Current International Students

 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

To view a specific topic, click on the appropriate link:

• Definition of Optional Practical Training
• Eligibility for Optional Practical Training
• Types of OPT
• Completion Date
• Visa Status
• Travel on OPT
• Social Security Number
• OPT Application Procedure
• OPT Frequently Asked Questions
• H-1B Process

Definition of Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allowing international students in F-1 status to gain off-campus work experience in their field of study before or after completion of studies for a maximum of 12 months. The purpose of OPT is to complement student’s academic work.

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Eligibility for OPT

1. Maintenance of F-1 status for a minimum of one academic year in current degree program.
2. Authorization by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services- USCIS (formerly INS) to attend ASU as reflected in current, validated I-20.
3. Continuous full-time attendance for duration of studies.
4. Proposed employment must be in student's field of study and commensurate with educational level.
5. Optional practical training may be permitted:  a) during annual vacation, if studies are continued in the next semester; b) while school is in session (part-time only); c) while writing a thesis after coursework has been completed and comprehensive examinations passed (full-time possible); d) after fulfilling all degree requirements (full-time only).

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Types of OPT

1. Pre-completion - Before completion of a degree program, 20 hours during the semester, 40 hours during summer break. A separate application must be submitted for each session, Fall, Spring and Summer.
   Exception:  Students whose program of study includes a thesis and who have completed all degree requirements (including required thesis/dissertation hours as indicated in POS) may engage in full-time practical training while completing their thesis/dissertation.
   Note: Students must be registered at ASU for the semester they wish to pursue
   Pre-OPT.
2. Post-completion - After completion of a degree program.

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Completion Date

Immigration regulations require an exact determination of the date when student completes studies.  Completion date used for undergraduates is the last day of class and in most cases, graduation date. For graduate students, it is the defense date or date of dissertation approval after defense, comprehensive exam date or result date, project defense, etc. whichever option the student has for the degree program to be completed.

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Visa Status

While on OPT you still hold F-1 visa status. In order to keep up with periodic immigration updates from the ISO, you must extend service for your ASU e-mail account. You must continue to update your address through ASU Interactive during this time. Keep up with periodic immigration updates from the ISO through your ASU e-mail account.  To keep ASURITE and ASU e-mail active during the OPT period or up to one year after graduation, please contact Computing Accounts directly.

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Travel on OPT

If you choose to travel on OPT you need: a valid EAD card, I-20 Student Copy endorsed by the ISO Designated School Official within the last 6 months, a valid passport, a valid visa and proof of employment to re-enter the U.S.

Exception: If you will only do Summer Pre-OPT, you may follow the student travel information. To view this information please visit our updated travel reminders on the ISO website http://asu.edu/international/travel.html

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Social Security Number

A Social Security Number is necessary to report your wages to the government. A Social Security Number can only be obtained with a valid off-campus employment/offer letter. Please contact the ISO for the complete application procedure.

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OPT Application Procedure

1. OPT application for ISO processing can be submitted no sooner than 100 days prior to the completion date (or employment start date). ISO will not accept OPT application once you have reached 3 weeks before your completion date. Failure to meet the deadline will mean losing your OPT benefit. No exceptions will be granted to submission and processing times so please plan ahead.
   Notes:
1. It is highly recommended for you to choose an employment start date for OPT that falls immediately after your completion date.
2. Choosing an employment  start date within 60 days after completion date is possible as long as you apply for OPT before the completion date. There is a possibility of losing OPT time if you choose this option so it is recommended that you see an ISO adviser if you are planning to delay your employment start date.


2. Submit the following documents to the ISO. Must be placed in a sealed envelope marked with OPT APPLICATION, your name and ASU ID.  Incomplete application will not be processed!
   • Completed OPT Academic Advisor's Letter . (Download form)
   • Completed OPT/CPT Student Information form. (Download form)
   • Print-out of Unofficial Transcript from ASU Interactive website showing continuous full-time attendance at ASU.
   • Print-out of updated Address information page from the ASU Interactive Website showing Local and SEVIS addresses
   • Photocopy of Passport valid at least 6 months into the future
   • Photocopy of I-94 (front and back)
   • Photocopy of prior Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if applicable.
   Notes:
1. Complete documents will be processed and approved/denied within 7-10 working days.
2. Review eligibility criteria carefully to avoid delays. If you need immigration advisement or have additional requirements, you will receive an email or call from ISO. This may result in processing delays.


3. You will receive an email notification from ISO to pick up the processed OPT application and mailing instructions. If you are unable to pick up the document yourself, you may give an authorization letter with your signature to the ISO naming a person to act as your proxy in picking up the document. Proxy must present photo identification to confirm their identity.


4. You must submit application to USCIS within 30 days after issuance of OPT SEVIS I-20 and before your completion date. Failure to meet this requirement will result to USCIS denial of your OPT application.
   Important!
   • Follow instructions carefully when mailing your application materials to the USCIS and always keep a copy of your completed application for your records! Application packet must include: I-765 (two copies), Fee of $340, 2 passport style photos, Photocopy of I-94 (both sides), Photocopy of prior EAD if any, Photocopy of OPT SEVIS I-20 endorsed by DSO and signed by the student, Photocopy of all former I-20s, Photocopy of passport page with name, photo and expiration date.  I-765 form can be downloaded at the USCIS website.  http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf
   • You should receive a Notice of Action from the USCIS within four weeks. If you do not receive your Notice of Action from the USCIS within four weeks, please email isoeadvisor@asu.edu so we may follow-up this matter on your behalf.
   • The information on the Notice of Action will allow you to track your application on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

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OPT Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a job when I apply?

No. USCIS does not require proof of employment when you apply for OPT.

 

When should I apply?

 

Can I apply for less than 12 months OPT and save the other months for later use?

• Breaking OPT time into months is not recommended in Post-OPT situation because it cannot be guaranteed that you will be able to obtain authorization to use the remaining months later.
• There is no problem with breaking months in Pre-OPT situation

 

What is the maximum period of OPT that I can apply for?

The maximum period of OPT allowed before and after completion of studies is 12 months.

 

Can I do a second OPT after I finish a second degree?

You are eligible for another 12 months of practical training only when you pursue a higher educational level.

 

What if I change my address while my OPT application is in process?

1. International students must update your local address through the ASU Interactive website during the duration of your OPT. 
2. You must inform the ISO/ISS through email regarding the change. Include the new address and WAC number from your Notice of Action so we can send an address update to USCIS.
   Note: Post office mail forwarding service will not automatically change your address in the USCIS system.

 

Can I send my application to other service centers while I am living in Arizona?

No. You must submit the OPT application to the appropriate center designated by the USCIS, based on your current physical address as reported in SEVIS.  For Arizona residents, applications must be submitted to the California Service Center.

 

How can I avoid delays and/or receiving a Request for Further Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS?

• Sign the OPT SEVIS I-20, on p.1, under item #11 Student Certification
• Sign the I-765 form in blue ink and in between two lines only
• Follow the photo instruction in I-765
• Two passport-style color photos with a white background
• Taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS
• Lightly print your name and I-94 admission number on the back of each photo with a pencil 
• Do not staple photos
• Fill out your personal check for fee payment properly
• Correct date, Payable to Department of Homeland Security, amount in numbers $340 and in words "three hundred and forty dollars" and must be signed
• Follow the mailing instruction and checklist provided by the ISO when you pick up the OPT SEVIS I-20
• Mail your application via regular mail
• Report to the ISO if you change your address

 

What if I don’t get the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) within 90 days as indicated in the Notice of Action?

Track status application online at the USCIS website www.uscis.gov and click on the link Case Status Online. You will need your WAC number found on the Notice of Action to do this transaction.

 

Can I start working before I get the EAD card?

No. The EAD card indicates the “actual” dates, which USCIS will allow you to work.

 

Do I need to notify the ISO after I receive the EAD card?

It is recommended that you submit a copy of the EAD card to the ISO to be kept on file for future transactions.

 

Can I work on campus after completing my program?

No. Employment on campus ends upon completion of your degree program.  Any employment after that date is considered unauthorized and will affect your immigration status.

 

Are there any employer and location restrictions for working in the U.S. while on OPT?

None. You may work in your field of study for any employer and any location in the U.S.

 

Do I need a Social Security Number while I am on OPT?

Yes. A Social Security Number is necessary to report your wages to the government. A Social Security Number can only be obtained with a valid off-campus employment/offer letter. Please contact the ISO for the complete application procedure.

 

Will I have to pay U.S. taxes for income earned while on practical training?

• In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for fewer than 6 years are exempt from social security (FICA) and Medicare taxes as long as you continue to declare non-resident status for tax purposes (see Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, "U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens," which you can order by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM or download at www.irs.gov).  You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax laws.
• Unless you qualify under a tax treaty between the United States and your home government, your earnings as an F-1 student will be subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes, and employers are required by law to withhold those taxes from your paychecks. By April 15 of each year, you must file a federal income tax return and a Form 8843, "Statement for Exempt Individuals," covering the prior calendar year--whether you owe more taxes or not.

 

What can I do if I want to withdraw my OPT application?

1. If an OPT application has not been submitted to the USCIS
   Action: Return all of the OPT application materials you obtained from the ISO.  The ISO will cancel your OPT record.
2. If an OPT application has been submitted to the USCIS
   Actions:
• Student must write a letter to USCIS to request withdrawal of OPT application. Cancellation is not always guaranteed. Approval of cancellation will depend on the timeframe of the request.
• ISO will provide student with current fax number for USCIS.
• Student must inform ISO immediately as soon as request for withdrawal of OPT application has been approved for further immigration advisement.

 

What if I cannot complete my degree as reported on my OPT Application?

• In case of completion date change, you must submit to the ISO a letter from your academic advisor stating academic justifications why you need more time and your new anticipated degree completion date in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY.
1. If the letter is submitted to the ISO prior to your current program end date, the change will be reported in SEVIS and you will receive a new I-20 reflecting the change of completion date.
2. If the letter is submitted after the completion date, the ISO cannot report the change in SEVIS, The letter will be kept in your file for SEVIS audit purposes.
• ISO processing time for completion date change request is 7-10 working days. Please plan accordingly.
• Change of completion date will not affect your OPT processing with USCIS.

  Additional information for students changing completion date:

• You must register for at least one credit hour each semester continuously until the completion date is reached. (Failure to register constitutes a violation of your F-1 status.)
• The registration requirement also applies to students who are pursuing research, revising a thesis or dissertation, or completing coursework for an incomplete grade.
• Only students on a thesis/dissertation option are allowed to use OPT for full-time employment before the completion of studies.
• Students on a project and comps option may only do part-time work on OPT before the completion date. Full-time work on OPT resumes only upon reaching the completion date.

 

Can I re-enter the U.S. if my OPT application is pending?

Yes, you may re-enter the U.S. to search for employment.

 

Can I re-enter the U.S. if I left while on OPT?

If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot re-enter.
If you have a job, you may travel and reenter to resume work at the same job.

 

What documents are necessary when traveling during the OPT period?

To re-enter the U.S., you will need a valid EAD card and your I-20 Student Copy endorsed by the ISO Designated School Official within the last 6 months, a valid passport, a valid visa and proof of employment.

 

How can I get the travel endorsement on the I-20?

 

Can I enter the U.S. on a different visa status and continue to work on OPT?

No. Do not enter the U.S. on any visa other than F-1 or you will lose your F1 status and your OPT will be cancelled.

 

Do I need to keep my previous I-20s since I have the OPT SEVIS I-20?

Yes.  You must keep all I-20 forms and all your immigration documents indefinitely for possible use in the future. The ISO keeps student files for one year only after your completion of studies.

For additional questions, send an email to: ISOeadvisor@asu.edu

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H-1 B Process

If you receive an offer of employment from an employer after graduation or during your period of authorized practical training, and the position requires an individual with a college degree, you may qualify for H-1 B status. This status requires a sponsoring employer and, if granted, may be extended for a period of up to six years.

The H-1B is only applicable to jobs that are categorized as specialty occupations. Specialty occupations are defined as jobs that require, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree or its equivalent as an entry level requirement. The sponsor, that is, the employer making the job offer, can determine whether or not the job offered falls within the USCIS Guidelines defining "specialty occupations" by contacting the local USCIS office.

There is a limit, imposed by the federal guidelines, of the number of H-1B visas issued annually, and the number of H-1B visas issued in a year can change. This process involves the filing of a petition for H-1B status (Form I-129H), by the employer, with the U.S. Immigration Service. Additional documents need to be submitted to the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the Department of Labor.

The process takes about three to four months. If you are already in the United States and doing practical training, the employer may file an application for a change of status concurrent with the I-129H petition to change your status to H-1B. However, the first time that you exit the United States after changing to H-1B status, you must obtain an H-1B visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consular Office in order to return to the United States.

The International Student Office at ASU cannot assist you with the application for H-1B status. Please work with the employer and decide if the employer and/or you (the applicant) should seek outside legal assistance to pursue this option.

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