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what are my options if i am about to finish my opt unemployment period

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Optional Practical Preparation (OPT) is 12-month work dominance available to F-one international students who take been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United states of america in their fields of study. Looking for information about the 24-calendar month Stalk OPT Extension? Click hither.

The Basics

OPT is a do good of a student'south F-1 status and is mostly practical for in a pupil's final semester.

Eligibility

To be eligible for OPT, students must...

  • exist in total-time F-i condition for at to the lowest degree one academic year. Some students who have changed their visa status to F-1 and who have been continuously enrolled in a full-time degree plan for at least 1 bookish twelvemonth may qualify for OPT prior to 1 twelvemonth in F-i status. Run into a Berkeley International Office (BIO) adviser for more data.
  • be seeking employment in themajor field of study listed on their current UC Berkeley I-20.
  • be completing their plan of study at UC Berkeley. See BIO'due south OPT tutorial for more information.
  • exist physically present in the Usa at fourth dimension of the awarding to USCIS.
  • Not take used more i year of total-time CPT during their current caste level (function-time doesn't count).

Practise I demand a job to use for OPT?

No, a job offer is not required to utilise for OPT. All the same, exist aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment (see more information below in the Employment section). You must besides study your employment to Berkeley International Office (meet Reporting Requirements).

What visa status will I accept while waiting for OPT? And while I am working on OPT?

During your awaiting OPT application and after the OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-i condition under the I-20 sponsorship of UC Berkeley. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 condition and extends your ability to remain in the United states for the purpose of seeking employment in your field of study. This means that you will continue to use your UC Berkeley OPT I-20 and F-ane documents to travel and you will still need to get fresh travel signatures from BIO (every 6 months). This also means that BIO is still responsible for reporting changes almost your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 condition while yous are on OPT.

Practice I need a Social Security Number to work in the U.Southward.?

Yeah, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN)  for any paid employment in the United States. Students can really use for their SSN as part of their OPT awarding to USCIS, merely will not receive their SSN bill of fare until afterwards their OPT is canonical.

Applying for OPT

The awarding process involves both BIO and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can have three-v months. OPT applications must be received in a specific time frame and the application can be rather complex. We crave all students to carefully review BIO's OPT tutorial for full details on applying for OPT. Once a student is canonical for OPT, they volition receive an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS.

When to Apply

The OPT application process involves two major parts. Offset you must apply to BIO for an OPT recommendation on your I-20. Then you must submit an OPT application packet, including a signed copy of your OPT I-20, to USCIS.

  • You can apply for OPT upwards to ninety days before  and upwards to sixty days later on your expected programme completion engagement*.
  • USCIS must receive your full and complete OPT application no more than than lx days afterward  your expected program completion date*
  • In add-on, USCIS must receive your awarding inside xxx days of when BIO recommends your I-20 for OPT.
  • You must exist physically present in the United States at the fourth dimension USCIS receives your OPT awarding. More details are available in the OPT tutorial.

Generally, BIO recommends applying for OPT as early on as possible. Waiting can cause farther delays and you may not get a total 12 months of OPT. Additionally, applying early increases your chances of being able to reapply if your application is rejected or denied.

*Expected completion date:

  • Undergraduates: The last mean solar day of enrollment in the semester in which plan requirements are completed.
  • Graduates:The final day of enrollment in the semesterin which programme requirements are completed, OR the engagement the thesis or dissertation is filed with the Graduate Division.Speak with a BIO adviser if you have a job offer start earlier the last day of the semester. Graduate students who but have a dissertation/thesis remaining may be eligible to brainstorm their post-completion OPT before filing.

Annotation: If you are applying for OPT after your expected program completion date, yous must  submit your OPT application to USCISbefore making any exit from the United States. If y'all go out the U.s.a. after your program completion without applying for OPT, you will be ineligible to return in F-1 status to apply for OPT.

How to Utilise

Step i. Review the OPT tutorial [pdf] for a complete overview of the process. This is required and very important.Failure to fully review the tutorial may result in awarding errors and crusade OPT denials or violations of F-1 status.

Step 2.Pay $185 Mail-Completion Services Fee to Berkeley International Office via credit/debit card. Click here to make your payment online via our secure portal. Y'all must print your receipt/proof of payment and attach it to your OPT I-20 Request form(see Step 3).

Stride 3.Submit the OPT I-twenty Request Form [doc] signed past your academic adviser and attached proof of payment(run into Step 2)to Berkeley International Office, either in person or via email to internationaloffice@berkeley.edu. (If paying past cheque or money order, you must submit all documents in person.) The OPT I-20 Asking Form will not be accustomed without proof of payment.

Step iv. Advisers at Berkeley International Part will review your request form and OPT eligibility. If eligible, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT Recommendation notated on folio two. This takes 5 business days. While you await, prepare your OPT application documents every bit instructed in the OPT tutorial [pdf].

Step 5.You may choice up your new OPT I-20 at Berkeley International Function in five business organisation days afterwards submitting your application. (Y'all will Non receive whatsoever e-mail notification to pick upward the I-20 unless there is a delay).

Pace six. Review the OPT tutorial [pdf] to fully prepare all documents and application forms for USCIS. Applications can be submitted via E-Form online or past MAIL. (Eastward-filing is much more than common.)  If you would like to go over your awarding with a BIO adviser, sign up to nourish one of the OPT Certificate Check Workshops or Webinars. To view upcoming workshops and RSVP, visit our events page. Notation : You are responsible for submitting your OPT application to USCIS and USCIS must receive your OPT awarding within 30 days of the Result Date listed on page ane of your I-20 and within 60 days of your completion date. If filing by Mail service: Likewise be sure the check the USCIS I-765 webpage on the date of mailing to be sure you are using the correct USCIS form and fee.

How practice I choose my OPT start appointment?

As part of the OPT I-20 request process, you must request a detail OPT start engagement. This is the mean solar day on which yous would like to start your OPT work authorization. Some things to consider when choosing your requested OPT commencement date:

  • The requested start date must be within 60 days of your plan completion date. It can be as early on as the day after your completion appointment and upwardly to 60 days after that.
  • It is not guaranteed that you volition exist approved for the kickoff date you lot request. Your approved commencement date volition appear on your EAD bill of fare and may be later on than your requested start appointment, depending on when you lot apply for OPT and how long it takes USCIS to corroborate it. Delight note that you may not begin working until your canonical EAD start engagement, regardless of the requested engagement on your I-20.
  • Do you lot take travel plans? If you plan to travel, peculiarly internationally, y'all may non want to select a get-go date during this time.
  • If you have a job offering, hash out with your employer an appropriate start date based on when y'all accept practical for your OPT (consider the two.5 to five month processing time).
  • If you lot don't take a job offering, yous should consider where you are in your job search and when jobs typically start in your field and make your all-time estimate of when you'd like to begin working.
  • Days of unemployment but brainstorm subsequently the canonical start date listed on your EAD.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of an early on vs. late showtime date. If you cull an earlier start date, you may be able to begin your employment earlier, But if yous don't find a chore, you will begin accruing unemployment days sooner. If you cull a afterward start appointment, your unemployment days will begin accruing later, But you lot'll have to expect longer to begin employment.

Processing Time

Processing fourth dimension for an OPT I-xx from Berkeley International Function is five business organization days. Expedites are not available.

The average USCIS processing time to issue the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is 3 to 5 months. Visit theUSCIS Processing Times website for the most up to date processing times.

USCIS almost always denies F-1 student expedite requests for OPT. You tin observe expedite criteria hither: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/how-make-expedite-request . USCIS may consider expediting if the request meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Severe fiscal loss to a company or person, if expedite is not due to applicant'south failure: (one) to file the benefit request in a reasonable time frame; or (2) to respond to whatsoever RFE in a timely manner;
  • Urgent humanitarian reasons;
  • Compelling U.S. Government interests (such as urgent cases for the Department of Defence force or DHS, or other public safety or national security interests); or
  • Clear USCIS error.

NOTE: 1) Severe financial loss to a company means the company would exist at risk of declining.  2) The need to obtain employment authorisation, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited handling.

I forgot to send my OPT awarding to USCIS within the 30-day deadline.

If BIO recommended you for OPT more than 30 days ago and y'all accept non yet sent in your application to USCIS, you'll need a new OPT I-20 from BIO. If you are still within your 60-solar day grace catamenia and otherwise eligible to employ for OPT, submit another OPT I-20 Request Form [doc] to BIO. You are only required to complete the top one-half of the form and no new payment is needed. It will take us v business organisation days to process the new I-xx. One time yous get the new I-20, you can ship your application to USCIS. This is very important equally USCIS will deny applications submitted after the 30-day deadline.

What if I applied for OPT but didn't actually complete my degree program?

If this is your situation, please contact BIO to speak to an international pupil adviser as soon equally possible.

While Yous Await for your OPT EAD Card

It tin can take ii.5 to 5 months for USCIS to process your OPT application and it is not possible to expedite the process.

What to Expect

The start week: E-FILE: You should receive your receipt discover online through your USCIS account. If filing Past MAIL: After mailing your OPT application to USCIS, you should receive confirmation of delivery via text or email if you lot completed and included the Thousand-1145 class in your application. This should too include your receipt number, which you can use to check your status online.

Within 30-45 days: You will receive an I-797c receipt notice at your mailing accost confirming the appointment of receipt and your receipt number. Keep this notice safe equally information technology is your official proof that your OPT application was submitted. Yous may need it for travel or other purposes. If there are whatsoever errors in the receipt notice in your name, address, or application type, contact a BIO adviser.

Around ii.5 to five months: You should receive an I-797 Notice of Approval alphabetic character and EAD card at your mailing address. (If Due east-FILING you will as well receive the notice in your USCIS business relationship.) These can come separately or at the same fourth dimension. Cheque your EAD card to make certain all information is correct and upload it to BIO's SSU Hub. Yous can start working on your EAD offset appointment! If at that place are any errors on the EAD, contact a BIO adviser. Check current USCIS OPT/STEM processing times. Select "I-765" filed at "Potomac Service Center" Curlicue ALL THE WAY DOWN THE Folio TO See THE PROCESSING Fourth dimension FOR F-1 ACADEMIC Educatee EADS!

two Weeks after receiving EAD menu: Y'all should receive your Social Security Menu (if you lot requested one) in the postal service.

Checking your OPT application status

If you E-FILE, you volition exist able to runway your Case Status via your online USCIS account. If you file BY MAIL, when you lot receive your USCIS I-797 Observe of Activity (receipt observe), become to USCIS Instance Condition Online and enter your receipt number. BIO strongly recommends that yousign upward for an account with uscis.gov to track your example status more closely.

Notation that your awarding will well-nigh likely stay in received condition for the entirety of the processing time until it is approved. Cheque current USCIS OPT/STEM processing times. Select "I-765" filed at "Potomac Service Middle" SCROLL ALL THE WAY Downwards THE Page TO Run into THE PROCESSING TIME FOR F-1 Bookish STUDENT EADS!

Making changes to your OPT application after submission to USCIS

More often than not, subsequently your OPT application is submitted to USCIS, you cannot modify any of the information except for your mailing address. Click here for information nearly making changes to your OPT application, including withdrawing your application.

Can I work on or off campus while waiting for my EAD?

Once you complete your degree, yous cannot work on or off campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected starting time engagement has arrived, even if your USCIS case status indicates that your awarding is approved.

Can I showtime working without pay while waiting for my EAD?

No. Piece of work that is normally paid requires employment authorization. To begin working, you must have the carte du jour in paw and the start date must have arrived.

Travel while OPT is awaiting

Travel during the OPT application process is immune, only not recomended every bit it poses certain risks.

You lot will need the appropriate documents to re-enter the United States. Delight see ourOPT Travel page for more data regarding what you lot need to travel while OPT is awaiting.Y'all should besides keep in listen the following:

  • You volition demand to accept someone monitor your mail and allow you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.
  • If yous receive a Asking for Bear witness, y'all will need to respond by a certain deadline.
  • If y'all are denied for OPT while outside the U.s., y'all will not exist able to re-enter or reapply.
  • If y'all are approved for OPT while outside the United States, y'all will demand to adapt for your EAD card to be sent to yous in guild to re-enter the Usa.
  • If your F-1 visa is expired, you will demand to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD menu and proof of employment.
  • If you lot choose to travel while your awarding is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail. Sign upward for an account with USCIS Case Condition online. Communicate with BIO about your travel plans.

Note: If you are a currently enrolled student and wish to travel before the end date of your F-1 I-20 (i.east. Spring Suspension), you may do so with your normal F-1 travel documents.

Problems with my OPT Application

There are several types of probems that may occur during your OPT application:

  • Delayed processing
  • Not receiving your I-797c Receipt Discover
  • Not receiving your EAD/EAD (lost in the mail)
  • Request for Prove or Denial
  • Lost EAD or Incorrect EAD

See Issues with OPT Awarding for further information and instructions.

Employment & Unemployment on OPT

During the period of OPT authorization, a educatee should exist working or actively seeking employment. There are limits to what jobs count as employment and to the number of days you lot may remain unemployed.

When can I showtime working ?

On the start date of your approved EAD carte du jour. You must have the EAD card in hand to showtime working.

What counts equally "employment" on OPT?

Employment must be:

  • a job that is directly related to the pupil's degree plan; if the relationship between the chore and a student's field of study is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the human relationship.
  • at least 20 hours per week; if work is less than full-time, information technology counts toward a student's 90 days of unemployment.
  • paid or unpaid.

Note:Cannabis Manufacture- be aware that the utilise and sale of cannabis is illegal at the federal level, although it may be legal in some U.S. states. To avoid possible deportation or inadmissibility from the The states, students should avoid positions related to federally illegal substances.

The types of employment allowed during the initial 12-month menstruation of OPT include (these Practise NOT employ to the Stem Extension):

  • Paid employment. Students may work in a chore related to their bailiwick at to the lowest degree 20 hours per week (if work is less than full-time, information technology counts toward a student'due south 90 days of unemployment).
  • Multiple employers. Students may piece of work for more than one employer, only all employment must be related to the student's caste programme.
  • Short-term multiple employers (performing artists). Students such as musicians and other performing artists may piece of work for multiple brusque term employers (gigs). The pupil should maintain a list of all gigs, including the dates and elapsing. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs.
  • Work for rent (commonly referred to as "1099 employment"). This is a type of employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested past DHS, students must be prepared to provide bear witness showing the elapsing of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
  • Cocky-employed business organization owner.Students may start a business organization and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work total-time (at to the lowest degree xx hours per week). The student must be able to testify that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the educatee's degree program.
  • Employment through an bureau.Students must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
  • Unpaid employment.Students on the initial 12-calendar month OPT may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does non violate any labor laws. The work must be at to the lowest degree 20 hours per week. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at to the lowest degree 20 hours per calendar week during the period of employment.

Unemployment 90-twenty-four hour period Rule/When should I detect a job?

During the catamenia of OPT authorization, a pupil should exist working or actively seeking employment. If you lot decide to quit your chore, or if y'all exercise not find a task, continue the unemployment rules in mind.

  • Students on post-completion OPT may take upwardly to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from yourapproved OPT/EAD kickoff date(not the recommended showtime date nor the program end date on your I-twenty) and are cumulative.
  • If you lot accumulate 90 days or more than of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another schoolhouse, or modify your visa condition before the 90th day. Run acrossAfter OPT options below.
  • Students who are granted a24-month extension are given an additional sixty days  of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT and STEM periods.
  • Approved vacation from a job does not count as "unemployment" if yous are still considered an employee there.
  • Jobs that are fewer than 20 hours per week will count towards the 90-mean solar day unemployment limit.

How practise I know if my job is related to my degree?

Federal regulations require that all employment that you engage in while on OPT be directly related to your UC Berkeley majorAs role of your OPT reporting requirements, y'all must provide a description demonstrating a logical connection between your regular chore duties and your major area of study. Further information and sample descriptions are available on the OPT Reporting Requirements page.

I f the relationship between the task and a pupil's field of report is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the relationship. BIO won't be able to suggest y'all on specifically which jobs do/practice non authorize equally we are not experts in your field of study. If you need assistance determining the fit of a job offer, nosotros recommend discussing this with your academic adviser, the Career Heart, or others in your field.

What documentation/records should I keep about my employment?

It is recommended that students maintain testify for each job: the position held, duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student's supervisor or manager, and a clarification of the work. Students must always report employment to BIO online through our Student SEVIS Update (SSU) form. SeeOPT Reporting Requirements.

Irresolute Employers / Multiple Employers

Students may take multiple jobs and modify jobs every bit many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is straight related to their subject and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week. No special permission is required to change employers. However, y'all must update your employer information in BIO's online Student SEVIS Update (SSU) within 10 days of the change.See OPT Reporting Requirements.

Rules and Reporting Requirements on OPT

While on OPT, students must follow sure rules and regulations to maintain their proper F-1 status in the U.Southward.

In some cases, students may apply to extend their 12-month OPT.

Yous are allowed a 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date to go out the The states, alter your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, y'all may desire to pursue these options earlier the end of your OPT. If you remain in the United States past the end of your sixty-twenty-four hour period grace period without transferring to a new school or progam or having applied for a timely filed Change of Status, you may brainstorm accruing days of Unlawful Presence, which has serious consequences depending on the length of the overstay.

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Source: https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/students/employment/opt

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