OPT 24 Month STEM Extension

OPT 24 Month STEM Extension

24-month STEM Extension of OPT BE INFORMED! READ & REVIEW THE STEM OPT HANDOUT to determine your eligibility for the extension.

Eligibility for the 24-Month Extension Be a recipient of a U.S. Bachelor s, Master s or Doctoral degree in a STEM-designated degree program (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math). Be authorized for a period of post-completion OPT and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment. Be employed or have a job offer (directly related to your field of study) from an employer who is registered in the USCIS E-Verify Program. Employer completes and signs Form I-983 (employer must participate in E-Verify employer and have a valid EIN number). File within the required timeline. Note: Two 24-month STEM extensions may be granted per lifetime, based on completion of an advanced degree level.

Types of Allowable Employment Must be a bona fide employee of the employer completing the Form I-983. The employer signing Form I-983 must be the same entity to employ you and provide the practical training experience required by Form I-983. Multiple employer arrangements, sole proprietorships, employment through temp'' agencies, employment through consulting firm arrangements that provide labor for hire, and other relationships that do not constitute a bona fide employer-employee relationship are generally not supported. Volunteer/unpaid positions and self employment are not supported by the 24- Month OPT STEM Extension.

Are You Eligible? Next Steps: To request an I-20 recommending the 24-month STEM extension, you MUST submit the following documents to oie@andrew.cmu.edu. Directions on our website 1. STEM Extension Request Form & Attestation **THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO OIE VIA FORM-FILLABLE PDF. **Keep a copy of the Attestation for your records. 2. A photocopy/scan of your EAD card 3. Completed & Signed Form I-983 4. 24-Month Planning Tool Kit

STEM OPT: Employer Responsibilities Be enrolled in E-Verify and remain in good standing. E-Verify is a government program that verifies Social Security numbers and an employee s work eligibility. There is no master list, ask your Human Resource Department if they participate Note: CMU is NOT an E-Verify employer for STEM. Report material changes to the STEM OPT student s employment to the DSO within 5 business days. Implement a formal training program to augment the student s academic learning through practical experience. Provide an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in duties, hours, and compensation. Complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, the employer must attest that: They have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student; The student will not replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and Working for the employer will help the student attain his or her training objectives.

2-Step Process: STEP #1: Email a complete STEM request to oie@andrew.cmu.edu. A new I-20 will be issued recommending the STEM extension. STEP #2: Submit all materials to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Cost: $410 Processing time: up to 90 days

Application Timeline USCIS must receive a complete request: No more than 90 days before initial Post-Completion OPT ends No later than 60 days from the date that the STEM Extension I-20 is issued by OIE Before the end date on your EAD Card! Submission after EAD Card end date = DENIAL!

OPT I-20: The 60 Day Rule!! IMPORTANT! 20 June 2018 OPT application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the date your OPT I-20 is issued. Be ready to file when you turn in your request! I-20 more than 60 days past issuance date = OPT DENIED!

While the STEM Application is Pending You may continue to work for up to 180 Days while waiting on your new EAD card This is unique to the 24-Month STEM OPT

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) You will receive a new EAD card for the STEM extension

What to Include in STEM Application: G-1145 form Check for $410 (payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security) Two U.S. passport-sized photos (No Glasses) Completed, signed I-765 form Copies of all I-20s issued to you Copy of passport Copy of F-1 visa stamp Copy of I-94 record (www.cbp.gov/i94) Copy of previous EAD Items are listed on page 1 of the OPT handout!!

G-1145 Form G-1145 - first page of application Free to file More like 1-2 weeks Disregard form expiration date be sure to download from uscis.gov

Preparing Your Check mm/dd/yyyy US Department of Homeland Security Four Hundred and Ten------------00/100 $410.00 OPT Application Sign Your Name Here

Preparing Your Check Leave the back BLANK

Preparing Your Application: Photos OIE Cannot Check Photos! Write your name AND I-94 # on back! Write lightly, and in pencil don t damage the photo Make sure they are the correct size! DO NOT Wear Glasses!

Preparing Your Application: Tips You can include your check & photos in marked white envelope: Attach to application don t staple photos!

Form I-765 https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 Complete Online form fillable pdf USCIS uses machine readable scanner

Form I-765 Check the box: Renewal of my permission to accept employment

#1: Last name, First name, Middle Name (If No Middle Name Leave Blank) #3: Be careful of address! This must be a U.S. address! Where will you be in 90+ days? Do NOT use a P.O. Box address. Governmental Mail NOT forward by USPS! Keep name on mailbox! Form I-765 Remember: This address determines the USCIS location to which you send your OPT application. This address is the location to which USCIS will mail your receipt notice and EAD card. If you believe you will change addresses within the next three months, you are advised to list the address of a trusted friend or family member. If you choose to enter your friend or family member s address, you must also include a care of name. This is indicated by writing C/O and then the name of your friend or family member before the street address.

Form I-765 #9A: Do you have a Social Security Number? #9B: Enter SSN Number #10: - ONLY if you answered NO for #9A, and would like an SSN Number and will be at address used on I-765 Complete questions 10, 11, 12, and 13.

#14: Write in I-94 Number https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/i94/#/home #15: Check Yes ONLY if you have had OPT before. Form I-765 List the appropriate USCIS Service Center, Refer to EAD code could be: EAC = Vermont SRC = Texas WAC = California LIN = Nebraska YSC = Potomac List OPT start date.

#16 and #17 Refer to your latest port of entry stamp in your passport Please Note: ANY U.S. Point of Entry outside the U.S. Where you enter through immigration Form I-765 #18: F-1 Student #19: Student #20: Post Completion OPT code: (c)(3)(c)

List the degree as it is shown on your I-20 found in Program of Study box, Major 1 (type as much as possible, or enter the CIP Code) Form I-765

Form I-765 Sign within lines in dark blue ink

What do I include with my application? Include ALL Materials on PAGE 2 in STEM OPT Handout.

I-20 Page 2 STEM OPT Dates New Travel Signature

Preparing Your Application: Proof of Degree Proof of degree ONE of the following: Recommended! Final, official transcript You may not open the envelope. It is only official in a sealed envelope. Copy of the diploma showing the level and program of study. **For transcript or diploma, contact the HUB.

The Application Process Photocopies of Immigration Documents I-94 record Electronic printout: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ OR White I-94 card (front & back) Photo page of passport Most recent F-1 visa stamp ALL I-20s (be sure that they are signed!) EAD card(s)

Optional Cover Letter Cover letter not required, unless something is missing or further explanation is required: Missing I-20 -(check your records then contact your school) Missing EAD -No template: Just To whom it may concern: I am missing X

Dependents in F-2 Status F-2 dependents will receive a new I-20 F-2 documents NOT submitted in OPT application F-2(s) Must ALWAYS Travel with: New F-2 I-20 Copies of F-1 s Documents (OPT I-20, EAD card(s), Job Offer Letter)

Make A Copy of ENTIRE Application!! You will need this information in the future! Scan, copy, etc But make sure it is a copy of the entire application

Timing of Your Application Be aware of processing times: Up to 90 days to be approved..or longer if application is returned, something is missing, etc. Cannot Expedite OPT!! Trying can slow the process! Note: You can continue to work for 180 days while your STEM OPT is being processed.

Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPS On I-765 (#3), if you use an address in: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia USCIS Attn: AOS 2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067

Mailing your Application: FedEx/UPS On I-765 (#3), if you use an address in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming USCIS Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034

Mailing your Application If you mail your application with ANY SERVICE other than FedEx or UPS Please find that specific lockbox here DO NOT MAIL Regular Mail!

If You Make a Mistake on Your Application DON T PANIC! Contact OIE! And NEVER Send in Duplicate Applications!

The Waiting Game: Next Steps You should receive from USCIS: 1. Text message or email with case number (within 2 to 3 weeks) 2. Paper Receipt Notice (within 4 weeks) 3. Approval Notice (up to 90 days) 4. EAD card (up to 90 days) Remember To Be Patient

Case Status Online: www.uscis.gov Case will stay in received status until approved

Maintaining Status During STEM Extension You must submit a STEM report EVERY 6 months First report due 6 months after STEM EAD start date. Submit report to oie@andrew.cmu.edu: Name: - As it appears on your Passport Date of birth: Current residential address: Employer's name: Employer's address: Status of current employment If there was any changes

Maintaining Status During STEM Extension 150 Days of Unemployment Rule You may not accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during the 12 + 24 months of OPT **If more than 150 days, OPT and F status ends. Employment (for SEVP) MUST be 20 hours or more = Full-Time on STEM. IMPORTANT: Unpaid Work is not allowed during 24 Month STEM OPT

Maintaining Status During STEM Extension F-1 students on STEM OPT MUST keep local (U.S) & permanent (Home Country Address) current Must notify OIE within 10 days of a move or change How? Email OIE at oie@andrew.cmu.edu

Keeping Records & Maintaining Status Job must be related to level & field of study at CMU Keep documentation of employment for your records: Employer/company Employer address # hours per week Job description Supervisor contact info

Travel Issues on STEM OPT ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH: Passport STEM OPT I-20 travel signature (OIE recommends every 6 months) F-1 visa sticker Valid for re-entry except for Canadians EAD(s) Job Offer Letter Employer information reported in SEVIS

STEM OPT Travel Issues Continued EAD says not valid for re-entry! Don t worry! *This means not valid for re-entry alone Canada and Mexico + adjacent islands? 30-day exception for expired US visa Called Automatic Visa Revalidation *unless you apply for and are denied a US visa* https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel#_toc81222014 NEVER Enter as a tourist!! This will end your OPT! No travel after initial OPT period while STEM EAD is pending!!

OPT Travel Issues Continued H-1B application pending? CONSULT your H employer! Travel Questions (need a new visa, etc.)? Consult an OIE advisor

H-1B Temporary Work Visa Private Sector: H-1B effective start date is Oct 1 st The H-1B CAP or quota 65,000 annually available to employers April 1 st (6 months in advance) 20,000 additional H-1B spaces set aside for advanced degree holders (Master s & PhD s) Universities/Non-Profits not subject to Cap University employers can apply at any time for any start date

H-1B / STEM OPT Timeline 2018 CAP-GAP Highlighted in Yellow STEM OPT END Date On Your EAD Card April 1, 2018 or later FY 18 H-1B Filing Year Opens April 1, 2018 Start Date of H-1B October 1, 2018

Cap-Gap Extension If H is timely filed (between April 1 and before the end of your STEM OPT) OPT AUTOMATICALLY extends from end of your OPT to September 30 of the year filed. If your employer wants new I-20 email OIE We need a copy of your H approval notice and your current EAD card **Directions of how to request a Cap-Gap I-20 is on our website

H-1B vs. OPT OPT is based on your degree If you don t like your job, you can start working somewhere else using your OPT. H-1B is directly linked to your employer If you don t like your job and decide to quit, you will have no status. Once H is approved, OPT ends and F-1 status is complete.

Change of Employer During 24-Month STEM Extension 1. Submit a final evaluation to oie@andrew.cmu.edu for Company A. 2. Submit a new request to oie@andrew.cmu.edu for Company B New Form I-983 OPT STEM Request Form & Attestation New Planning Tool Copy of EAD card(s) There is no fee associated with a change of employer during 24-month STEM OPT. SEVIS will be updated with your new employer and a new I-20 will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is considered full-time employment on the 24-month OPT STEM Extension? Students must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to the STEM degree, following the goals and objectives stated in the I- 983 training plan. I have two part-time jobs. One of the employers is enrolled in E-Verify but the other is not. Is this allowed? No, all employment during the 24-month STEM must be full-time with an E-Verify employer as outlined on the I-983. How many days of unemployment am I allowed while on the 24-month STEM Extension? Students who receive a 24-month OPT STEM extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT period. NOTE: 17 24-Month Transition students with a 17-month Extension who request an additional 7 months of OPT have 120 days of unemployment until the final approval of the 24-Month Extension EAD. Once the EAD is approved, you can claim the 24-Month 150-day unemployment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What counts as unemployment? Each calendar day during the period when OPT authorization begins and ends that the student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. Can I continue to work while my 24-month STEM Extension OPT is pending? If a student s EAD expires while the STEM Extension application is pending, the student is authorized to work until USCIS makes a decision about the application, but not more than 180 days from the date the student s initial OPT EAD expires What documents should I present to my employer once my Post-Completion OPT expires and my OPT STEM is pending? The student should present the employer with the expired EAD card, the form I-20 recommending the student for STEM Extension, and proof of the timely filing with USCIS (Receipt Notice from USCIS).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Can I switch employers while my OPT STEM application is pending? Yes, but we do NOT recommend this. You must submit to OIE: A new OPT 24-Month STEM Request, An updated I-765, A new I-983 An OIE advisor will update your information in SEVIS and with USCIS. You will then receive a new I-20

Visit: STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the States website OIE Web Resources Contact OIE at: oie@andrew.cmu.edu

Warner Hall, 3rd Floor Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00 412-268-5231 www.cmu.edu/oie oie@andrew.cmu.edu