes an online application with the USCIS

Read everything in the instructions for  Post-Completion OPT For F-1 Students or for  Pre-Completion OPT For F-1 Students.

• Once you have received your I-20 with OPT recommendation from Crossroads/ISS, you can complete your  USCIS application.
• USCIS will send you a receipt notice, typically within one month.
• Once your application is approved, you will receive an approval card in the mail from USCIS. This card is your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

---

Selecting OPT Start and End Dates

Pre-Completion
List the dates you actually intend to work. Your start date should be the earliest date that you could possibly begin work. Your end date should be the latest day that you could possibly work.

Post-Completion
If you are applying for Post-Completion OPT, you are given a 60-day grace period following the completion date of your studies. You must apply for OPT before completing your studies, but you may request that OPT begin as late as the end of the 60-day grace period. Therefore, for Post-Completion OPT, the beginning date must be between the day after completion of studies and the end of the 60-day grace period.

Post-Completion OPT may be authorized for any period of time you request, up to the maximum amount of OPT you have remaining at the time of completion. If you have not previously used any OPT, you may request the full 12 months of practical training after completion of your program. If you have used any Pre-Completion OPT, or if you worked a full year of full-time CPT, the appropriate amount of OPT will be deducted. In most cases, a student will apply for the full amount of Post-Completion OPT that he/she is eligible for. Unless, for example, the student plans to study at the same educational level for another degree and wants to reserve some OPT time. Remember, if you return to study at a higher education level, you will be eligible for another period of OPT.

Start and end dates can be very confusing. If you have further questions on this, or if you want to know what Post-Completion OPT time you are still eligible for, please reach out to Crossroads.

---

OPT Application Materials

• Application fee ($470 made payable to The Department of Homeland Security)
• Two identical passport-style photos. 
• Photocopy of ALL previously issued I-20s, including newest I-20 with OPT recommendation. Remember, each I-20 must have your signature in the appropriate area. If you have any questions about what I-20s need copied or where your signature should be, you should contact Crossroads.
• Printed version of your electronic I-94. If your most recent date of arrival in the U.S. is after April 20, 2013 you will have an electronic I-94 that must be printed at http://cbp.gov/i94
• Photocopy of the information page in your UNEXPIRED passport (including your photo and passport extensions if they are on different pages)
• Photocopy of your F-1 visa stamp page (except Canadian students)
• Photocopy of front and back of any previously issued Employment Authorization Cards (EAD) or denial notices.
• Completed G-1145 Form (optional) This form is if you want an electronic notification on the receipt of your application. Fill in your name, email address, and/or cell phone number. Be sure to put this as your first page in your application packet.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the earliest I can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
You may apply as early as 90 days (3 months) before your graduation date or 4 months prior to your OPT start.

When must I apply for OPT?
Post-Completion OPT: You may apply up to 90 days before completion of studies and within 60 days after completion of studies. Consult with Crossroads if you intend to travel abroad during this time.
Pre-Completion OPT: You should apply 3-4 months before the date you wish to begin employment.

What is my completion date?
The “completion date” refers to the date that your degree requirements are completed (as verified by your academic advisor). This may not necessarily be the same as the “official” college graduation ceremony date. For most undergraduates and Master’s students without a thesis requirement, the completion of studies is the May, August, or December graduation date that follows your last term of full-time enrollment.

If you are a graduate student, check with your advisor about choosing an earlier completion date such as your thesis submission date.

 

What if my address changes while my OPT is still pending?
If you change your address before your receipt and/or card are issued, you must notify USCIS. You should also inform Crossroads. Please remember, if there is even a tiny chance you might be moving while your OPT application is under consideration, make sure to list Geneva College’s address on the Form I-765.

How can I check the status of my application?
You should log into your USCIS account to check the status.

Use the EAC number located in the top left of the receipt notice. Alternatively, USCIS prints the EAC number on the back of your check once it is cashed. You may be able to obtain a copy of your check from your bank.

Can I travel while on practical training?

Post-Completion OPT: You should not experience difficulty reentering the United States if you have all the items listed below:

• a valid passport
• a valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens)
• Your OPT I-20 endorsed for reentry by Crossroads within the last six months
• Your valid practical training EAD issued by USCIS
• Evidence of employment such as a job offer or employment verification letter

If you do not have all of these documents listed above or plan to leave the US while your OPT application is pending with USCIS, you should consult with Crossroads before travel abroad. For more information, see:  http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel

*Please note – Your EAD will have a notation that says, “not valid for reentry to the USA”. This is printed on all EAD cards issued for OPT and simply means that the card alone is not sufficient for reentry to the USA.

Pre-Completion OPT: You can travel and return to the USA with a valid passport, valid F-1 visa stamp, and your OPT I-20 endorsed by Crossroads within the last 12 months. You do not need evidence of a job or a valid EAD issued by USCIS to return to the USA.

Do I still need to notify USCIS if my address changes while on Post-Completion OPT?
Yes.

Can I change my OPT dates or cancel OPT if I do not get a job?
Once your application has been received by USCIS, Crossroads cannot cancel or change your OPT dates for you. If you want to try to withdraw your OPT application after you have sent it to USCIS, you will need to submit a written request to them directly. Please consult with Crossroads for more information. We advise that you carefully choose your dates and consider your job prospects before applying for OPT, since canceling your application may be difficult or impossible to do. An unexpected delay in completing degree requirements, inability to find an appropriate job, or loss of a job does not allow you to take back or adjust practical training authorization even if this means you will lose practical training time. Remember, you must report the name and address of your employer to Crossroads. As the PDSO, she is required to enter the information into SEVIS (Student & Exchange Visitor Information System).

Do I need a Social Security Number to work in the USA?
Yes. If you plan to work in the USA you will need a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Your Geneva ID is not a valid SSN. To apply, please obtain instructions and directions to the Social Security Office from Crossroads. The Social Security Administration will process your application and mail your Social Security number to you.

Do I need to complete any forms with my employer to begin working?
Yes. Within the first three days of beginning work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). This form will be kept on file by your employer and must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission. Your employer will provide this form and assist you in its completion.

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 MUST notify Crossroads with names and addresses of new employers.

Do I pay taxes while working on OPT?
Students in F-1 status are subject to all federal, state, and local taxes that may apply. Check with Crossroads/ISS for more tax information and to see if your country is one of the few that has a tax treaty with the USA. This treaty allows students to exclude a limited amount of earned income from federal taxation.

You may also be able to treat a period of Post-Completion OPT as an extended business trip and substantially reduce your federal taxes by deducting “travel expenses” (amounts for housing, transportation, and a per diem food allowance) from your income. You should consult an accountant or tax attorney to see if you can deduct travel expenses in your circumstances. Crossroads/ISS cannot provide this type of individual tax assistance.

In general, however, F-1 students who have been present in the USA for less than five calendar years are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Medicare taxes. Be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer, as many employers are unfamiliar with this provision of the tax laws. If you need more information about the F-1 Social Security and Medicare tax exemption, please contact Crossroads/ISS.

How long can I stay in the US after the end date of my OPT?
You have a 60 day grace period after the end of your OPT. You are not authorized to work, nor can you leave and reenter the US in F-1 status during the grace period.

What should I do if I want to begin a new program of study in the USA when I finish my OPT?
You must contact Crossroads and tell them what school you plan to attend and when your new program of study will begin. (This is also true if you are returning to Geneva to begin a new program. We are not likely to know unless you tell us.) We must then “release” your F-1 SEVIS record to your new school within 60 days of the end of your OPT (or update your SEVIS record for a new Geneva program.) If you fail to notify Crossroads of your plans to begin a new program of study before the end of your 60 day grace period, your F-1 SEVIS record is likely to become invalid and may cause immigration problems for you.

IMPORTANT Final Note: It is your responsibility to comply with all immigration regulations which apply to F-1 students, including employment regulations. Working without proper authorization is a serious violation of your student status. If you fail to comply with your responsibilities, you will be in violation of F-1 status. This will lead to you losing your eligibility for F-1 benefits and can lead to deportation. Prior to accepting any employment in the USA, we strongly urge you to consult with Crossroads if you have any questions.