Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Massachusetts

What is the process for OPT in Massachusetts?

Consult your Designated School Official (DSO) and schedule an appointment with your DSO to discuss your eligibility and gather necessary forms. Then prepare Form I-765. This is the Application for Employment Authorization and once you complete submit this form to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once your form is approved, you will receive an EAD Card which is Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 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 is duration for OPT in Massachusetts ?

Up to 12 months per educational level in case of Standard OPT and in case of STEM ( If you have a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) you may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension

What is OPT I-20 Request Process for Massachusetts ?

You must be physically be present in the United States at the time you submit your application to USCIS. If you choose to travel after this, you have to follow OPT Travel guidelines. The OPT I-20 process includes a new OPT form to be submitted to USCIS. Your current OPT I-20 is about to meet the 30 day expiration deadline because you have not submitted your OPT Application to USCIS. Once you submit your application, USCIS will start the process. Do remember, ISSS must create a new OPT I-20 for your OPT Application. You should not submit your application to USCIS until you have completed the OPT I-20 request steps and receive the new one.

What is the eligibility criteria for OPT in Massachusetts ?

You must be in a valid F-1 status and enrolled full time for nine months (2 full semesters) Be physically present in the United States during your application process and if you leave the U.S. after your completion of studies date, you may not be permitted to return if you do not have a pending OPT application. Also, you are not eligible if you have been authorized 12 or more months of full time curricular practical training (CPT) at your current degree level which is a rare phenomenon. Also you are not eligible if you are already authorized for OPT at a higher degree level and already used OPT for your degree level

What Visa status will I have during OPT in Massachusetts?

UMass will continue to be your F-1 sponsor and maintain your immigration record. Your F-1 Immigration status while on OPT is contingent upon you maintaining employment related to your field of study and appropriate to your level of education. You will need a valid F-1 Visa in your passport to return to the United States as well as an I-20 will a travel signature no older than six months.

While travelling within the U.S. or outside, there are certain considerations you need to make before leaving UMass. While you can make plans to depart at any time, you need to make sure that you have the right documentation to return to the U.S. Immigration and in case you are travelling within U.S., Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the right to check all documents within 100 miles of the U.S.Border and UMass does not fall within this area. Hence you should carry copies of your documents at all times when in this zone. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) will require all air travellers to have a government issued original ID to fly within the U.S. and if you do not have the original ID, you will have to use your passport.

In case you plan to leave U.S., all non-immigrations (F-1, J-1, H-1B etc) and their dependents must have certain documentation to return to the U.S. If your dependent is travelling without you, your dependent should carry copies of the student’s documents.

When can you use your OPT in Massachusetts ?

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.

What happens if I do not finish my program in Massachusetts before my OPT begins ?

If you are an undergraduate or a non-thesis Masters student who applied for OPT and did not finish as planned, you may still keep your OPT application active. But you cannot work more than 20 hours per week on OPT until you have finished your degree. Your OPT dates cannot be amended or paused and withdrawing your OPT application may not be advisable. You have to contact your ISSS advisor and take the guidance. If you are a thesis Masters Student or a PhD student who applied for OPT , this is very common. You can begin OPT as long as your degree coursework is completed. You can begin your OPT and remain enrolled in Continuous Enrolment or Dissertation, Thesis Credits while on OPT and this has no impact on your OPT until you actually graduate.

Once your application is approved and you receive the EAD Card, the OPT unemployment clock starts to count so you will need to report employment under OPT Reporting Requirements