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OPT (Optional Practical Training) for F-1 Students at NJIT

Learn about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students at NJIT, including eligibility, application process, types of work allowed, and reporting requirements.

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OPT (Optional Practical Training) for F-1 Students at NJIT

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  1. NewJerseyInstituteofTechnologyThe Office of International Students OptionalPracticalTraining (OPT)

  2. Optional Practical Training in F-1 Status Pre-Completion & Post-Completion Optional Practical Training

  3. Definition • Pre-Completion Practical Training: is employment in your field of study before you complete your degree. (If you are considering this option for OPT during a semester or summer, remember you must have been in full time status for one academic year (fall and spring semesters). OPT will be part time during the semester unless your are completing a project, thesis or dissertation. Post-Completion Practical Training: is employment in your field of study after you complete your degree. • It may take 3 months for the USCIS to grant pre-completion or post-completion OPT.

  4. Eligibility • You are a degree candidate who has been in lawful status as a full-time student for at least one academic year. • For Post-Completion Practical Training, you may apply up to 90 days BEFORE you complete your degree or, up to 60 days AFTER. • You may engage in Optional Practical Training onlyafter you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. This process can take approximately 3 months. • 12 months standard and 17 months extension for STEM majors

  5. Types of Work on 12 Months OPT • Volunteer-ask the employer for a letter describing duties, time per day and length of volunteering. Must be in the program of study. • Contract work with an employer • Employment with a company • Self-employed All of the above will keep you in F-1 status during the 12- months standard OPT.

  6. Types of Work on 17 Months STEM OPT • All of the above • Must be for an E-Verify company • Can volunteer, BUT volunteering does not count as work, which is needed to retain F-1 status

  7. 17 Months STEM OPT • Available if program was Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM). • Is an extension of the 12 months standard OPT. • Can be applied for up to 90 days before 12 m OPT expires. • Must work for an E-verify company. • Can have more than one job at one time in your program of study. • Must report any address or job change to OIS within 10 days of occurrence. • See http://ois.njit.edu/opt-information/17-month-STEM-opt-ext.php for this reporting. • Must report every 6 months. • Employer is asked by USCIS to report to NJIT termination of your employment within 3 days of the event. See http://ois.njit.edu/opt-information/post-opt.php.

  8. OPT Reporting • Go to http://ois.njit.edu/opt-information/post-opt.php to see your reporting responsibilities

  9. Instructions For Applying For OPT • Complete an Advisor Form. • Have two immigration photos taken. Lightly, in pencil using capital letters, print your name and write the number of your I-94 card on the back of each photograph. • Complete the I-765 form and sign your name after “Your Certification.” Complete the OPT Request Form. • $380 check, and two photos should be placed in a white business envelope. • Bring a copy of your most recent I-20 when you hand in the application to OIS.

  10. Form I-765

  11. The Application (I-765)Your Practical Training application is now ready to be processed by your International Student Advisor. Drop off a copy of your current I-20, OPT Request Form, I-765, and the NJIT Advisor Form at the Office of International Students, Fenster Hall, Room 140. Your application will be completed in 7-10 business days. PLEASE NOTE: completion is often less than the 7-10 business days.

  12. Mailing ChecklistMailing Checklist AFTER your International Student Advisor has processed your Practical Training application: • Photocopies of ALL student I-20s (current and previous), Your advisor will approve OPT in SEVIS and issue a new I-20. The OPT work dates will appear on page 3. For STEM, the work dates and the current E-verify employer will be on page 3 with start date for this employer. • Photocopies of front and back of I-94 card • Photocopies of passport pages containing picture, expiration date and visa • Original I-765 form • Business envelope containing : - Two photos with your name and admission number (found on the I-94) penciled on the back - Personal Check or Money Order for $380 payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Your International Student Advisor will keep the original OPT Request Form and will place it in your OIS folder.

  13. The 30 Day Rule The OPT application MUST reach and be receipted by the USCIS Dallas Service Center Lockbox within 30 days of the NJIT International Student Advisor’s OPT recommendation date. This important date is printed on page 3 of the I-20.

  14. “Where To Mail The Application”USCIS Dallas LockboxFor U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:USCISPO Box 660867Dallas, TX 75266For Express mail and courier deliveries:USCISAttn: AOS2501 S. State Hwy. 121 BusinessSuite 400Lewisville, TX 75067

  15. Copy All Documents You Mail To USCIS • Copy all documents before you mail and keep this safely with your important documents.

  16. “Travel on OPT”On OPT do not travel outside of U.S. borders without the current OPT I-20 signed by your international student advisor, a valid U.S. entry visa, an employment letter, pay stubs and your EAD. You must be returning to “resume employment” to be granted re-entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).You will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. unless you have written proof a job.

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