Optional Practical Training (OPT) - New York

What do you mean by OPT in New York?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to your major field of study. If you want to work off-campus as an F-1 student, one way to do so is to be approved for OPT. You cannot begin work on OPT until you receive your approval in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and it is within the dates listed on your EAD. Due to frequent government updates, NYU OGS may make additions, deletions, or modifications at any time without prior notice. These directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services ultimately provides the decision on your OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the OPT applicant, to ensure that your OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. NYU in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.

Who can apply for OPT in New York?

There is no need to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT. You must have been a full-time student for at least one academic year in the US. Enrollment at ELI or another English language school is not considered as part of the one academic year requirement. The student must be in F-1 Status and must be in good academic standing and be making normal progress towards finishing the degree. Must not have used more than 12 months of OPT in the past at your current degree level. If you complete your academic program and travel internationally before applying for OPT, the OGS is not able to provide you with an OPT recommended I-20 which is a necessary part of your OPT application. If the student has finished the academic program, they can still apply for OPT as long as the government receives the application within 60 days of the date they finished their studies at NYU and have not left the US since completing the program. If the student is getting the degree at an NYU site outside of New York, they are generally not eligible for OPT.

How long does OPT last in New York?

You can get a maximum of 12 months of OPT for each degree level you complete. If you are studying within certain fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension. Students on post-completion OPT must report their job information within 90 days of being on OPT. If they fail to report their employment or find a job within that time, their OPT will automatically end.

When should one apply for OPT in New York?

As an F-1 Student, you should apply for OPT at least 90 days before the desired start date of employment. You can apply as early as 90 days before the official closing of the semester in which you intend to graduate. This period should allow enough time for OIAP and USCIS to review your application.

When can you use your OPT?

You can use your OPT before you finish your studies (Pre-completion OPT), after your studies (Post-completion OPT), or a combination of both, 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 long does it take for OPT to get approved in New York?

It takes around 4-6 months to get approved for OPT, so please plan ahead. It takes this long because your academic department signs off on a request form (1-2 weeks). OGS prepares your new I-20 (up to 1 week). The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates your application.

How much is the length of authorization and hours to be worked for OPT in New York?

A 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 New York?

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 about expedited processing for OPT applications in New York?

Premium processing is available for OPT applications. Premium processing is a way for you to pay extra money to USCIS so that they will expedite processing your application. If applicants pay $1,685 to request premium processing of their OPT or STEM OPT application (this is separate and in addition to the application fee for OPT itself), USCIS will review the application within 30 business days for a Form I-765 for F-1 students seeking OPT or STEM OPT extensions. Please keep in mind that this does not mean the application will automatically be approved within 30 business days, it just means that the application will be reviewed within 30 business days. This review means that USCIS will take one of the following actions on the application within 30 business days: issue an approval notice, issue a denial notice, issue a notice of intent to deny, issue a request for evidence, open an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation. Please keep in mind that premium processing is not a requirement for OPT. You can file the I-765 (OPT application) on its own without requesting premium processing.

What are the mandatory online tutorials before applying for post-completion OPT in New York?

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 New York?

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 the F-1 OPT Reporting requirements page.

What are the work requirements for OPT in New York?

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.

Can I travel with a pending OPT application in New York?

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. If you decide to travel after you have received your card, you have to carry a valid passport, visa, I-20 which is endorsed by your ISA within the last six months, and EAD card. An employment verification letter from your employer is not required but is always recommended for smooth travel.