SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS …Feb 06, 2020 · SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING...

Mailing address: 1120 15th Street, AA-2013 Augusta, Georgia, 30912 t. (706) 721-0670 f. (706) 721-9304 Email: [email protected] www.augusta.edu/ipso

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) 24-month Extension

(Revised 06 February 2020)

General Disclaimer: The information contained in International and Postdoctoral Services handouts or packets are for the use of the Augusta University community. Some of the information is very general and some is specific to Augusta U. Information contained herein should not be used as the sole source of information for making decisions that may affect one's legal status in the U.S. or one's right to study, teach, conduct research, or work. See the USCIS I-765, Application for Employment Authorization web page and forms for most current information. Regulation: Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)-(12) 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv) OPT STEM 24 Month Extension - 81 Fed. Reg. 13039 (March 11, 2016) Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization which allows F-1 students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience. OPT including STEM OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Most F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training per educational level. If a student begins a new academic program at a higher level, the student is eligible for another 12 months of OPT. Students who earn Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degrees in areas approved by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) may be eligible for an additional 24 months of STEM OPT. This information should serve as a general resource and is not a substitute for (USDHS) regulations or directions/instructions found on USDHS forms or on USDHS internet pages. U.S. Department of Homeland Security web information page on the 24-month STEM OPT Extension o https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services webpage on Practical Training for Qualified Students o http://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training/ I-765 Application for Employment Authorization o https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

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IMPORTANT NOTE: U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TYPES OF OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING. This typically takes 3 months or more to obtain an International and Postdoctoral Services Office recommends that you apply 3-4 months before you wish to begin employment. Note that application adjudication times vary. NOTES ON TRAVEL ABROAD AND STEM OPT • If you intend to travel abroad around the time or after you will complete your studies,

you are urged to: o Submit your application and receive your receipt notice before you leave the United

States. o Apply in advance, 3-4 months before the requested start date of OPT.

• Your application for STEM OPT, including the STEM OPT endorsed Form I-20, must

be received at the USCIS service center no later than the last date of your current Post-completion OPT authorization.

• If you leave the U.S. before or after you complete your current authorized period of post-completion OPT, and your STEM OPT extension application is not received at the USCIS service center on or before the last date of your current Post-completion OPT authorization, then you will lose your eligibility for the STEM OPT extension.

RESTRICTIONS ON OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

• Any employment must be directly related to student’s field of study. • STEM OPT may be used after successful completion of the course of study. • All OPT requires prior approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration

Services (USCIS). DO NOT BEGIN ANY EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT USCIS APPROVAL. USCIS approval equals the latest date of either the:

o Start date noted on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or o Date the EAD is issued or o Date the EAD is received.

NOTE: The EAD is an identification card laminated in plastic, with your photograph, fingerprint (usually), and the expiration date of your permission to work. It will look like one of the samples on the next page.

• Students who begin or continue study at another educational level while on OPT automatically end their OPT employment authorization. The OPT termination date overrides the validity dates on the Employment Authorization Document.

o The federal regulation 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(B) states: “(B) Termination of practical training. Authorization to engage in optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.”

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HOW TO APPLY FOR OPT Note: All fillable .PDF forms should be typed and printed for signature where required. Handwritten forms are not recommended. PART 1 Forms to submit to IPSO 1. Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT students

• https://www.ice.gov/document/sevp-form-i-983-training-plan-stem-opt-students • The STEM OPT student and their employer must complete and sign the Form I-983

and submit to the Augusta University F Program Designated School Official (DSO) before the DSO may issue the Form I-20 for the student to submit with the Form I-765 application for STEM OPT extension.

2. Attachment A • Complete pages 9 and 10 of this document and submit to IPSO.

Sample Form I-766 Employment Authorization Card/Document

Date you may begin working

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PART 2 Forms and documents for STEM OPT extension application Please include the following documents in this order in your STEM OPT application packet. Note:Before mailing your packet or providing it to IPSO for mailing, COPY all forms and documents for your files. 1. Completed G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

• www.uscis.gov/g-1145 2. Payment – $410 (effective 23 December 2017)

Fee is subject to change. Check the USCIS website for up-to-date fee information. (www.uscis.gov/i-765 Look under the “Filing fee” section.) By Check or Money Order (IPSO recommends a personal check) Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-765 filing fee:

• The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency.

• Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”

• On the top of the check write your I-94 number next to your name. If your name is not listed at the top of the check or money order, write your name and your I-94 number. On the Memo or For line on check write I-765 application for OPT.

By Credit Card If you are filing your form at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable) using a credit card. Please see Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/G-1450 for more information.

3. Two (2) passport-sytle photos • See https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html • The photos must be taken within the 30 days before you file your application. • In pencil, lightly write your name and I-94 number on the back. • Enclose the photos in a clear plastic bag or envelope with your application.

4. Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization • www.uscis.gov/i-765 - Read the instructions. Download the form, type to fill it

out, and print. • On page 1 under Part 2, enter as much of your name as possible in 1.a., 1.b.

and 1.c. If your full name will not fit in the boxes in 1. or if you have other names, enter your other names in 2.

• On page 2 for 5.a. through 5.e., use the IPSO mailing address: 5.a. Augusta University IPSO 5.b. 1120 15th St 5.c. Ste. AA2013 5.d. Augusta 5.e. GA 5.f. 30912 (See sample on page 7 of this document.) IPSO will contact you when your notices, documents and other information are received. If you choose to use a mailing

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address other than the Augusta University address, Augusta University will not assist you in resolving any application issues that may arise.

• On page 2 for question 6. “Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?”, check “No.”

• On page 2 for 7.a. through 7.e., enter your “U.S. Physical Address” – the address where you are currently living.

• On page 3 for 27., enter (c)(3)(C). (See sample on page 8 of this document.) Be sure to complete 28.a – 28.c.

• On page 4 under Part 3 for 7.a., sign your name in ink. List the date in 7.b. • On page 7, list any previous auhorized employment in the U.S., including but not

limited to: o Part-time or full-time CPT o Any previous OPT o J Exchange Visitor or J-2 dependent employment o On-campus employment o Employment authorized because of severe economic hardship o Special Student Relief Program employment o Certain employment sponsored by an international organization

5. Form I-20 endorse for STEM OPT extension • This will be issued by IPSO at your appointment or after a review of your documents

electronically (if you no longer live in Augusta). Print your name and sign on page 1. 6. Copies of the F-1 student’s:

• I-94 Arrival-Departure Record printed from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home • Most recent F-1 visa (not required for Canadian citizens) OR Change of Status to F-1

Form I-797, Notice of Action • Most recent U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrival stamp (ink stamp) in

passport • Valid passport identity pages (Write your name and I-94 number in pencil along the

left side of the page.) o If your passport will expire within the 12-month period following submission of

your application to USCIS, IPSO recommends that you extend or renew your passport prior to applying. Contact your home country embassy or consulate for information on renewing your passport.

7. Copies of previous EAD cards (front and back) • Include documents in chronological order with the most recent first. • On each copy, please write a notation explaining the circumstances. (For example:

J-2 employment authorization, F-1 OPT authorization, severe economic hardship employment authorization, or replacement for lost card.)

• Write your name and I-94 number in pencil along the left side of each page. 8. Copies of all previous Forms I-20 with employment authorization endorsements noted on

page 2. 9. Copy of Augusta University degree for which current Post-completion OPT was approved

• This should be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches.

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PART 3 Meeting with IPSO and sending your application to USCIS

If you are in the Augusta area, request an appointment at www.augusta.edu/ipso/appointmentrequest. The P/DSO, Ms. Beverly Tarver, will review all documentation. If all criteria are met, she will create a new I-20 endorsed for STEM OPT. We will then send your application to USCIS via UPS. If you are NOT in the Augusta area, please email [email protected] and we will arrange for the P/DSO, Ms. Beverly Tarver, to receive and review your documents electronically. If all criteria are met, we will then send your STEM OPT endorsed I-20 to you to be submitted with your application. We still recommend that you list Augusta University IPSO as the mailing address, so that we may help you resolve any issues that arise with your application.

When you send your application, it must be received at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox no more than 30 days after the day your DSO issues the Form I-20 recommending STEM OPT and no later than the end date of your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for OPT. Check the USCIS website for the Dallas Lockbox address for Georgia. Even if you currently live in another state, you should use the address for Georgia. We recommend sending your application via UPS or FedEx. Make sure that you choose the correct mailing address for applications sent via UPS or FedEx. https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/uscis-phoenix-and-dallas-lockbox-facilities

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SAMPLE

Attachment A

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Please submit this completed form when you request the Form I-20 endorsed for STEM OPT

OPT Reporting Requirement Certification 73 Fed. Reg. 18944 (April 8, 2008)

Augusta University is required by federal regulation to continue to maintain your SEVIS record for the full period of Optional Practical Training, including any extensions. Name of Applicant: (From passport) SEVIS ID: Augusta U POUNCE Student ID: Current Address:

Street:

Apartment or Room#

City:

State/Province:

Postal code: Country:

Phone:

Augusta U E mail:

Employer e mail:

Permanent Address in home country:

Street:

Apartment or Room#

City:

State/Province:

Postal code: Country:

Phone:

Personal E mail:

Other E mail:

Read and Initial the following statements, Within 10 days of a change I will report the change to Augusta University International and Postdoctoral Services Changes to my

Legal name; U.S. residential and mailing address; e-mail address; phone number; Employer’s name Employer’s address Employer’s contact information

Report to your DSO every 6 months to confirm the information listed above, even if none of your information has changed. (Please use this form: http://www.augusta.edu/ipso/international/informationchangerequest. With approved OPT use the SEVIS Portal: https://sevp.ice.gov/opt/)

I understand that I must report/verify my current contact and employment information with Augusta

University International and Postdoctoral Services Office every six (6) months from the date my STEM OPT begins, including but not limited to Legal name Residential and mailing address Email address Your employer’s name Your employer’s address Your employer’s contact information Status of current employment/practical training experience.

Attachment A

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(Please use this form: http://www.augusta.edu/ipso/international/informationchangerequest. With approved OPT use the SEVIS Portal: https://sevp.ice.gov/opt/) I understand that I must complete an annual self-evaluation and must report to their DSO about the progress of the training experience. Students must sign the self-evaluation prior to submitting it to the DSO, who will include it in the student's record. I understand that both the STEM OPT student and the employer are obligated to report to the DSO material changes to, or material deviations from, the student’s formal training plan. Material changes or deviations may include, but are not limited to:

• Any change of the employer’s Employer Identification Number, (i.e., the company’s Federal Tax ID number) resulting from a change in the employer’s ownership or structure.

• Any reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked. • Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity. • Changes to the employer’s commitments or student’s learning objectives as documented on the

Form I-983. So long as the STEM OPT student and employer meet the regulatory requirements and the modified Form I-983 meets the specified requirements, the student’s employment authorization will not cease based on a change to the plan. I understand that the evaluation of a STEM OPT student’s training progress is a shared responsibility of both the student and the employer. The STEM OPT student is responsible for conducting an annual self-evaluation based on their own progress. The employer must review and sign the self-evaluation to attest to its accuracy. Although not required, employers may elect to attach and submit their own evaluation of a student’s progress. Once completed and signed by the appropriate individual in the employer’s organization, the STEM OPT student must return the “Evaluation of Student Progress” to their DSO, who will keep it in the student’s record. I understand that I cannot be unemployed for more than a total of up to 90 days in the aggregate while on post-completion Science Technology Engineering Mathematic Optional Practical Training. I understand that if approved for a 24-month Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension, I am allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment for an aggregate of 120 days. I understand that transfer to another school, beginning or continuing study at another educational level or in another academic program will terminate my authorization to engage in Optional Practical Training employment. Attestation I certify that the information that I provided as part of my application for Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Optional Practical Training is true and correct, and that I understand and will comply with the SEVIS regulatory requirements for STEM OPT. Your Signature X Date MM/DD/YYYYY

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS …Feb 06, 2020 · SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING...

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