OPT FAQ: All you need to know about OPT

 

Before you apply for OPT: - You have to attend one workshop before your OPT I-20 will be issued.  Click here for workshop schedule. - You have to receive OPT I-20 from the International Student Services Office before you submit the online or paper Form I-765 application to USCIS.   If you submit a Form I-765 application to USCIS before you have received your OPT I-20, your application will be denied.

 

What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12 months of authorized off-campus employment directly related to your major field of study that can be used during your studies or after completion of your degree.   It is your responsibility to explain and document how your employment is related to your major field of study. 
 

Do I qualify for OPT?

To qualify for OPT, students must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year in a degree program and be in good standing in F-1 status. Undergraduate students may begin OPT once they have completed all requirements towards the degree. Graduate students may begin OPT either once they have completed all coursework requirements for the degree except for the thesis or comprehensive exams, or once all requirements for the degree are complete. Students are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of OPT employment for each degree level (associate's, bachelor's, master's, PhD.).
 

When can I request my OPT I-20?  

You may request your OPT I-20 though the International Student Platform, no more than 90 days before completion of studies and 60 days after completion of studies. Your program completion date is the last day of the semester/term when you meet all your program requirements.   You cannot request an I-20 after grace period ends.  Attending an OPT workshop is mandatory, before OPT I-20 will be issued.  Use this link for a list of the remaining OPT and Employment Workshops. 
 

Do I need a job to apply for OPT?

No. Students do not need to have a job offer to apply for OPT but must look for a job that is related to their field of study and that is appropriate for their educational level.
 

What is the OPT application deadline?

Students may submit their OPT application to USCIS  no more than 90 days before completion of studies and 60 days after completion of studies. You cannot apply after the deadline.  We recommend applying as early as possible for OPT. USCIS is taking 3-4 months to process applications which may delay your start date. See current USCIS processing times.  Students are responsible for submitting their complete OPT Application to USCIS.  USCIS must receive your full and complete OPT application no more than 60 days after the completion of your studies.  We recommend applying as early as possible for OPT.

*NOTE*:  Once your OPT I-20 has been created by our office, USCIS must receive the completed application package within 30 days or your application will be denied.
 

How do I submit my OPT application to USCIS?

Once you receive your OPT I-20, you can mail or submit online the OPT Application.  As part of your OPT I-20 Request, you will indicate if you will mail your application or apply online via the USCIS Portal.  Once you receive your OPT I-20, you will receive detailed instructions on how to submit your application to USCIS. Please make sure to follow the instructions carefully when you submit your application to USCIS.  
 

Steps for obtaining OPT?

Step 1 – Attend an OPT workshop. International Student Program offers a number of employment based workshops ever semester.  You must attend one workshop before you can apply for OPT.  
Step 2 – Complete your OPT I-20 Request through the International Student Platform.  
Step 3 – International Student Programs will contact you once your OPT I-20 has been issued. 
Step 4 - You have to submit your OPT packet to USCIS within 30 days of your OPT I-20 being issued or your OPT application may be denied.
 

When will I get my EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card?

The USCIS will first send a receipt notice and then send the EAD card to the address indicated on the I-765 form. Processing by the USCIS can take three to five months.
 

When can I begin working?

You can only begin working once you receive your EAD card and you can only work during the dates printed on your EAD card.  Also, remember you must report employment through the International Student Platform, using the OPT Reporting Form.  
 

Where can I work during OPT?

You can work anywhere in the US during your OPT period. You can work part time (minimum of 20 hours per week) or full time and you can do an internship. You can change employers during your OPT period, but you must update International Student Programs with your new employer’s name and address. Any work you do while on OPT must be directly related to your major field of study and it must be appropriate for your education level.
 

What kind of work is considered employment on OPT?

All OPT employment  must be directly related to your program of study.

• Regular full-time/ part-time (minimum of 20 hours per week) paid work for one or more employers.

• Paid work for multiple short-time employers.

• Work for hire- contract work (usually receive a 1099).

• Volunteer work or unpaid internship-as long as work does not violate US labor laws, at least 20 hours per week.

• Self-employed 

What if I cannot find work?

You are not allowed to be unemployed for more than 90 days in total during the 12-month OPT period.
 

What do I do if I change my employer or my address?

To report a change in employer, you must submit the OPT Reporting Form through the International Student Platform. You can also update your US physical address, in the International Student Platform.  Once you are logged in to your OPT Profile, you will be brought to your User page, click on My Home >> Edit Profile>>  Address tab>> Edit US Physical Address>> Click Update, and we will update your SEVIS record accordingly.
 

When I finish OPT, do I have a grace period?

When you finish OPT, you are allowed to stay in the US for an additional 60-day grace period. During that time, you are considered to be in valid status, but you are not allowed to work. You may apply to change your status, transfer to a new academic program, or prepare to leave the U.S. during this time.
 

Can I travel while my OPT application is pending?

It depends. We do not recommend you travel in this case. Contact International Student Programs if you plan to travel while your OPT application is pending.
 

Can I travel while on OPT?

If your OPT has been approved, you can travel outside the U.S. as long as you re-enter with the following documents: valid passport (at least six months into the future of re-entry date), valid F-1 visa, EAD card, and an OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature. We also recommend that you carry a letter from your employer stating that you are returning to resume employment. If you have any questions about travel, please contact International Student Programs via email:  international@newpaltz.edu. 
 

What if I begin a new academic program during OPT or after my OPT has finished?

If you transfer to a new academic program during your OPT period, your OPT is automatically cancelled. Please contact International Student Programs to arrange for your SEVIS record to be transferred to the new school. If you transfer to a new academic program after your OPT has finished, your SEVIS record must be transferred to the new school during the 60-day grace period after completion of your OPT.
 

What is the STEM extension?

F-1 academic students who receive Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degrees, and who are granted up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, may apply for a 24-month extension for a maximum of 36 months of post-completion OPT. STEM extensions must be filed at the USCIS Service Center before the last day of your OPT. If you want to apply for a STEM extension, review STEM FAQ: All you need to know about STEM OPT. Please note:  The earliest you can apply for the 24-month OPT STEM Extension is 90 days prior to the expiration of your OPT EAD card.  Your application must be received by USCIS before your current OPT EAD card expires.
 

What is the CAP-GAP?

Students who apply for H-1B status while on OPT or OPT STEM extension may request a “CAP-GAP” I-20 while their H-1B is pending or approved to extend their F-1 status to Sept. 30 of the year the H-1B application was filed. CAP GAP I-20s can only be issued during the H1B application period from April 1-Sept. 30. If you qualify for a CAP-GAP I-20, please request Cap Gap Extension through the ISS-Portal.
 

Can I enroll in the school’s health insurance plan while on OPT?

Yes. While on OPT or STEM extension, students are under the visa sponsorship of SUNY New Paltz and therefore able to purchase the SUNY International Student Health Insurance during the OPT or STEM extension period. You can purchase International Student Health Insurance through the ISS-Profile.
 
Please contact the International Student Programs for any OPT or STEM extension related questions at international@newpaltz.edu.