F-1 EMPLOYMENT: Opti o nal Practical T raining ( OPT) Information Session

1. F-1EMPLOYMENT: Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information Session

2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)Overview • What isOPT? • It is a work authorization benefit to allow for practical work experience in your field ofstudy. • You may apply for OPT once for each degreelevel.

3. Optional Practical Training (OPT)Overview Three types ofOPT • Pre-completion OPT: before graduation • ▫ Part-time employment during school year and full-timeduringschool breaks. • ▫ Employment must be in the area of academic major and may bepaidor unpaid. • Post-completion OPT: aftergraduation • ▫ Must be employed at least 20 hours per week in the areaofacademic major • ▫ Employment must be in the area of academic major and may bepaidor unpaid. • 17-month STEM extension: after initial OPT for STEM majors (Science, Technology, Engineering, andMathematics). • ▫ Same conditions of post-completion OPTapply • ▫ Employer must be part of the E-Verifyprogram

4. Optional Practical Training (OPT)Overview • Who iseligible? • F-1 students maintainingstatus • ▫ Enrolled full-time for at least one academic year • ▫ Completing a course of study (post- completion) • ▫ Have not used 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training(CPT).

5. Types of employmentallowed All OPT employment must be in a job thatis related to your academic major. You must be employed for at least 20 hours perweek. • PaidEmployment • ▫ Multipleemployers • ▫ Work forhire • ▫ Self-employed businessowner • ▫ Employment through anagency • Unpaid Employment (volunteers, unpaidinterns) • ▫ Must not violate laborlaws

6. When should you apply forOPT? • The earlier, thebetter! • No more than 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program enddate. • STEM OPT extension: no earlier than 90 days and no later than 45 days before the EAD cardexpires.

7. When is your program end date for the purposes ofOPT? • TwoOptions: • ▫ Thesis/Dissertation Defensedate • ▫ End date of last semester ofacademicstudies/ research to completedegree/certificate

8. OPT Application ProcessOverview Reportany work and address changes toISO If your requestis approved, USCISwill mail out your EAD card to ISO. USCIS will reviewand adjudicate your request – on average, it takes around 90 days. ISOwillmail the OPT application packet to USCIS. ISO Advisor will issue a new form I-20 for OPT. You must come to ISOtopick up your new I-20 form. FGCU ISO advisor willreview OPT packetin 5 to 10 working days Submit a complete OPT packetto FGCU ISO Attend mandatory OPT advising session

9. OPT Training Guide • OPT TrainingGuide • https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internationalservices/files/OPTApplicationHandoutStudentsADA.pdf • OPT Reportingform https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internationalservices/files/OPT-Employment-reporting-form-ADA.pdf • STEMOPT packet https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internationalservices/files/STEMOPTExtensionHandoutandChecklistforF-1StudentsADA.pdf • I-983 Training Plan Form for STEM OPT Students https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf

10. What do I include in my OPTpacket? OPT RecommendationForm FormI-765 FormG-1145 2 passport stylephotographs Copies of: passport bio page, F-1 visa stamp, andI-94 card/record Copies of all previous Forms I-20issued Check or money order for $410made payable to U.S. Department of HomelandSecurityor form G-1450 Credit Card Payment Form Copies of any previousEADs FGCU Academic Advisor Letter of OPT Recommendation Personal letter of OPT application STEM applications only: Copies of degree andofficial transcripts.

11. OPT RecommendationForm Top section is completed by the student. REQUEST DATES: Be sure toconsult with your ISO international student advisor if you have any questions. For post-completion OPT, yourstart date should be after you have completed all program requirements -Not earlier than one day afterprogram enddate. -Not more than 60 days afterprogram enddate. For STEM OPT extensions, your start date is the day after your currentOPT expires. Bottom section is completed by the academicprogram. We cannot process an OPT request without the student’s signature andthe appropriate signature from the academicprogram.

12. Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765.pdf Use the right code for the typeof OPT you arerequesting. C-3-A for Pre-completion OPT C-3-B for Post-Completion OPT C-3-C for 2 year STEM OPT Extension The form must have a recentsignature. USCIS will not accept applications that have a signature dated more than 30 days before the petition isreceived. For U.S. Mailing address, please use: FGCU Intl. Svcs. 10501 FGCU BLVD South, Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

13. Form G-1145 e-Notification ofApplication USCIS will notify you via text message and/or e-mail when they haveaccepted yourpetition. This notification does notgrant employmentauthorization. You will receive a number to check the status of your application via theUSCIS website:http://uscis.gov

14. Two passport stylephotos The picture must be taken withinthe last 30 days from the date your application is submitted toUSCIS. Lightly print in pencil name & SEVIS number on the back of eachpicture.

15. Copies ofimmigration documents • Submit clear copies of yourimmigration documents (No double-sidedcopies). • Passport: page(s) withbiographical data and passport expirationdate • Visa stamp: ONLY submit a copyof your latest F-1 visastamp • I-94 record or I-94 card (from last entry to U.S.): copies of front and back orhttps://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

16. Copies of allpreviously issued FormI-20 Submit copies of all I-20 formsyou were everissued. If you are a transfer student, or if you ever held F-1 status in the past, you must submit copies of those FormI-20 aswell. Do not submit double sidedcopies. Older I-20 forms: Page 2 is not necessary, you may submit copiesof Pages 1 and 3only.

17. Application Fee Payment Methods Check or moneyorder Payable to: U.S. Department of HomelandSecurity Amount:$410 *Amount is subject to change. Always check the USCIS website for thelatest information. Money orders: make sure all the information is filled out including your own information (name, address,etc.) Check/money order must berecent.

18. Application Fee Payment Methods Credit Card Payment Form G-1450 Amount:$410 *Amount is subject to change. Always check the USCIS website for thelatest information. Form G-1450 can be accessed at: https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/g-1450.pdf .

19. Overview of OPT ApplicationProcess • Student gathers & submits a complete OPT request packet to the Office of International Services (ISO). (Forms can be found at: http://www.fgcu.edu/International/FVisaForms.asp • ISOreviews packet. If documents are missing oradditional information is needed ISOwill contact thestudent. • ISOProcessing Time: 5 to 10 businessdays • Once there is a complete OPT request packet, ISOwill issue a new I-20 form with the OPT recommendation on Page 2. ISOwill notify student by e-mail when the OPT application packet and new I-20 form are ready to be picked up atISO. • Student will collect OPT application including new I-20 form from ISOand mail copy of new, signed I-20 and all supporting documents listed on checklist (Page 6 of OPT Training Guide), to USCIS for review. OPT applications must be submitted to USCIS within 30 days of the date new I-20 form issued byISO. • USCIS may take 90 days to process OPT applications. When OPT EAD (work permit) is approved, ISO will receive EAD. Students are required to pick up EAD approvalnotice and EAD at ISO

20. Mailing your OPT Application Packet to USCIS • Students must submit the complete OPT Application Packet to FGCU ISO, who then will mail the packet to the correct USCIS Lockbox Facility for processing andadjudication. • If you wish to send the OPT application packet, please consult first with FGCU ISO who need to request OPT authorization in SEVIS and issue you a new I-20 for OPT.

21. After USCIS receives yourcase • Receive notification via text message ore-mail • You will receive the I-797C Notice of Action. The receipt number in this form is the same receipt number you will receive via text message ore- mail. • You can checkthe status of your application via www.uscis.gov

22. When your petition isapproved • EAD card will be sent to the address on the I-765form. • You must send a copy of both your approval notice and EAD card to our office as soon as you receive them:internationalservices@FGCU.edu • You must have the EAD card in hand beforeworking.

23. My OPT is approved, nowwhat? • You are still considered an F-1 student at Florida Gulf Coast University? • Report each employer name and address immediately to the ISOupon accepting a job offer so that your employment record can be updated. OPT STEM Extension students must submit the OPT reporting form every six months (Form available on ISOwebsite). • Report to ISOif you stop working for one employer or add a new part-time employer. • Report changes of address to USCIS and to ISOwithin 10 days of the move by submitting the AR-11 form (The form is available on USCISwebsite.) • Report any changes to your name or visa status to ISOwithin 10 days of the change takingplace. • Cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment from OPT EAD start date. If you accrue more than 90 days of unemployment, you are violating your F-1visa status and departure from the U.S. would berequired. • F-1 SEVIS records will now auto-terminate in SEVIS after 90 days of unemployment. This means that if there is no employment information inyour record for 90 days, your SEVIS record will be terminated and you must depart the U.S.immediately.

24. We recommend that you report your OPT employer to FGCU ISO within 90 days of OPT start date by completing the OPT Employer Reporting form at: https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internationalservices/files/OPT-Employment-reporting-form-ADA.pdf • Keep the following for your records in case of a futureaudit: • A detailed listing of employmentsites. • A list of activities and projects, specifically the number ofweekly hours of work for each worksite. • A letter from your supervisor confirming the job is related to your academic major if it is not clear in the job description ortitle. • In addition, for volunteer positions: detailed records of attendance for the duration of volunteerwork.

25. Travel during OPT (Initial OPT or STEM OPT) • You may travel abroad once your OPT is approved as long as you already have a job. Re-entry to the U.S. while on OPTrequires: • ▫ Documents listed onF-1Travel Information document on ISOwebsite • ▫ Valid F-1 visastamp • ▫ Valid Form I-20withOPT recommendation on Page 2and with a travel validationsignature within past 6months. • ▫ EADcard • ▫ Employment documentation: letter from employer, copies of paystubs, etc. While application ispending After application isapproved • Traveling before program completion: Must re-enter the U.S. before the end date of your Form I-20 and you must present a valid visa stamp and passport. See F-1 TravelInformation • document on ISOwebsite fordetailed instructions. • Traveling after program completion: NOT RECOMMENDED. Could result in denial of OPT application and/or inability to re-enter theU.S.

26. What happens to my F-2dependents? • When your new Form I-20 is issued with the OPT recommendation, F-2 dependent’s Form I-20 willbe issued as well with updatedinformation. • If your dependents are traveling abroad during your OPT employment period, they need tocarry: • ▫ Form I-20 with a travel validation signature from thepast6 months. • ▫ Copies of F-1 student’s: Form I-20withOPT recommendation, EAD card, and proof ofemployment.

27. 60-day grace period afterOPT • You have a 60-day grace period from the end date of your OPT EADcard. • Work is not allowed during your grace period, but you can travel within the U.S. and make preparations to go back home. • If you travel abroad during your grace period you cannot re-enter theU.S.

28. 17-month STEM OPT Extension Eligibility Science, Technology, Engineering, &Math • Employer must be registered in E-Verifysystem • Contact your employer to find out if your workplace participates inE-Verify • You can find information online via the USCIS E-Verify Employer Search Tool: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/about-program/e-verify-employers-search-tool • Degree must be in a STEMfield • See CIP code on Page 1 of your I-20 form and compare it to this list: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm • Must process the extension request throughISO • OPT STEM application packet on ISOwebsite • https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/internationalservices/files/STEMOPTExtensionHandoutandChecklistforF-1StudentsADA.pdf • Application must be submitted to ISOno earlier than 120 days and nolater than 45 days before your current OPTexpires

29. Employment during STEM OPTextension • If STEM OPT EAD card is filed and pending with USCISbut not approved by expiration date of initial OPT EAD card, you may continue working for 180days. • Must work for at least 20 hours for an E-Verify employer. Types of employment allowed: • ▫ PaidEmployment • Multipleemployers • Work forhire • Self-employed businessowner • Employment through anagency • ▫ Unpaid Employment (volunteers, unpaidinterns) • Must not violate laborlaws

30. 24 - Month STEM OPT Extension Document Checklist & Agreement Form Schedule an appointment with the Designated School Official (DSO) at the FGCU International Services Office (ISO) and have all items below prepared BEFORE the appointment (incomplete OPT Packets may be delayed). New Form I - 20 (issued by the Designated School Offi cial at the FGCU International Services Office during o OPT application) I - 765 Form (Please visit www.uscis.gov Click on FORMS and Locate I - 765 in the list) o Intl. Svcs Your m ailing address in I - 765 form should be: . 10501 FGCU BLVD South, Fort Myers, FL o 33965 C - 3 - C The Employment Category for STEM OPT is o Letter from Employer (On Company Letterhead, indicating: Your Employer’s name, your current position, o date of hire, employment status (full/part - time, brief descripti on of your position and your employer’s E - Verify Company Identification Number or E - Verify Client Company Identification #) All immigration documents ( latest I - 94 record from www.cbp.gov/i94 valid passport, and F - 1 student visa) o Any previous correspondence with the Department of Homeland Security o All previous I - 20 forms o Previous and current Employment Authorization Documents (EAD Cards) o Two recent 2 in x 2 in full frontal color passport photos with your name a nd I - 94 card number written in o pencil on the back (see the U.S. Department of Homeland Security specifications at www.travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/index.html ) Check/Money Ord er/Bank Check for $410** made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and o indicate I - 94 record number for identification reasons (**USCIS fees are subject to change. To verify, please visit www.uscis.gov and cl ick Immigration Forms, Fees and Fingerprints) Official Transcripts and Copy of Degree Certificate (s) o Submitting your Application A student must apply for the 24 - month STEM OPT extension before the expiration of the prior post - completion OPT EAD. ISO recommends applying between 90 and 120 days before your EAD card expires. Note: A student who has applied for a STEM extension can continue working for up to 180 days beyond the expiration of the prior post - completion OPT EAD , while the STEM extension application is pending, as long as that employment conforms to STEM conditions. Agreement: I, ________________________________________________, understand that while on the 24 - month STEM OPT Extension I will be required to abide by all immigration regulations governing the F - 1 visa. I also understand, agree and accept the following specific items: I read and understand the “ISO 24 - month STEM OPT Handout for F - 1 Student” found under the Forms o Section at www.fgcu.edu/international I will have all correspondence and filing regarding this case with the USCIS processed through the FGCU o International Services Office Should I choose to change employers during the 24 - month period, I must remain employed with an employer o who is registered in the E - Verify program. I cannot accrue an aggregate of 120 days of unemployment during the entire 29 - month period of post - o completi on OPT I will report any changes of address, legal name, employer’s name and address within 10 days of the change. o To report these changes please visit with the International Services Office at also the FGCU Office of the Registrar. I will report to the Designated School Officer at FGCU International Services Office (ISO) every 6 months o OPT starting from the 24 - month extension start date until the 24 - month OPT Extension ends by using the Status Form found at www.fgcu.edu/international __________________ Signature: ____________ __________________ FGCU UIN: 81 ___________ Date:

31. Employment during STEM OPTextension • An additional 30 days of unemployment is given for STEM OPT. You are not permitted to have more than120days of unemployment for the entire 29 months ofOPT. • Same reporting requirements apply: change of employer, name, new address, change of status,etc. • If you change employers after STEM OPT is approved, you are still required to work for an E-Verify employer! Make sure you confirm this before accepting a newjob.

32. H-1B Visa and theCap-Gap • OPT students that have timely filed H-1B application for change of status can receive an automatic extension oftheir work authorization to gap the time between the end of the OPT EAD card and the start date of the H-1B visastatus. • TRAVEL DURING THE CAP-GAP PERIOD SHOULD BEAVOIDED. • Providing intent to pursue F-1 activities can be difficult while an H-1B is pending orapproved. • If your employer is a higher education institution or another cap exempt employer such as certain non-profit organizations, they will not be subject to the H-1B “cap” and they could petition for your H-1B visa status to start immediately after your OPT EAD cardexpires. • Notify ISOimmediately upon receipt of H-1B approval sothat your record is updated accordingly. You will be required to send a copy of the Form I-797 ApprovalNotice.

33. Questions? Office of InternationalServices Internationalservices@fgcu.edu www.fgcu.edu/international 239-590-7925