Optional Practical Training (OPT) - California

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - California

What do you mean by OPT?

OPT means Optional Practical Training especially for those students who are enrolled or about to complete their degree in the United States of America and can work either during their vacation or leave term or even after completion of their course and their status of immigration would be F1. OPT helps these students to avail a temporary employment authorization and one can explore and experience the work over there during this period. Many students on F1 visas would like to take temporary work assignments relevant to their studies. It's an opportunity to experience work as well as earn.

It’s a great opportunity for international students to experience their learning practically through employment and also build confidence to continue their studies. Optional Practical Training is a paradigm shift from theory to practical approach at work.

What is OPT in California?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) in California follows the same general guidelines as in other states, but its always better to check with the specific institution for any additional requirements.

Who is eligible for OPT in California ?

Students holding an F-1 visa for a minimum period of nine months can apply to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for twelve months of Optional Practical Training Work Authorization. The student's Visa should be a valid one while applying for this. Also, they should have already opted for a full-time course at any university in the United States. While applying for OPT, the student's presence in the US is mandatory.

What are the types of OPT in California?

1. Pre-completion OPT (part time or full time during school breaks). Part time or full time during the student’s annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the following semester. Part time while school is in session or part time or full time after completion of graduate course work requirements excluding a thesis or dissertation

2. Post-completion OPT (full time after graduation) / after completion of the course of the study

What is the application process of OPT in California?

Students have to submit an OPT request to their school’s international student services (ISSS), receive an OPT I-20, and then file Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days

How much is the Length of authorization and hours to be worked for OPT in California?

Twelve-month period can be applied as part of initial post-completion and the work start date must be within sixty days after the end of the program. The hours of employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, whether paid or unpaid.

What is STEM extension for OPT in California?

If you have a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) , you may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension

Is there any exemption during OPT in California?

Limited time exemption is allowed during OPT and STEM OPT. Students can accrue no more than ninety days of unemployment and in the case of STEM OPT students can accrue no more than 150 days of unemployment. In both cases it's cumulative.

What should I know about application of OPT in California?

The OPT application must be received by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) within 30 days of the date that ISSS issues the OPT I-20. If filed with USCIS after 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date, your application will be denied.

What are the mandatory online tutorial before applying for post-completion of OPT in California ?

ISSS recommends that you complete the mandatory online tutorial at least 3 to 4 months before your program completion. The tutorial must be completed before requesting your OPT I-20 from ISSS. Before applying for the post, completion of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in California, you are required to complete an online OPT tutorial. This tutorial walks you through the application process and ensures you understand all the necessary steps and requirements

What are the reporting requirements for OPT in California?

While on Optional Practical Training (OPT) in California, you need to follow specific reporting requirements to maintain the F-1 Status. You must report new employment or changes to employment within 10 days using the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVP) portal. Keep your SEVIS record up todate by reporting any changes in your address, employment information or any other status reports through your school’s student SEVIS update (SSU) Hub. Ensure your employment is directly related to your major area of study and report any changes to your employer or if you add a new employer. If you become unemployed or work less than 20 hours per week, you must report this immediately. Unemployment exceeding 90 days during your OPT period can affect your status. It is important to stay on top of these requirements to avoid any issues with your F-1 status.

What is important to consider for OPT in California?

An F-1 student may be authorized up to a total of 12 months of full time practical training at each educational level (example – undergraduate, graduate and post graduate). If the student chooses to engage in pre-completion OPT< they many not work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, but may work full time during their annual vacation and other times when the school is not in session. If a student engages in pre-completion OPT, the student’s eligible period of post completion OPT will be reduced when they graduates. Students who graduate with a qualified science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degree, and are currently in an approved post completion OPT period based on a designated STEM degree may apply for a 24 month STEM extension of their post completion OPT

What are the work requirements for OPT in California?

During post-completion OPT, F-1 Status is dependent upon employment. Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any authorized period of standard post-completion OPT. The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension. The duration of OPT employment authorization is normally granted to begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later, and is authorized until the end date requested.

Do I need to have a job to apply for OPT in California?

You do not need to have a job offer before applying for the first 12 months of OPT in California. If your major/field qualifies you for the STEM OPT extension, you do have to have a job to apply which you will be required to provide your employer’s E-Verify number

Can I travel with a pending OPT application in California?

International travel is not recommended while your OPT application is pending with USCIS. Doing so could jeopardize your ability to re-enter the United States, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS, or apply for OPT in the future.