SAU 24 Month Optional Practical Training Extension Guidebook

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1 SAU 24 Mnth Optinal Practical Training Extensin Guidebk INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

2 Table f Cntents Intrductin... 1 Are yu eligible fr the 24-mnth OPT STEM Extensin?... 1 Requirements:... 1 STEM OPT Extensins can be btained twice... 1 Types f Allwable Emplyment... 2 Using Staffing Agencies and Shrt Term Training Opprtunities... 2 Perids f Unemplyment... 2 Travel Issues while n STEM Extensin... 3 Reprting Requirements f STEM Extensin... 3 Change in STEM Emplyer Mnth Validatin Reprts & 12-Mnth Evaluatins... 3 Material Changes t I-983 STEM Emplyer... 4 Emplyer's Reprting Requirements... 4 Cmplete and Certify the Frm I Evaluatin n Student Prgress... 4 Material Changes t an Existing Frm I Lss f Emplyment... 4 Hw t Apply fr yur OTP Extensin:... 5 Applicatin Deadline... 5 Applicatin Overview... 5 Step 1- Request OPT STEM I Step 2- Prepare and Cllect Applicatin Material... 5 Step 3- Mail yur applicatin t the apprpriate USCIS lckbx Checklist fr the Applicatin Package t USCIS... 7 Cmplete Frm I

3 Intrductin The OPT Extensin prcess can seem cnfusing r daunting, but hpefully this guidebk will walk yu thrugh the prcess. This guidebk will g thrugh the regulatins fr the extensin, the applicatin prcess and the dcuments yu need t gather, and will discuss the reprting requirements that yu must fllw while n yur extensin. Please take time and read this entire guide. It is yur respnsibility t ensure yu understand the rules and regulatins gverning yur extensin and that nt fllwing them will cst yu nt nly yur extensin but yur entire immigratin status. Yu are strngly encuraged t visit the Study in the States OPT Hub t becme even mre familiar with the extensin plicies. Are yu eligible fr the 24-mnth OPT STEM Extensin? Requirements: Yu must be a recipient f a U.S. Bachelr s, Master s r Dctral degree in a STEM (science, technlgy, engineering, r math) designated degree prgram. See this list f STEM Majrs. (Yu can check the CIP cde listed n yur I-20 next t yu majr.) Yu are currently authrized fr 12-mnth OPT and have nt exceeded 90 days f unemplyment. Emplyed r have a jb ffer related t yur field f study frm an emplyer wh is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Prgram. Must cmplete Frm I-983 with yur emplyer and all emplyers must have an EIN number. Yur emplyer can wrk with yu t fully cmplete the Frm I-983 and abide by all emplyer bligatins, including Dept. f Hmeland Security Site visits. Yu are applying n mre than 3 mnths befre yur 12-mnth OPT expires and n later than the expiratin f yur 12-mnth OPT. Can apply based n any previus STEM degree frm an SEVP, accredited U.S. institutin within the last 10 years STEM OPT Extensins can be btained twice DHS grants STEM OPT extensins t eligible F-1 students wh are currently in a perid f pst-cmpletin OPT nce per degree level (i.e., bachelr's, master's r dctrate). A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extensin ver the curse f their academic 1

4 career. Students may nt apply fr STEM OPT extensins during the 60-day grace perid fllwing an initial (usually 12-mnth) perid f pst-cmpletin OPT. T participate twice in the STEM OPT extensin, a student must earn a secnd qualifying degree at a higher educatin level and must be participating in an initial perid f OPT at the time they apply t USCIS fr their secnd STEM OPT extensin. In sme cases, students may be eligible t use a prir STEM degree t qualify fr their secnd STEM OPT extensin. Types f Allwable Emplyment Must be a bna fide emplyee f the emplyer cmpleting the Frm I-983. The emplyer signing the I-983 must be the same entity t emply yu and prvide the practical training experience required by the I-983. Multiple emplyer arrangements, sle prprietrships, emplyment thrugh temp'' agencies, emplyment thrugh cnsulting firm arrangements that prvide labr fr hire, and ther relatinships that d nt cnstitute a bna fide emplyer-emplyee relatinship are generally nt supprted. Vlunteer/Unpaid psitins and self-emplyment are NOT supprted by the 24- Mnth OPT STEM Extensin. Using Staffing Agencies and Shrt Term Training Opprtunities Students can use staffing agencies t find emplyment, but staffing agencies cannt cmplete the Frm I-983 unless they have direct versight f student s emplyment. Student must cmplete a new Frm I-983 fr every new training pprtunity with each emplyer. Students must ensure they cntinue t meet the 20-hur minimum per week emplyment requirement. Perids f Unemplyment Read abut staffing agencies n the Study in the States blg Students with 24-Mnth STEM Extensins may have up t 150 days f unemplyment during the ttal OPT perid including initial 12-Mnth and 24-Mnth STEM OPT perid. Travel utside f the United States while unemplyed will cunt as unemplyment against the 90/150-day limits. If a student travels while emplyed either during a perid f leave authrized by an emplyer r as part f their emplyment, the time spent utside the United States will nt cunt as unemplyment. 2

5 Travel Issues while n STEM Extensin Required dcuments t re-enter the U.S. while n STEM extensin: STEM extensin OPT I-20 with page 2 endrsed fr travel; travel endrsement cannt be mre than 6 mnths ld Valid F-1 visa stamp Valid passprt STEM Extensin EAD card Jb ffer letter r statement f emplyment frm cmpany Reprting Requirements f STEM Extensin The fllwing infrmatin must be reprted t Internatinal Student Services (ISS) during the pst-cmpletin OPT perid f authrizatin within 10 days f any changes: Yur residential address Yur phne and address Emplyer's name r address Jb Title(s) Explanatin f hw yur jb(s) relates t yur field f study at SAU Start and/r end dates f emplyment Any perids f unemplyment Date f exiting the U.S. (Yu must prvide date f exit if yu decide t exit the U.S and cmplete yur OPT status prir t the end date f yur OPT) If yur visa status changes while n OPT Change in STEM Emplyer If yu change emplyers during yur 24-Mnth STEM perid yu must submit: A new OPT Emplyment Verificatin frm with the new emplyer s infrmatin Ensure yur previus emplyer prvides written prf f terminatin date (See Lss f Emplyment) Submit a new Frm I Mnth Validatin Reprts & 12-Mnth Evaluatins Be advised that yur F-1 recrd may be terminated fr failure t submit these required updates. Students n OPT 24 Mnth STEM must als submit a "OPT Extensin Validatin Reprt" every 6 mnths t jmmartisek@saumag.edu starting frm the date the extensin starts and ending when the student's F-1 status ends r the extensin ends, whichever is first. 3

6 OPT 24 STEM Students must als submit a 12-mnth and final, 24-mnth Evaluatin Reprt (pages 6 & 7 f the I-983 Frm). A final validatin is als required if a student leaves an emplyer See Lss f Emplyment. Please yur 12-Mnth evaluatins t jmmartisek@saumag.edu. Material Changes t I-983 STEM Emplyer Bth STEM OPT students and emplyers must reprt material changes t, r deviatins frm, the student's frmal training plan. These include: Any change f the emplyer's EIN number, resulting frm a change in the emplyer's wnership r structure. Any reductin in student cmpensatin that is nt tied t a reductin in hurs wrked. Any significant decrease in hurs per week that a student engages in a STEM training pprtunity. Changes t the emplyer's cmmitments r student's learning bjectives as dcumented n the Frm I-983. Emplyer's Reprting Requirements Emplyers play a key rle in maintaining and strengthening the integrity f the STEM OPT extensin prgram. Althugh cmpliance with the prgram s varius reprting requirements predminately apply t students and DSOs, there are instances where STEM OPT emplyers must assist in tracking the STEM OPT students and their practical training prgress. Cmplete and Certify the Frm I-983 The STEM OPT emplyer must wrk with the student t cmplete the Frm I-983 and designate an Official with Signatry Authrity t certify that infrmatin in the dcument is true and crrect. The frm is nt cmplete until the emplyer has signed and certified it in the designated areas. Evaluatin n Student Prgress The STEM OPT emplyer must review the student s annual self-evaluatin n their wn prgress and sign it t attest t its accuracy. Material Changes t an Existing Frm I-983 Emplyers must wrk with the STEM OPT student t reprt t the DSO any material changes t, r material deviatins frm, the student s frmal training plan, by filling ut a new Frm I-983. Lss f Emplyment If yur emplyment is terminated fr any reasn, yur emplyer is required t ntify ISS within 5 days. Yu must infrm yur emplyer f the reprting requirements at the end f yur emplyment. 4

7 Ask them t ISS at jmmartisek@saumag.edu with the fllwing text in the subject line f the "OPT Emplyment Terminatin." Yur name, yur SEVIS ID number and the start and end date f the STEM emplyment must be included in the message. Hw t Apply fr yur OTP Extensin: Applicatin Deadline Yur cmplete OPT STEM Extensin applicatin must be received by USCIS n r befre yur 12 mnth OPT expiratin date. The earliest yu can submit this frm is 3 mnths (90 days) befre the end date f yur 12 mnth OPT EAD. Applicatin Overview Fllw the steps belw t cmplete yur applicatin fr an OPT STEM I-20. Step 1- Request OPT STEM I-20 Cmplete the frm n the OPT Extensin Dcument Uplad page and uplad the fllwing dcuments: Cmpleted I-765 frm (See instructins n page 8) Cmpleted I-983 frm (pages 1-4) Fr a detailed tutrial and instructins see: The frmal training plan must clearly articulate the OPT STEM learning bjectives and affirm the emplyer s cmmitment t helping yu achieve thse bjectives. T fulfill this requirement, yu and yur emplyer must cmplete and sign Frm I-983 and then submit pages 1-4 t ISS. Please allw 5 business days fr prcessing. Our ffice will issue a new I-20 with a recmmendatin fr the OPT extensin and will mail it back t yu at the updated lcal address prvided n the OPT Extensin Request frm. Once yu receive yur new I-20 sign it n page 1. USCIS must receive yur applicatin within 60 days f ISS recmmending yu. Step 2- Prepare and Cllect Applicatin Material Checklist is n page 7 Next yu need t prepare yur applicatin package. A cmplete applicatin must be received by USCIS befre the end date f yur current OPT as nted n the EAD card. Yu must be in the United States t file the OPT STEM applicatin with USCIS. 5

8 Make a cpy f all these dcuments and keep them with yur Immigratin recrds. Yu may need them again. Step 3- Mail yur applicatin t the apprpriate USCIS lckbx. Mailing Instructins: 1. Mail by certified U.S. mail. Applicatin must be received by USCIS within 60 days f the date that appears n page 1 at item 10 (reflected n the signature line f yur I-20). 2. Mail applicatin t the USCIS Lckbx fr the state yu currently live in: If yu currently live in: Alaska, Arizna, Califrnia, Clrad, Hawaii, Idah, Illinis, Indiana, Iwa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesta, Missuri, Mntana, Nebraska, Nevada, Nrth Dakta, Ohi, Oregn, Suth Dakta, Utah, Washingtn, Wiscnsin, Wyming, Guam, r the Cmmnwealth f Nrthern Mariana Islands. Mail yur applicatin t: Fr U.S. Pstal Service (USPS) Deliveries: USCIS P.O. Bx Phenix, AZ Fr Express Mail and Curier Deliveries: USCIS, Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbr Circle S, Suite 100 Phenix, AZ If yu currently live in: Alabama, Arkansas, Cnnecticut, Delaware, District f Clumbia, Flrida, Gergia, Kentucky, Luisiana, Maine, Mary-land, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexic, New Yrk, Nrth Carlina, Pennsylvania, Puert Ric, Rhde Island, Suth Carlina, Oklahma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermnt, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, r West Virginia Mail yur applicatin t: Fr U.S. Pstal Service (USPS) Deliveries: USCIS P.O. Bx Dallas, TX Fr Express Mail and Curier Deliveries: USCIS, Attn: AOS 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400 Lewisville, TX

9 Checklist fr the Applicatin Package t USCIS I-765 Applicatin Make sure it is signed Frm G-1145 t cnfirm receipt and btain case number in advance f paper ntificatin: Tw passprt type phts taken within 30 days. Write yur name and I-94 number n the back f each pht Required I-765 fee f $410, payable t US Department f Hmeland Security by bank check, mney rder r persnal check. Write "USCIS I-765" in the mem line f the check r mney rder. Please nte that a mney rder is mre difficult t track than a check, but faster t prcess than a check. Phtcpy f I-94 card, frnt and back r the electrnic I-94. Phtcpy f the identificatin page(s) f yur passprt and visa stamp. Phtcpy f yur current EAD card (bth sides) and any previus EAD cards (if applicable) Phtcpy f new I-20 recmmending the STEM extensin (SIGN IT FIRST). Phtcpy f previus OPT I-20s. Prf f STEM Degree: Final Transcript (Preferred) r Phtcpy f yur diplma shwing the majr and degree level that makes yu eligible fr the STEM Extensin. Letter f Emplyment frm Emplyer n letterhead IF yu are applying with a prir degree nt listed n yur current 12-Mnth OPT I-20 Include a cpy f yur I-20 frm the previus schl. If the I-20 is nt available, request a screensht f yur SEVIS recrd frm the previus schl, r a letter frm yur previus Internatinal Office. If yu have previusly had anther OPT STEM Extensin at anther degree level, include a cpy f yur previus STEM I-20 and EAD. 7

Cmplete Frm I-765 Check the bx fr Renewal f my permissin t accept emplyment X Item #1: Name Yur entire family name shuld be in CAPITAL letters. Use upper & lwer case fr the first name.

10 Cmplete Frm I-765 Check the bx fr Renewal f my permissin t accept emplyment X Item #1: Name Yur entire family name shuld be in CAPITAL letters. Use upper & lwer case fr the first name. FAMILY NAME First Name Item #3: Address in the United States This is where yu wuld like the Receipt Ntice and the EAD card t be mailed. i. The address needs t be valid fr at least 3 mnths, the length f time it will take t prcess the applicatin. ii. If yu have plans t mve during this time, use a reliable friend r family member s address t receive the EAD. If yur name is nt registered at the 8

11 address, yu must use the C/O ntatin t ensure delivery. If yu fail t use this ntatin, the card will be returned t the Service Center as undeliverable. Items #4 t #9: Persnal Infrmatin Item #10: I-94 Number Use yur current I-94 number. This is an 11-digit number fund n the tp left crner f the paper Frm I-94 card r n the electrnic I-94 recrd. Alien Registratin Numbers are nt issued t F-1 students. Item #11: Previus Emplyment Authrizatin Check yes. Cmplete the infrmatin based n yur 12-mnth EAD. If yu have been authrized fr ther emplyment thrugh USCIS, be sure t include that infrmatin in this sectin as well. Use a separate piece f paper if necessary. Include a phtcpy f yur EAD card with yur applicatin. X Dallas Dates n yu EAD Card Granted Item #12: Date f Last Entry Date f the mst recent entry int the U.S. The entry date can be fund stamped n the paper frm I-94 card r passprt admissin stamp. Item #13: Place f Last Entry int the US Name f the city where yu last entered the U.S. The infrmatin is n the I-94. 9

12 Item #14: Manner f Last Entry Status yu received when entering the U.S. If yu entered the U.S. with an I-20 as a student write, F-1 Student. If yu initially entered with an H-1B wrk visa, fr example, and then changed status t F-1 in the U.S, yu wuld write H-1B. Item #15 Current Immigratin Status Current status shuld be F-1 student. Item #16: Eligibility Categry Use the fllwing cde fr OPT STEM Extensin: (c) (3) (C) Item #17: Extensin & E-Verify Infrmatin Degree: Indicate here the SEVIS degree name as it appears n yur I-20. Als include the CIP Cde fund next t yur degree name n yur I-20. If yu qualify fr the OPT STEM extensin based n yur 2nd majr, yu must als include the name f this majr and its CIP cde. Yu cannt qualify based n a minr. Emplyer s Name as listed in E-Verify: THIS IS NOT THE EIN NUMBER. Yur emplyer shuld be able t prvide yu with the E Verify number. Emplyer s E-Verify Cmpany Identificatin Number: Yur emplyer shuld be able t prvide yu with this infrmatin. F1 Student C 3 C Degree name and CIP Cde Emplyer s Name Emplyer s E Verify Number LEAVE BLANK-----DO NOT ADD ANYTHING HERE 10

13 Item #18- LEAVE BLANK Applicant s Signature Sign yur name Make it small enugh t fit between the text and the line Fill in the date f yu signature Fill in yur telephne number 11

Optional Practical Training - STEM Extension

Optional Practical Training - STEM Extension Optinal Practical Training - STEM Extensin F-1 students in pst-cmpletin Optinal Practical Training wh earned a bachelr s, master s r dctral degree in a science, technlgy, engineering r mathematics (STEM)