Basic Information
Can International Services authorize a student to work on OPT?
No, USCIS authorizes the student. International Services recommends the student.
How does a student get their online application reviewed by International Services?
They can't.
What is the student's eligibility category for regular OPT?
C 3 B
How long does it typically take to receive a receipt notice from USCIS?
Usually 1-2 weeks
When a student first receives their OPT and finds a job, what are they required to do?
Fill out an OPT Employment Update in Sunapsis
How much is the OPT filing fee?
$410
What is the first step a student takes to receive OPT?
The student has to fill out a OPT Request for the semester they are graduating
Do students have to fill out the last page even if they have never dont CPT?
Yes
Can a student apply for OPT from outside of the U.S. if it is their last semester?
No
How long does a student have to submit an employment update after a change in their address or employment?
10 days
How long is the typical processing time for OPT applications?
3-5 months
When will International Services create an OPT I-20?
What is the date that needs to be listed on the bottom left hand page of every I-765?
08/25/2020
What are two things students should do before mailing their application?
Scan the entire application, and ask for a tracking number.
How many days of unemployment can a student accrue before having their I-20 terminated?
90 days
When can an application be submitted to USCIS?
No more than 90 days before the student's graduation date, and no more than 60 days after (but we tell the student 50 days after)
Name 3 of the 4 eligibility requirements for OPT listed in the powerpoint.
No more than 364 days of full time CPT
Fully enrolled on the same SEVIS ID for two semesters
Meet all graduation requirements, including internships, the semester you apply
Cannot violate your status in any way through out your program of study
Do students have an Alien Registration Number?
Only if they have previously received an EAD card for something like OPT from an Associate's degree.
Can a student travel after they submit their application?
Students are encouraged not to travel until their applciation is approved. They could either be denied, or they will just be stuck outside the U.S. until everything is approved.
How many hours a week should a student be working?
More than 20 (But different because of COVID)
How long does a student have to submit their application after receiving their OPT I-20?
What documents are required for a student to apply for OPT?
G-1145, I-765, copy of passport, visa, I-94 and OPT I-20, check or money order, passport photos, SEVIS CPT printout, any previous EAD cards
A student has never done OPT before. The student has done one full time internship from 01/20/2020-04/17/2020, and two part time internships from 07/22/2018-09/15/2018 and 01/02/2016-04/10/2016. The student has also been terminated twice and had two SEVIS IDs before applying for OPT, N0000 and N0202.
What does their part 6 look like in item number 3.d?
Previous SEVIS IDs: N0000, N0202
PT CPT Dates: 01/02/2016-04/10/2016, 07/22/2018-09/15/2018, Bachelors, see SEVIS CPT printout
FT CPT Dates: 01/20/2020-04/17/2020, Bachelors, see SEVIS CPT printout
Total FT CPT Days: 89
Previous OPT Dates: none
What is an RFI, and what is one example of why a student may receive one?
An RFI is a request for more information. Students will receive one for anything that USCIS wants more information about. Typically, students have received these if they have done an excessive amount of CPT, or if USCIS notices something weird in their enrollment.
How long does a student have to transfer from the time their OPT ends, and when do they have to start their new program?
Record must be transferred within 60 day grace period, and they must start within 5 months of the last day of their OPT.