Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Georgia

What are the steps to apply for OPT in Georgia ?

Consult your designated school official (DSO), schedule an appointment with your DSO to discuss your eligibility and gather necessary forms. Prepare Form I-765. Complete the application for employment authorization and submit it to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) . Once it is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which allows you to work in the United States. While an employment offer is not required to apply, you should be actively seeking employment once your EAD is issued.

What are the additional requirements for OPT in Georgia?

You must be enrolled full time and have completed at least one academic year. Your work must be directly related to your major area of study. Your completion of studies date, you need to set this date with your DSO, which is the last day of your academic program. Submit your OPT application to USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your completion of studies date. You must report your employment status to your DSO and update them if there are any changes.

Is there anything specific in the process of OPT in Georgia ?

As a pre-application step, you must meet with your DSO and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. You must have been enrolled full time for atleast one academic year in the United States. Discuss your OPT plans and your DSO will guide you through the process and recommend the OPT in the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

As part of the application process, you have to submit Form I-765 which is the application for Employment Authorization which includes a fee of approximately 410 $ and this is subject to change. You need to attach two passport style photographs taken within the last 30 days. You need to provide a copy of your I-94 (both front and back), a copy of your most recent I-20 with the DSO’s recommendation for OPT, and copies of any previous EADs if any. This application has to be submitted to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility.

Once you submit your application, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming that they have received your application. You need to keep this notice safe as it has your case number, which you can use to check your application status online. Some applicants may be required to attend a biometric appointment where your fingerprints, photo and signature are taken. USCIS will review your application, which can take several months and you can check the processing times on their website.

Once USCIS approves your application and issue EAD card for you, which is Employment Authorization Document card, you can start working from the start date on the EAD card. You need to report your employment details to your DSO, including your employer’s name and address, your job title and a brief description of how the job relates to your major. This is essential to maintain your status.

Who is eligible for OPT in Georgia ?

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.

When can you use your OPT ?

You can use your OPT before you finish your studies which is called as Pre-completion OPT or after your finish your studies which is called as Post-Completion OPT or a combination of the two, as long as the total amount of OPT does not exceed 12 months.

Pre-Completion OPT that is 20 hours or less per week will be deducted at half the rate. For example, if you work four months for 20 hours or less per week for Pre-Completion OPT, you would have two months deducted from your 12 month total. Therefore, you would then have ten months of OPT to use before or after graduation.

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

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 Georgia ?

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

What should I know more about Biometric process for OPT in Georgia ?

Before the appointment, read the appointment notice (Form I-797C) which gives you details about date, time and location of your appointment. You have to carry the original notice when you go for biometric appointment. Carry valid ID such as passport, driver’s license or state issued ID with you. Carry your Form I-20 with the DSO’s recommendation for OPT. Business casual is a good attire. Avoid wearing hats, large jewellery or anything that might obscure your face. Ensure to reach the exact location on time without delay.

Your fingerprints will be taken digitally and a digital photo will also be taken. You may be asked to sign an electronic pad. Before leaving the place, ensure that all the information collected such as your name and date of birth is correct.

You can track your application status using your receipt number on the USCIS website. If there are any issues or if you do not receive any updates within the expected timeframe, you can follow up with USCIS and get the required updates.

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

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.

What are the reporting requirements for OPT in Georgia ?

Once you receive your OPT EAD card, OPT reporting should be done by submitting the OPT Reporting eform . You can understand this in detail by browsing F-1 OPT Reporting requirements page which helps you to understand better

What are the work requirements for OPT in Georgia ?

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.