OPT FAQ And Tutorial

7/31/2019 OPT FAQ And Tutorial

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Berkeley International OfficeThe University of

California at Berkeley

Clickonthepagenumbertogodirectlytotheinformationyouneed.

What isOPT?

PointstoRemember

TypesofOPT

IsOPTRightforYou?

CompleteOPTRequestForm

ChooseAuthorizationDates

SampleOPTI-20

RequiredApplicationMaterials

HowtoCompletetheI-765

PassportPhotoSpecifications

MailingOptions

USCISAddresses

TheNoticeofAction

TravelingAbroad

ApplyingforaVisa

FrequentlyAskedQuestions

SampleEAD

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Application Guide

For F-1 International Students

TonavigatethroughthisGuideusethearrowkeysonyourkeyboardtogotothenextorpreviouspage.

Alsonotethatclickingyourmouseanywhereonthescreenwilltakeyoutothenextpage.

TableofContents

Clickontheiconabovetoreturntothispage.


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Berkeley International OfficeThe University ofCalifornia at Berkeley

TheI-20willbereadyforpick-up3businessdaysaftersubmittingyourrequesttotheBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

Allowapproximately1weektogatherand organizeyourmaterialsformailing

3monthsonaverageafteryourapplicationhasbeenreceivedbytheCaliforniaServiceCenter.

OPT Application Process

Theapplicationiscompletedinthreesteps:

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

OptionalPracticalTrainingisabenefitoftheF-1studentsstatus.Itallowsstudentstohaveworkauthorizationforoff-campusemploymentintheirfieldsofstudy.Tobeeligible,youmustbeinvalidF-1statusforoneacademicyear.

ThenameoftheworkpermitforOPTistheEmploymentAuthorizationDocument(EAD).


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1.OneyearofOPTisavailableaftercompletingeachdegreeprogramatahigherlevel.Forexample,youmayuse12monthsofOPTaftercompletionofyourBachelors,thenyourMastersandthenyourPh.D.=3

yearstotal.

2.OPTisavailablebothbeforeoraftercompletingadegreeprogram.

3.AjobofferisnotrequiredtoapplyforOPT.

4.TheemploymentmayoccuranywhereintheU.S.

5.NospecialpermissionisneededfromtheUSCIS orUCBtoquitajoborchangeemployers.However,youmustnotifyBerkeleyInternationalOfficeofthesechangesathttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/.

6.DuringtheperiodofOPT,astudentremainsinF-1status.

AnextensionofOPTisallowedforupto17monthsifatthetimeoftheextensionyouhaveadegreeinaScience,Technology,EngineeringorMathematics(STEM)fieldandyouremployerisenrolledinE-Verify.Formoreinformation,seeourwebpage, 17-MonthSTEMExtension .

1.Theapplicationforpost-completionOPTmustbereceivedbytheUSCISnoearlier

than90daysbeforeprogramcompletionandnolaterthan60-daysafteryourdateofcompletion.

2.ItmaytakeuptothreemonthstoreceivetheEAD(EmploymentAuthorizationDocument).

3.Morethan90daysofunemploymentduringOPTisaviolationofF-1status.

4.OnceyoucompleteyourdegreeandyourI-20hasexpired,youmusthaveavalidEADtobeginworkingonoroffcampus.

5.OncetheOPTapplicationissubmittedtotheUSCIS,itisimpossibletochangeyourselectedauthorizationdates.

6.CancelingtheOPTapplicationisverydifficultandmustbediscussedwithanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

7.OPTcanonlybeextendedbeyond12monthsinlimitedcircumstances(seeitem#7atleft.)

8.

EmploymentmustberelatedtothedegreeprogramnotedonyourI-20.

StudentsarerequiredtoreportthefollowinginformationtotheBerkeleyInternationalOfficewithin10daysofanychange:name,residentialaddress, employername,employeraddress, employmentstatusathttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/.

Points to Remember
http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_17month_extension.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_17month_extension.phphttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_17month_extension.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_17month_extension.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_17month_extension.phphttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/


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(Pre-completion)

Thereisnominimumormaximumhoursperweekastudentisrequiredtoworkonpre-completionOPT.

Theamountoftimeyouuseforpre-completionOPTwillbedeductedfromyour12-monthallowance.Part-timeOPTisdeductedfromthe12monthlimitat50%.Forexample,ifyouworkpart-timefor4months,only2monthswillbededucted.Youwillretain10monthstouseatanothertime.

(Pre-completion)

Mustnotexceed20hoursperweek.Graduatestudentwhohave

advancedtocandidacymayworkupto40hoursperweek.

StudentsonPre-completionOPTarenoteligibleforSTEMExtensionOPTortheH1Bcapgapextension

CurricularPracticalTraining, isabetteroptioninmostcasesforworkingpriortoyourdegreecompletion.

(Post-completion)

Studentsmustworkanaverageof20hoursperweekduringpost-completionOPTtobeconsideredemployedandmaintainingF-1status.

Nomorethan3monthsofunemploymentareallowedduringthe12-monthpost-completionOPTperiod.SeeQualifyingOPTEmployment

Types of OPT

Application

Deadlines

90daysbeforedesiredstartdate.

YoucansubmityourapplicationtotheUSCISupto90daysbeforethecompletiondateofyourprogramor

60daysaftercompletionaslongasyouhavenotlefttheU.S.Werecommendyouapplyasearlyaspossibletoavoidunexpecteddelays.

ForadefinitionofCompletionof

ProgramasitreferstoOPT,seepage8.
http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/f1_cpt.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/f1_cpt.php


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Is OPT right for you?

Ifyoucananswer

yestothequestions

onthispage,youare

readytoapplyfor

OPT.

Ifyouanswernotoany

ofthesequestions,talkto

aBIOAdviseraboutyour

situation.

Yes!

No!

Pre-Completion OPT

Have you considered using Curricular Practical

Training (CPT) instead? For most students, CPT is abetter option. It allows you to get work experience in

your field of study without using any of the 12 months ofOPT time. See our web site for a detailed description of

Curricular Practical Training,

Have you been in F-1 status for one academic

year?At UC Berkeley, one academic year meansenrollment for consecutive fall / spring or spring / fall

semesters. You can count the time you spent at other

U.S. schools in degree programs before you came to UC

Berkeley as long as your SEVIS I -20 was transferred to

UCB.

Will your job offer still be valid three months from

now? Getting the OPT permit can take three months. Ifyour employer is not willing to wait for you, then its not

worth the effort to apply for OPT.

Do you plan on applying for STEM extension or

H1B cap gap extension? Only post-completion OPT

students are eligible for these two extensions. If you

want to apply for either of these extensions, you must

submit a second application for post-completion OPT.

If you plan to work part-time during a fall or

spring semester, will you also be enrolled in full

time courses?

Are you willing to use some of the 12 months you

are allowed for OPT? You will not have a full year of

OPT after you graduate if you choose to use some of it

for pre-completion employment.

Post-Completion OPT

Have you been in F-1 status for one academic

year?

You can count the time you spent at other

U.S. schools in degree programs before youcame to UC Berkeley as long as your SEVIS I-

20 was transferred to UC Berkeley. At UC

Berkeley, one academic year means

enrollment for consecutive fall / spring or

spring / fall semesters.

Will you be completing your program of

study at UC Berkeley within the next three

months? The application for OPT cannot be

submitted earlier than 90days before your

completion date.

Are you enrolled full-time this semester or

authorized by Berkeley International Office

to have a reduced course load? You must

have approval from Berkeley International

Office before you withdraw or for graduate

students using Filing Fee.
http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/f1_cpt.phphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/f1_cpt.php


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TorequestyourOPTI-20,youmustsubmitacompletedOPTRequestFormtoBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

Afillable,downloadableformisavailableathttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.doc

OntheRequestForm,youmustindicatewhatdatesyouwantyourworkauthorizationtobeginandendbeforesubmittingittoBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

TheauthorizationdatesyouchoosewillbenotedonyournewOPTI-20andcannotbechanged.Thedateswillalsobenotedonyour

EAD. The isthedayonwhichtheEADbecomesvalidandyoucanbeginworking.Theclockstartstickingonthestart

datewhetheryouhaveajobornot.

The isusually12monthslater,unlessyourequestashorterperiodoftimeoryourapplicationisapproved61daysormoreafteryourprogramcompletiondate.

Youwill beabletoadjustyourOPTauthorizationdatesonceyouhavemailedyourapplicationtotheCaliforniaServiceCenter.ConsidertheauthorizationdatescarefullybeforesubmittingyourRequestFormtotheBerkeleyInternationalOffice.
http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.dochttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.dochttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.dochttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.dochttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/OPT_I-20_request.doc


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Thelastdayoffinalexamsofthesemesteryourdegreerequirementsarefulfilled.

Thedayonwhichalldegreerequirementsarefulfilled,suchasfilingthethesisordissertationwiththeGraduateDivision.

Ifyoudonothavearesearchcomponenttoyourdegreeprogram(suchasintheMBAprogramorotherprofessionalschools),yourcompletiondatewouldbethelastdayoffinalexamsofthesemesteryourdegreerequirementsarefulfilled.

TheCompletionDateforOPTpurposesisthedayyoucompleteyourfinaldegreerequirements.YouractualcompletiondatemaynotnecessarilybethedayofyourgraduationceremonyorthedateonyourcurrentI-20expiration.

OnceyourOPTI-20hasbeencreated,changingyourcompletiondatecancreateseriouscomplicationsforyourOPTapplication.Consideryourexpectedcompletiondatecarefullyandmakeeveryattempttofinishyourprogramonthatday.StudentswhodonotcompleteallcourseworkbytheprogramenddatemayextendtheirprogrampriortotheI-20enddatebuttheyarelimitedtoparttimepost-completionOPTuntiltheysatisfyalldegreerequirements.

AsignaturefromyourAcademicAdviserisrequiredonthisform.Thissignatureverifiesyourcompletiondateandyourregistrationstatusatthetimeofapplication.

shouldobtainthesignaturefromtheirCollegeAdviser.

shouldobtainthesignaturefromtheirFacultyAdviser


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YoucansubmityourapplicationtotheUSCISupto90daysbeforethecompletiondateofyourprogramorduringthe60-daygraceperiodaftercompletion

IfyouleavetheUSduringyour60-daygraceperiodandyouhaventappliedforOPT,youloseyouropportunitytoapplyforOPT

TheUSCISmustreceiveyourapplicationnolaterthan30daysafteryourOPTI-20hasbeenissuedoryourapplicationmaybedenied

Itcantake3monthsormoretoreceivetheEADfromtheUSCIS

YourOPTstartdatecanbenolaterthan60daysbeyondyourdegreecompletiondate

YoucannotstartworkinguntilyouhavereceivedtheEADandyourstartdateiscurrent

IfyoureceivetheEADbeforeyourstartdatehasarrived,youcannotworkuntilthestartdate(notedontheEAD).

YoucannotchangeyourstartdateoncetheOPTI-20hasbeenmailedtotheCaliforniaServiceCenter.

AslongasyouhaveappliedforOPT,yourF-1statusremainsvalidwhileyouarewaitingfortheEADevenifthereisagapbetweenyourcompletiondateandthestartdateofOPT.Duringthisgap,youcanremainintheU.S.ortravelabroadandre-enterasanF-1.MoredetailsontravelingwhileonOPTarediscussedonpages25-26

Timelinesillustratingtwocommonscenarioscanbeseenonthenextpage.

Program

completiondate(example)

60-daygraceperiodends

=90daysbeforecompletionor

60daysafter.

Jan18

May18

July17

Feb March April June15

OPTstartdatemustoccurwithinthe60-daygraceperiod

Points to Consider


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Jan18

May18

Feb MarchApril

June15

EADstartdate

programcompletion

date

OPTapplicationmailedtoUSCIS

EADreceived

travelhome

12monthsofOPT

Student with a job offer submits her OPT application early

OnFeb.18,XingyuanmailsherapplicationforOPTtotheUSCIS.SheiscompletingherprogramonMay18andchoosesJune15astheOPTstartdatebecauseshehasajobofferbeginningthatday.ShereceivestheEADonMay1.HeremployerispleasedtoseeproofoftheworkpermissionearlyeventhoughshecannotstartworkinguntilJune15,asnotedontheEAD.Xingyuandecidestogohomeforonemonthtocelebrateherprogramcompletion.

Jan May18

Feb MarchApril June

15

July17

August15

OPTapplicationmailedtoUSCIS

programcompletiondate

EADreceivedRequestedstart

date

Student with no job offer submits his OPT application rather late

Georgedoesnthaveajobofferortimetosearchforoneuntilafterhefinishesschool.HechoosesthelatestdatepossibletostarthisOPT--July17---whichisthe60 thdayafterhiscompletiononMay18.HeknowsthathewillbelegaltostayintheU.S.aslongashehassubmittedtheOPTapplicationontime.HefinallymailshisOPTapplicationonMay1.OnJuly17,GeorgestillhasntreceivedhisEAD,sohecantwork.GeorgereceiveshisEADonAugust1anditexpiresthefollowingyearonJuly16.Georgehaslost13daysofhis12monthOPTbecausehisapplicationwasapprovedafterthelatestavailableOPTstartdate.

May1st

May1st

August1st


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ThreedaysaftersubmittingyourOPTRequestFormtoBerkeleyInternationalOffice,youwillgetanewOPTI-20.ThissampleshowshowyourI-20willbeupdatedforOPTpurposes.

WhenyoupickupyourOPTI-20,makesuretocheckthefollowingitems:

Theeducationlevelwillbeupdatedifyouhavechangedit.ThisusuallyonlyhappenswhenaPh.DcandidatedecidestograduatewithaMasters

degree.Ifthisisnotaccurate,contactBIO .

ThecompletiondatewillbeupdatedtomatchthecompletiondateonyourOPTRequestForm.Itmaylooklikeitwillexpiresoon,butdont

worry---theI-20remainsvalidforthelengthofyourOPTauthorizationperiod

ThisissueisimportanttonoteespeciallyifyouplantotravelabroadduringyourOPTperiod.

:MakesuretheAdviserhassignedit.Also,makesuretheI-20wasissuedlessthan30daysinthepast.

SignanddatetheI-20afterreceivingitfromBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

Your Name the dateThispageofyourI-20willnotchange.ItcontainsadescriptionoftheF-1regulationsaffectingyourstayintheU.S.YoushouldhavealreadyreadthematsomepointduringyourstayintheU.S.Ifnot,itsnevertolate--readthemnow!


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OnthispageofyourOPTI-20,youwillseethefollowinginformation:

Theauthorizationdatesyouhaveselected

AstatementindicatingthatyouareeligibleforOPTandyouwillworkinajobrelatedtoyourmajor

ThisstatementmeansifyourapplicationisapprovedafteryourrequestedOPTstartdate,yourOPTexpirationdatewillbenomorethan14monthsafteryourprogramcompletiondate

AnewtravelendorsementfromtheBerkeleyInternationalAdviser.TravelingwhileonOPTisallowed,withcertainprecautions.Detailsoftravel-relatedissuesarecoveredonpages25-26 ofthisGuide.

AdviserYourOPT mustbesenttotheUSCISnolaterthan30daysafterthedateof1-20issuance.IfyourI-20ismorethan30daysold,seeanAdviserinBIOforinstructions.


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1. Gathertherequiredmaterials

2. CompletetheformI-765,ApplicationforEmploymentAuthorization

3. MailyourapplicationpackagetotheUSCISServiceCenter

Step 2


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Photocopyeachdocumentforyourownrecords.

UseapersonalcheckormoneyordermadepayabletoU.S.

DepartmentofHomelandSecurity

Makesurethereisanameandaddressprintedonthecheck(donotusethetemporarychecks

oftenissuedbythebankwhenyouopenanewaccount).

MakesureallyourI-20saresignedbeforecopyingthem.

Keeptheoriginalsforyourrecords.

Optional.WerecommendyouincludetheseespeciallyifyouhaveusedCurricularPracticalTraining(CPT).

OPTphotosneedtobeacertainsize.SeePage19ofthisGuide.

Writeyournameand

I-94numberonthebackofeachphotoincasetheygetseparatedfromyourapplication.

Pages15-18ofthisGuidewillgiveyouinstructionsonhowtodownloadandcompletethisform.

Thissmall,whitecardisusuallystapledintoyourpassport.

IncludeacopyofbothsidesoftheI-94,eventhoughthebackside

maybeblank.

Yourpassportbiographicalinformationpage

F-1visastamporcopiesofthefrontandbackofpast

EADcards.


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TheI-765istheUSCISformyouneedtosubmitwithyourOPTapplication.AsampleI-765formisshownhere.

DownloadtheI-765formcanbedownloadedfromtheUSCISwebsite.

Youmustalwaysusethemostcurrentversionof

theI-765.ItisbesttodownloadtheI-765rightbeforeyoumailyourapplicationsincetheUSCISupdatestheirformsfrequently.

CompletingtheI-765forOPTisasimpletask,butafewitemscanbeconfusing.Thenexttwopageswillcoverhowtocompletethosetrickyquestionssothatyoucanavoid

anydelaysinreceivingyourworkauthorization.

T

BESURETHEBARCODEHASPRINTEDATTHEBOTTOMOFTHEFORMI-765.Ifithasnotprinted,youneedto theformand

toprinttheI-765withthebarcode.USICShascreatedthisformtobecompatiblewith AdobeAcrobatReader(The'Preview'applicationontheMacintoshwillNOTprintthisbarcodeproperly).
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73ddd59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=7d316c0b4c3bf110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRDhttp://www.adobe.com/products/reader/http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73ddd59cb7a5d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=7d316c0b4c3bf110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD


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PleasenotethetableatthetopoftheformwhereitsaysDonotwriteinthisblock.YoudonotneedtocompletethatareasinceitisreservedfortheUSCIS

useonly.

ChecktheboxindicatingthatyouarerequestingPermissiontoacceptemployment.

Togetaclose-upviewofitems3-11clickyourmouse.now.

TheaddressyouputhereiswheretheEADwillbemailed.Thisaddressneedstobevalidforatleast3months,thelengthoftimeitmaytaketoprocessyourOPTapplication.Ifyouthinkyoumightmoveinthemonthsafteryoumailyourapplication,useareliablefriendorfamilymembersaddresstoreceiveyourEAD.

(Clickyourmouseagaintoseehowtocomplete#3ifyouareusinganalternativeaddress.C/Omeansincareof)

TheaddressyouputheremustalsobeinCalifornia.Ifyouaremovingoutofstate,talktoanAdviserinBerkeleyInternationalOfficeabouthowtosubmitthisapplicationoutsideofCalifornia.TheBerkeleyInternationalOfficehasdirectcontactwiththeCaliforniaServiceCenterbutcannotcontactothercentersdirectly.

IfyouhaveneverworkedintheU.S.,youmaynotyethaveaSSN.Ifthisisthecase,youcanleavethisspaceblank.YouwillbeabletoapplyforyourSSNwhenyougettheEAD.

Onthisitem,youwilluseyourcurrentI-94number.Thisisan11-digitnumberfoundonthetopleftcornerofyourI-94card(seesampleonpage19).AsanF-1,youwillnothaveanAlienRegistrationNumber.

CheckyesifyouhaveeverreceivedanEAD.Fillinthenexttwolines(atthetop

oftherightcolumnshownonnextpage)withtheinformationrelatedtothatpreviousworkpermit.AphotocopyofthatEADmustbeincludedwithyourapplicationpackage.(Ifyouhavelostit,writelostEADinthisspace).

IfyouhaveneverhadanEAD,checkthenoboxhere.Ifyouhaveworkedon

campusorhaveusedCPT,youwillstillchecknohere.

C/O John Smith, 2299 Piedmont Ave. , #8

Berkeley, CA 94720


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ThisisthedateofyourmostrecententryintotheU.S.ThisentrydatecanbefoundstampedonyourI-94card.

ThisisthenameofthecitywhereyoulandedintheU.S.ThisinformationisalsoontheI-94(usuallyasacodelikeSFRforSanFrancisco).IfyoudroveacrossfromCanadaorMexico,writethenameandthecitywhereyouenteredintheblank.

ThisisthestatusyouhaduponenteringtheU.S.Forexample,youmayhaveinitiallyenteredwithanH-1Bworkvisa

YourcurrentstatusshouldbeF-1student.Ifnot,talktoanAdviserinBerkeleyInternationalOfficeimmediately.

UsethefollowingcodesdependingonthetypeofOPTyouarerequesting:

Pre-CompletionOPT

PostCompletionOPT(seesamplehere)

Pleasenote:thecode(c)(3)(C)shouldonlybeusedfor17-monthSTEMExtensionsofOPTforeligiblestudents.YoucanapplyfortheSTEMExtensiononlyafteryour12-monthOPTEADhasbeenissued.

Onlythoseindividualswhoareeligibleforthe17-monthextensionneedtocompletethissection.Ifyouentered (c)(3)(A)or(c)(3)(B)onitem#16,youarenotrequiredtofilloutthisitem.

C 3 B


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Signyourname,fillinyourtelephonenumberandthedateof

yoursignatureatthebottomoftheform.

**Pleasenotethatyoursignaturemustfitbetweenthelinesontheform.Ifyoursignatureistoobig,yourapplicationwillbereturnedtoyouanddelayyourworkpermission.Beconservativeanduseasignaturesmallerthanyournormalhandwriting.

We strongly advise you to see an adviser at BerkeleyInternational Office if you receive an RFE. In most cases,the USCIS will not call you at the telephone number you puton the I-765. If there is a problem with your application, theywill send you a notice by mail called the Request for

Evidence (RFE). An RFE does not mean that your

application has been rejected. It simply means that you needto send in additional documents before your EAD can beissued. Please note the deadline to respond to the RFE. If

you fail to meet this deadline, your application will beautomatically canceled.

Getting an RFE will delay the processing of your applicationfor OPT usually by about one month. For this reason, it isimportant to make sure that you have completed the I-765correctly and sent the proper documents to the USCIS.

Your Signature


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ThephotosyouarerequiredtousefortheOPTapplicationmustmeetthe

specificationsofU.S.stylepassportphotos.Toseeafulldescriptionofthesespecifications,gotothe U.S.DepartmentofStatewebsite.

Mostplacesthattakepassportphotosarealreadyfamiliarwiththespecifications.However,youmaywanttoprintthispage,orthepagesfromthewebsiteabovetotakewithyouwhenyougetyourphototaken.

Thephotosshouldbeprintedonthinphoto-qualitypaper.

Yes,thephotosmustbeincolor.

Thephotosmustmeasureexactly2inchesby2inches.

Unlessworndailyforreligiousreasons,allhatsorheadgearshouldberemovedforthephoto.Inallcases,noitemorattireshouldcoverorotherwiseobscureanypartoftheface.

Eyeglasseswornonadailybasiscanbewornforthephoto.However,thereshouldbenoreflectionsfromtheeyeglassesthatobscurestheeyes.Darkglassesornonprescriptionglasseswithtintedlensesarenotacceptableunlessyouneedthemformedicalreasons.

1.Yourphotoshouldshowyourfullface,frontview,eyesopen.

2.Makesurethephotoshowsyourfullheadfromtopofhairtobottomofchin;heightofheadshouldmeasure1inchto1-3/8inches(25mmto35mm).

3.Yourheadshouldbecenteredwithintheframe

4.Makesureeyeheightisbetween1-1/8inchesto1-3/8inches(28mmand35mm)frombottomofphoto

5.Thebackgroundshouldbeplainwhiteoroff-white.

6.Thereshouldbenodistractingshadowsonthefaceorinthebackground

7.Makesureyouhaveanaturalexpression

1

inch

to

13

/8

1inchto13/8

WriteyournameandI-94numberlightlyonthebackofeachphotoincasetheygetseparatedfromyourapplication.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/guide_2081.htmlhttp://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/guide_2081.html


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WerecommendFederalExpressasthebest,mostreliableoption

Ifyouuseexpressmail,usetheexpressmail(courier)addressattheUSCIS,whichisdifferentfromtheregularmailaddress(seenextpage).FederalExpressmailservicecostsabout$10.

CertifiedMail/returnreceiptserviceisavailablethrough

theU.S.PostalService.Youcanrequestthisserviceatthepostofficeandpayaminimalfee(approx.$2).Withcertifiedmail,youwillgetareceiptshowingwhatdatetheUSCISgotyourapplication.

AsampleoftheCertifiedMailformandreceiptisshownhere.

Insomecases,itmaytakeupto10daysforyourapplicationsentthroughtheU.S.PostalServicetobe

officiallyreceived.

Currently,itisnotpossibletoE-FileOPTapplications.

JoeKwon

123MainStreet

Berkeley,CA94720

Th U i it f


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Putthefollowingitemsinan8.5x11envelopeand

mailthemtooneoftheUSCISaddressnotedhere.

Checkfor madepayableto:U.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity.SeethislinkforUSCIScheckwritinginstructions:ttp://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Check_Instructions.pdf

FormI-765(original)

PhotocopyofOPTI-20 (page1-3).Dontforgettosignit!

PhotocopyofI-94card (bothsides)

PhotocopyofpreviousEAD,ifapplicable

PhotocopyofyourpassportbiographicalpageandF-1visastamp (ifyouhaveone)

2PassportPhotos (withnameandI-94#written lightlywithpencilonback)

USCISPO Box 21281Phoenix, AZ 85036

forpeoplewholiveinCalifornia

::

USCISAttn: AOS1820 E. Skyharbor Circle SSuite 100

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Application Deadline

The USCIS must receive your application no laterthan 30 days after your OPT I-20 has beenissued.The issue date is located next to theAdvisers signature on Page 1 of the OPT I-120.Please account for mailing time.

IfyourreturnaddressisnotinCalifornia,discussthiswithanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOffice.

oreceiveane-mailand/oratextmessagethatyourapplicationhasbeenacceptedatUSCIS,completeFormG-1145,E-NotificationofApplication/PetitionAcceptanceandclipittothefirstpageofyourapplication.

Th U i i f
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Check_Instructions.pdfhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d9056d4e88ac3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRDhttp://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Check_Instructions.pdf


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Step 3

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ThisisyourOPTapplicationreceiptfromUSCIS.Itnormallytakesabout2to6weekstogetitinthemail.

TheNoticeofActionisaveryimportantdocument.YouwillneedittoinquireaboutthestatusofyourOPTapplicationandfortraveloutsidetheU.S.Ifyoulosethereceipt,thereisnowaytoreplaceit.

Clickyourmousetozoomin

VerifytheaddressonyourI-765receiptnoticestomakesureyournameandaddressarecorrect.Ifitisincorrect,contactusimmediately.

ThisisyourcasenumberattheUSCIS.YoushouldcheckthestatusofyourcaseonlinethroughtheUSCISwebsiteathttps://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do.

Itsimportanttosignupforautomaticemailupdatesor

checkthestatusregularly.IftheServiceCentersendsyouaRequestforFurtherEvidence(RFE),youllseethe

notificationonthiswebsiteandlookforitinthemail.Thecasestatussitewillalertyouifthereisanymaildeliveryproblems.

IfyoudonotgetyourNoticeofActionwithin6weeksafter

mailingyourapplicationtotheUSCIS,contactanAdviserinBerkeleyInternationalOfficeforinstructions

ThisisthedatewhentheUSCISbeginsprocessingyourapplication.Itmaynotbetheactualdatetheyreceivedyourapplicationbutitiswhenyourcasewasenteredintothesystem.

ThisisthedateyourNoticeofActionwasproduced.

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https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.dohttps://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do


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Avalidpassport

AvalidF-1visastamp

YourOPTI-20withavalidtravelendorsementsignedonpage3byanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOffice

Evidenceofcontinuedenrollment(e.g.print-

outfromBearFacts) Evidenceoffinancialsupport

Avalidpassport

AvalidF-1visastamp

YourOPTI-20withavalidtravelendorsementsignedonpage3byanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOffice.Thetravelendorsementisvalidfor6monthswhileonOPT

TheEAD(EmploymentAuthorizationDocument)

EvidenceoffinancialsupportfortheOPTperiodisstronglyrecommended(suchasabankstatementorletterfromsponsororemployer)

Ajobofferletterisrequired.

Avalidpassport

AvalidF-1visastamp

YourOPTI-20withavalidtravelendorsementsignedonpage3byanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOffice.Thetravelendorsementisvalidfor6monthswhileonOPT

TheOPTreceipt-NoticeofAction

EvidenceoffinancialsupportfortheOPTperiodisstronglyrecommended(suchasabankstatementorletterfromsponsororemployer)

Ifyouhaveemployment,ajobofferletterfromtheemployerisstronglyrecommended.

SinceyouwillremaininF-1statusduringyour12-monthOPTauthorizationperiod,travelingabroadandre-enteringtheU.S.asanF-1isallowed(Infact,ifyoure-enterinastatusotherthanF-1,youwillloseyourOPTeligibility).However,beawarethatanytimeyouleavetheU.S.,thereisnoguaranteethatyou

willbeallowedtore-enter.Beingdeniedentryismoreprobableforsomepeoplethanothers,althoughingeneral,UCBerkeleystudentshavenotreportedproblems.Toavoidproblems,makesureyouhavetheproperdocumentsaslistedhere.

Thetraveldocumentsyouwillneeddependonthetimingofyourre-entrytotheU.S.:

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TipsforTravelers

BepreparedtotelltheU.S.immigration

officerattheU.S.port-of-entryyourplansfortheOPTyear.Theymaywanttoknow:

-Whathaveyoudonetofindajob?

-Whatkindofjobdoyouplantolookfor?

-WhatwillyoudoaftertheOPTisexpired?

-Howwillyousupportyourselfwhileyouarejob- seeking?

IfyoutravelaftergettingyourEAD,youmusthaveajobofferlettertobeableto

re-entertheU.S.

DontleavetheU.S.forlongperiodsoftimeduringtheOPTyear.Afewweeksofvacationisreasonable,butifyouaregoneforseveralmonths,youmayencounterdifficultyinre-entering.Remember,unemploymentislimitedto90days.

Becarefulabouttryingtore-entertheU.S.closetotheexpirationdateofyour

OPT.Youmaynotbeallowedtore-enterasanF-1.

StudentswhoneedtoapplyforanewvisashouldconsultBerkeleyInternationalOfficepriortotraveltodiscussthevisaapplicationprocessandpossiblerisks.

Dontattempttore-entertheU.S.inastatusotherthanF-1unlessyouarewillingtoforfeityourOPTpermanently.

IfyouaretravelingabroadandtheF-1visainyourpassporthasexpired,youmustobtainanewonebeforere-enteringtheU.S.ToapplyforanewvisaduringOPT,thebasicdocumentsyouwillneedare:

1)Avalidpassport

2)AvalidI-20withtravelendorsementfromBerkeleyInternationalOfficewithinthepastsixmonths

3)TheEAD

4)Ajobofferinyourfieldofstudy

5)Evidenceofsufficientfunds(e.g.abankstatement,aletterfromasponsororajobofferletter)

Applying for a Visa

ChecktheU.S.DepartmentofStatewebsiteformoreinformationaboutgettingavisaatwww.travel.state.gov.


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The University of


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What counts as employment?Immigrationhasprovidedmanyoptionstosatisfytheemploymentrequirementincludingpaid,unpaid,

andvolunteerworkrelatedtoyourfieldofstudy.PleaseseetheBerkeleyInternationalOfficewebsites QualifyingOPTEmploymentsiteformoreinformation.

Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work?ThereisnominimumforstudentsonPre-CompletionOPT.AllstudentsonPost-CompletionOPT,whethertheyhavecompletedtheirdegreeornot,arerequiredtoworkatleast20hoursperweek.Studentswhodonotworkanaverageof20hoursperweekarenotmeetingtheemploymentrequirement.

I have been unemployed for 80 days. What is going to

happen on the 90th

day?Ifyouaccumulate90daysormoreofunemployment,youareinviolationofstatuswhichmayaffectyourabilitytotravelinandoutoftheUSinF-1status,futureimmigrationbenefits,andchangeofstatusapplications.

Toavoidthestatusviolation,youmaydooneofthefollowingbeforethe90thday:

1.Secureunpaidorvolunteerworkrelatedtoyourfieldofstudyatleast20hoursperweek;2.RequestatransferoutofyourI-20toanewschool;3.LeavetheUSandreportyourdeparturedateathttp://ssu.berkeley.edu

Formoreinformationonthe90dayunemploymentrule,pleaseseeOPTUnemploymentAllowances ontheBerkeleyInternationalOfficewebsite.

Do I need a Social Security Number to work in the US?Yes.If

youplantoworkintheU.S.youwillneedavalidSocialSecurityNumber(SSN).Toapply,pleaseobtaininstructionsanddirectionstotheSocialSecurityOfficefromBerkeleyInternationalOffice.TheSocialSecurityAdministrationwillprocessyourapplicationandmailyourSocialSecuritynumbertoyou.

Do I need to complete any forms with my employer to beginworking?Yes.WithinthefirstthreedaysofbeginningworkyouandyouremployermustcompleteaformentitledEmploymentEligibilityVerification(FormI-9).Thisformwillbekeptonfilebyyouremployerandmustbeupdatedeachtimeyoureceivearenewalofyourworkpermission.Youremployerwillprovidethisformandassistyouinitscompletion.

Can I change employers while on OPT?Yes.OPTworkauthorizationisnotjob-specific.Therefore,youmaychangeemployers,orhavemultipleemployersatthesametime,providedthateachpositionisdirectlyrelatedtoyourmajorfieldofstudyandcommensuratewithyoureducationallevel.YouwillneedtoupdatetheemployerinformationwithBerkeleyInternationalOfficewithin10daysofthechangeathttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/

Do I pay taxes while working on OPT?StudentsinF-1statusaresubjecttoallfederal,stateandlocaltaxesthatmayapply.ChecktheIRS

website,www.irs.govfortaxinformationandtoseeifyourcountryisoneofthefewthathasataxtreatywiththeUSallowingstudentstoexcludea

limitedamountofearnedincomefromfederaltaxation.

Ingeneral,however,F-1studentswhohavebeenpresentintheUSfornomorethanfivecalendaryearsareexemptfromSocialSecurity(FICA)andMedicaretaxes.Besuretobringthistotheattentionofyouremployer,asmanyemployersareunfamiliarwiththisprovisionofthetaxlaws.Seepublication519availablefordownloadfromtheIRSwebsitewww.irs.govforinformationonhowtoclaimsalaryincorrectlydeductedforFICAorMedicare.

The University of
http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.phphttps://berkeleyinternationaloffice.berkeley.edu/StudentSevisUpdates/Login.asphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_unemployment.phphttp://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_unemployment.phphttps://berkeleyinternationaloffice.berkeley.edu/StudentSevisUpdates/Login.asphttp://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Practical_Training/OPT_employment_types.php


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What if I am not able to complete my degree program bythe completion dated noted on the OPT I-20?Ifyourapplicationhasnotbeenadjudicated,youcanwithdrawyourOPTandrequestaprogramextensionofyourI-20.Yourfeewillnotberefundedifyouare:

YoumustextendyourI-20enddateifyoustillhavecourseworktocomplete.YourOPTwillbelimitedtoparttimeduringthesemesteruntilyoufinishyourdegree.Youarestillheldtothe90dayunemploymentrule.SeeanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOfficebeforethatcompletiondatehaspassed.

Graduatestudentsfinishingtheir

dissertationorthesiscannotchangetheirprogramenddate.Theyareeligibletoworkfulltimebeforefilingandareheldtothe90dayunemploymentrule.Itisimportantthatthestudentfinish

theirdegreebeforetheirOPTends.

What status do I have between my degree completiondate and the start of my OPT (EAD start date)?Ifyouhavechosenastartdatewellafteryourdegreecompletiondate,youwillstillremaininF-1status.Eventhoughthereseemstobeagapinyourstatus,youarestilllegallyallowedtoremainintheU.S.orre-entertheU.S.fromabroadduringthistime.

Can I go to school while on OPT?TimespentgoingtoschoolshouldonlybeanincidentalpartofyourstayintheU.S.Ifyoudecidetogobacktoschoolfull-time,youmustgetanewI-20fromtheschoolandforfeittheremainderofyourOPTtime.SeeanAdviseratBerkeleyInternationalOfficeoratyournewschoolifyouareconsideringthisoption.

Do I need to do anything with the Berkeley InternationalOffice while on OPT? Yes.AsaconditionofyourF-1status,all

studentsmustreportanychangesinaddressandemploymentinformationonthefollowingwebsitewithin10daysofanychanges:http://ssu.berkeley.edu/

Can I start working without pay while waiting for my EAD?Thisisgenerallynotagoodidea.TheUSCISmayseeitasemploymentwithoutauthorizationandisariskysituationforyou

andyouremployer.

Does my visa need to be valid while on OPT?Yourvisaonlyneedstobevalidtore-entertheU.S.fromabroad.Thus,ifitexpireswhileyouarestillintheU.S.,thereisnoproblem.YourF-1

immigrationstatusremainsvalidaslongasyouhaveanEADthathasnotexpired.
http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://ssu.berkeley.edu/


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The University of


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Your Name

Your Residential address

Your Phone and email address

Employer name

Employer address

Start Date of Employment

More than 10 days of unemployment (During the initial 12-month OPT, students may not accrue a cumulative total of

more than 90 days of unemployment. Periods of up to 10 days between the end of one job and the beginning of the

next job will not be included in the calculation for the time spent unemployed.)

Date of exiting the U.S (You need to provide date of exit if you decide to exit the U.S and complete your OPT status

prior to the end date of your OPT)

You will also be required to update this information within 10 working days of any changes.

Reporting Requirements on OPTThe following information must be reported to Berkeley International Office at http://ssu.berkeley.edu during the OPTperiod of authorization:
http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://ssu.berkeley.edu/http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/Current/f1_opt.php

Documents

OPT FAQ And Tutorial