OPT Application Procedures

Transcription

1 OPT Application Procedures Step-by-Step Guide Office of International Student Services COLGATE UNIVERSITY Updated 02/21/2017

2 Download the Instruction Packet If the link does not work, please visit OISS website at OPT application is available to download under Forms and links

3 Application 4 step Procedures Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Submit Application to OISS OISS reviews the application and issues a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation Mail the application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Approval / Receive the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) Allow 5-10 business days Takes up to 90 days Apply as early as 90 days before commencement and as late as the final day of your grace period (60 days after commencement)

4 Application Forms: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance OPT Application Form (included in instruction packet) Academic Adviser Recommendation Form (included in instruction packet) Submit above forms with following documents to OISS: Two recent U.S. Passport-sized photos Check or Money Order for $410 (payable to US Department of Homeland Security) Job offer letter (only if you have one) Copy of your immigration documents: o Passport o Visa o I-94 (download from ) o all of your previous I-20s you have received

5 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization Download the I-765 here: orm/i-765.pdf DO NOT FILE ONLINE! Complete the form online (fillable), print and sign.

6 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization For First-Time Applicants

7 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization For Students who have previously Applied for OPT

8 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization Write in I-94 number from If you do not know where you will be in next three-four months, use the OISS address

9 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization Vermont Service Center 04/20/2013 Granted If you have applied for an employment authorization, write the name of USCIS Service Center and the date the application was approved (see your Notice of Action, I-797, for the date) Refer to stamp in passport and I-94 information Pre-completion: (c)(3)(a) Post-completion: (c)(3)(b) STEM extension: (c)(3)(c)

10 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization Bachelor ABC Technology For STEM application only 12345

11 Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization Complete the form, print, and sign, using black ink!

12 Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance OPTIONAL (BUT RECOMMENDED) This form allows USCIS send you electronic updates about your case. Write name, address and phone number

13 OPT Application Form This form is for OISS and will not be filed with USCIS. This form is included in OPT Application Instruction Packet you have downloaded

14 OPT Application Form Start date must fall within Grace Period (05/22/ /21/2017)

15 Academic Advisor Recommendation Form This form is for OISS and will not be filed with USCIS. This form is included in OPT Application Instruction Packet you have downloaded Not necessary for STEM applicants This part should be completed by the applicant This part should be completed by your Academic Advisor

16 Two Recent U.S. Passport-Sized Photos Lightly write your name, DOB, and I-94# on the back with pencil or felt pen Your photos must be: In color Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details. Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open No glasses Please refer to the U.S. Department of States website for passport photo requirements Examples of acceptable photos

17 Check or Money Order for $380 Personal Check Raider Colgate 13 Oak Drive Hamilton, NY US Department of Homeland Security Four hundred ten and 00/ /22/ OPT application fee I-94: Thomas Colgate Money Order US Department of Homeland Security OPT application fee I-94: Raider Colgate 13 Oak Drive Hamilton, NY $ Payable to US Department of Homeland Security & leave the address blank. OPT application fee and I- 94 number in used for.

18 New I-20 and mailing Once OISS staff reviews your application, you will receive a packet that includes your new I-20 with a recommendation and an assembled application for you to mail. Verify all the information as you will not be able to change information after submitting the application USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date your new I-20 was issued

19 What Happens Next? Receive a receipt notice (I-797C) within about 30 days which contains your case number This is your case number You can check your status online at

20 Request for Further Evidence (RFE) In some cases, they send an Request for Further Evidence (a.k.a. RFE ). If you receive RFE, please contact OISS staff right away.

21 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Once approved, you will receive an EAD. You may begin working after you receive the EAD in hand and you are within authorized employment period listed on the EAD. Verify all the information listed. Contact OISS if any discrepancies This is the authorized employment period. This may be different from dates you requested. This means the EAD is not valid for re-entry by itself. Need other immigration documents along with EAD.

22 Important Reminder Reporting Requirements Submit the OPT Reporting Form when you receive the EAD card for the first time All changes must be reported to OISS within 10 days of the change by completing the OPT Reporting Form Failure to report changes is a violation of your immigration status Unemployment Restriction You have 90 days of unemployment from the start date listed on your EAD.

23 Any questions? Lathrop Hall