[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” custom_padding=”16px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_6_font=”Ubuntu|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#ffffff” header_6_font_size=”35px” background_color=”#e71939″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”off||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” header_3_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_3_text_color=”#000000″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student\u2019s major area of study.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”OPT – Overview” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with an opportunity for hands-on work experience related to the academic field of study. There are 3 types of OPT.<\/p>\n
Post-Completion OPT – You must apply for OPT based on your last semester. You must apply for graduation prior submitting your OPT application. If you are not able to complete your program as expected, contact your advisor at iss@qc.cuny.edu<\/p>\n Pre-Completion OPT STEM OPT Extension If you are interested in applying for a STEM OPT extension, please read and follow the instructions here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider color=”#E71939″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Eligibility for OPT” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”R||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider color=”#E71939″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”OPT Post completion – When to apply?” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”j||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider color=”#E71939″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”Steps to Apply” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You cannot apply for OPT with USCIS without asking ISSO for an OPT I-20. [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider color=”#E71939″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”After Submitting Application to USCIS” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n RFEs, Returned, or Denied Applications<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n If you receive a\u00a0\u201cRequest for Evidence\u201d (RFE)<\/strong>, returned application, or denied application,\u00a0contact ISS\u00a0immediately.<\/strong>\u00a0It may be necessary for ISS to provide a new I-20 before you can respond to the USCIS inquiry or resubmit your OPT application.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_divider color=”#E71939″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_blurb title=”After Approval” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E71939″ icon_placement=”left” content_max_width=”1000px” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Open Sans|600|||on|||#000000|” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”20px” body_font_size=”16px” body_ol_position=”outside” body_ol_item_indent=”20px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Congratulations!\u202fYour Post-Completion OPT is approved. Now what?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n F-1 students on APPROVED POST OPT are required to report their employment information and any changes in their personal information and employment information, on the SEVP Portal within 10 days from the day of the change(s). [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EFEFEF” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#efefef 0%|#ffffff 100%” top_divider_style=”arrow3″ top_divider_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#e71939″ open_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” closed_toggle_background_color=”#ffffff” icon_color=”#e71939″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#e71939″ toggle_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” toggle_text_align=”center” toggle_font_size=”30px” body_font=”Open Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”16px” border_color_all=”#000000″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”FAQ” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” body_ul_item_indent=”20px” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_font_size=”35px”]<\/p>\n Can I Apply for Post-Completion OPT while outside the US?<\/strong><\/p>\n n order to be able to apply for OPT.<\/p>\n Can I submit my OPT application by mail\u00a0and<\/u>\u00a0through the USCIS Online tool?<\/strong><\/p>\n No, please do not submit two OPT applications, this could result in a denial of your application.<\/p>\n What is my immigration status while my OPT is pending?<\/strong><\/p>\n You are still an F-1 Student while your OPT application is pending. OPT is a benefit of F-1 status, it is not a new visa type or status.<\/p>\n When do my 90 days of unemployment begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n Your 90 days of unemployment begin counting on the\u00a0approved<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>OPT start date.<\/p>\n What does the program end date on my I-20 mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n The program end date marks the end of study and the transition to the OPT phase of F-1 status.<\/p>\n You must stop working after the I-20 program end date if you are employed on-campus.<\/p>\n Will I need a travel signature even while on OPT?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, The travel signature is valid for\u00a0six months<\/strong>\u00a0(not one year) during OPT.<\/p>\n Do I need to worry about USCIS processing my OPT application within the 60-day grace period?<\/strong><\/p>\n You may legally stay in the U.S. as long as your OPT application is pending with USCIS. Can I apply for jobs before I have OPT approval?<\/strong><\/p>\n You can apply for jobs and accept job offers, but you cannot begin the actual OPT activity until you have your OPT approval\/EAD card.<\/p>\n What are the reporting requirements while on post-completion OPT?<\/strong><\/p>\n F-1 students on APPROVED POST OPT are required to report their employment information and any changes in their personal information, employment information, and employment relation to the major area of study on both SEVP Portal within 10 days from the day of the change(s).\u00a0Your unemployment days start after your OPT start date on your EAD card.\u00a0You get a total of 90 days of unemployment for the duration of post-completion OPT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Set up\u00a0your SEVP Portal.<\/a><\/p>\n You can visit the\u00a0SEVP Portal OPT Reporting page<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n Am I allowed to be self-employed while on OPT? as students may be self-employed, but they must have proper business license(s) and prove that their business is related to their degree.<\/p>\n Can I work for Multiple employers? Yes, students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to their degree.<\/p>\n Is unpaid employment (volunteer work) allowed for students on OPT?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, unpaid employment must directly relate to students’ course of study, may not violate labor laws, and must be at least 20 hours per week. This applied only to OPT student but is not allowed to students on OPT STEM.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n What happens if students violate the OPT 90 days unemployment rule?<\/strong><\/p>\n Exceeding the OPT 90 days unemployment means that you are not in compliance with the 90 days OPT unemployment rule. This can result in serious immigration consequences such as losing your immigration status, becoming ineligible for other employment-based immigration categories, and being denied visa applications in the future.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Do I need to update ISSO when I make edits or changes in the SEVP Portal?<\/strong><\/p>\n No, you do not need to update ISSO after you make changes in the SEVP Portal. Keep in mind that you must report a change of address, contact information, and employer information within 10 days of the change.<\/p>\n If I update my employment information on SEVP, do I need to request a new I-20 every time?<\/strong><\/p>\n No, you generally do not need to request a new I-20 every time you update your employment information on SEVP. However, if you need an updated I-20 for travel or for a change of status application, you should submit a request for an updated I-20 with a travel endorsement on the ISSO Virtual Assistance page<\/a>. It’s important to note that travel signatures while on OPT\/STEM OPT are valid for 6 months.<\/p>\n Can I travel outside of the US while my OPT application is being processed by USCIS?<\/strong><\/p>\n You may travel abroad while your OPT application is being processed. However, USCIS does not recommend it due to the risks that may be associated with it<\/strong>:<\/p>\n After your OPT application is approved, you must also have proof of employment and your EAD in order to reenter the U.S. If the OPT application is approved while you are abroad, and if you do not yet have proof of employment or your EAD, this could jeopardize your return to the U.S.When travelling, be sure to have a valid passport, F-1 visa stamp, I-20 signed by an International Student Advisor, unexpired EAD card and an employer verification letter which should include your job title, job description, the start and end dates of your job.<\/p>\n Please review all travel and re-entry information on the main\u00a0Travel and Re-Entry\u00a0page.<\/a><\/p>\n What should I do if I never received my approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card?<\/strong><\/p>\n There are several options you can consider:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" OPT Information For F-1 StudentsOptional Practical Training Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student\u2019s major area of study.Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with an opportunity for hands-on work experience related to the academic field of study. There are 3 types of OPT. Post-Completion OPTOPT authorization […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":86,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"page_category":[],"wf_page_folders":[131],"class_list":["post-9632","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9632","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/86"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9632"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9632\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9632"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"page_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/page_category?post=9632"},{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_page_folders?post=9632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
<\/strong><\/span>OPT authorization that begins after completion of your academic program is called \u201cpost-completion\u201d OPT. This is the most common type of OPT.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/span>OPT that begins\u00a0and ends\u00a0while you are still enrolled in your course of study, before your program end date, is called \u201cpre-completion\u201d OPT. Pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility, and most students prefer to save OPT for after program completion. You may start the OPT application process up to 90 days before your requested employment start date. For more information and instructions, please\u00a0make an appointment with an international student advisor.<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/span>Students in their 12-month OPT authorization period, with a qualifying STEM degree and working for an E-Verify registered employer, may apply for an extension of their OPT.<\/p>\n\n
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Please follow the Post-Completion OPT Application Process here<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
On your EAD card, your unemployment period begins after your OPT start date. You have a total of 90 days of unemployment throughout your post-completion OPT.<\/strong>
If you exhaust all of your unemployment days, you will be considered out of status. There is no additional grace period, and it is recommended to leave the U.S. before your unemployment period ends.<\/p>\n<\/ol>\n
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To login you must create an account and set a password.<\/li>\n
more information about OPT<\/a>.
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The 60-day departure deadline\/grace period after graduation is not applicable to students with pending OPT applications with USCIS. (The 60-day grace period moves to the end of the OPT year as long as you do not exceed the allowed unemployment days). However, your application for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS by the end of the grace period \u2013 be sure to apply early so that you have plenty of time to resolve potential errors.<\/p>\n
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