Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for eligible F-1 International Students which, if approved, will allow students to work off campus in their field of study.

F-1 Students may be eligible for up to 12 months of full time OPT authorization for every degree level they complete (Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral).

All OPT applications are processed and approved by US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS)

OPT may be approved before (pre-completion OPT) or immediately after (post-completion OPT) completion of a program of study.

Pre completion OPT is employment which will occur prior to program completion.
- Pre completion OPT authorization ends upon program completion.
- Students already engaged in pre completion OPT are required to submit a separate application to USCIS for post completion OPT approval.
- Most students at SUNY Polytechnic Institute apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), rather than pre-completion OPT.
Post completion OPT is employment which will occur after program completion.
- OPT only allows students to engage in employment which is directly related to your major field of study
- OPT requires prior approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before any employment may begin.
- Students may qualify for up to 12 months of full time OPT employment authorization for each higher level of education completed.

*IMPORTANT*

Remember: It is your responsibility to maintain lawful F-1 Status during your post completion OPT period.

The International Student Services Office can advise and inform you of requirements, however, it is YOUR responsibility to submit all requests and information promptly to allow for the maximum indicated processing times, if applicable.

If you wish to apply for pre or post completion OPT, you must ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Students must be in lawful F1 Student status at the time of application.
Students must be present in the U.S. at the time of their application submission.
Students must be currently enrolled in their program of study, or, within 60 days of their program completion date.
- Your Program End Date is listed on your Form I-20, however
  - Your Form I-20 Program End Date will be shortened to reflect the final day of your last semester (as listed in the SUNY Poly academic calendar), regardless of what date is listed on your current document.
Students must have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year
- One academic year of full-time enrollment must be completed on campus, present in the US.
  - Two semesters/required terms. Summer is not considered a required term.
Students applying for post-completion OPT should meet the minimum GPA requirements for graduation.
- Do not apply for post completion OPT if you are uncertain whether you will graduate following that term.

*IMPORTANT*

If you are authorized for Curricular Practical Training employment in your final semester:

Your CPT authorization will end on the program completion date (the last day of final exams as listed on SUNY Poly academic calendar), even if a later end date was previously authorized for CPT employment.

If you wish to remain employed with your final semester CPT employer, you may not "resume" or "continue" employment after program completion until you have received OPT approval and EAD card.

OPT applications have (2) parts:

Obtain an “OPT Requested Form I-20" from the ISS Office at SUNY Poly.
Submit the completed “Application for OPT employment” to USCIS.

Students must request and obtain an I-20 with OPT Requested information listed on page 2 from the ISS Office prior to submitting any application to USCIS.

STEP 1: OBTAIN YOUR OPT REQUESTED FORM I-20 FROM THE ISS

Students may apply:

As early as 90 days before your program end date.
- Reminder: Your ACTUAL program end date is the last day of the semester in which you will complete your program, NOT the estimated date on your Form I-20
- Applications submitted prior to this deadline will be denied, so be mindful of the proper application timeline!
Up to 60 days after the program end date
- USCIS must RECEIVE your application documents before the end of your 60 day post completion grace period. Any applications received after this date will be denied.
- If you depart the U.S. during your post completion grace period, and before sending your application to USCIS, you will no longer be eligible.

**IMPORTANT**

Your I-20 end date will be shortened to reflect the true end date of your last semester.

The end date originally listed on your I-20 is an estimated end date based on the average length of your program of study.

The program end date is the last day of final exams as listed on the university academic calendar.
- This is NOT your graduation ceremony date.

To be fair to all students, applications to the ISS are processed in the order received and will not be expedited.

ISS processing time is up to 5-7 business days. Students will receive an email with their OPT Request Form I-20 attached.
USCIS processing time can be up to 3-5 months. We encourage students to plan their applications accordingly. Tips for filing forms with USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tips

*There is no need to contact the ISS to inquire about the status of your request or to inform us of your submission. We do not expedite requests and process them as quickly as possible; in the order it is received. Once your request is processed, you will be notified through the email address provided.

Follow the steps below in order to obtain your OPT Requested Form I-20:

Submit the OPT Requested Form I-20 Application form, and all required information.
- By submitting this application, you are certifying that you are on track to graduate (if applying for POST completion OPT)
- You must select a “Requested OPT Start Date”
  - See information box below about selecting a requested start date.

**IMPORTANT**

Selecting a “Requested Start Date”

The "Requested Start Date" may be any time during the 60 day “post completion grace period” following program completion, starting the day after the end of the final semester.
Students should carefully consider the date they wish to begin their employment based on job offers, prospects, and potential OPT processing time with USCIS.
- The "Requested Start Date" cannot be altered once OPT applications are being reviewed.
- Students should carefully select their desired OPT start date and be 100% certain of their desired date prior to submitting their applications to the ISS.
There is no guarantee that USCIS will approve your OPT employment to begin on the date you request. This is simply your desired start date.
USCIS will never approve a start date PRIOR to the date you request.
If USCIS reviews your applications after your requested start date has passed, your approved OPT Start date will be listed on your EAD card.
- This approved date will likely be the date that USCIS reviewed your application.

After the ISS has reviewed your request for a Form I-20 with OPT Request, you will receive this document via email.

Please review your OPT Requested Form I-20 carefully to ensure all information is correct.
Be sure to PRINT and SIGN your document as soon as you receive it.
Follow instructions in Step 2 to complete your application to USCIS.

STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION TO USCIS

Review the following information carefully to complete your application to USCIS and lawfully maintain F-1 Student status following your OPT approval.

**IMPORTANT**

USCIS must receive this Form I-20 and your entire application for post-completion OPT:

Within 30 days of the date printed on this Form I-20, and
By the end of the 60-day, post completion “grace period” following the end of your program of study.

**USCIS is VERY strict with deadlines**

If you miss either of these deadlines your application will most likely be denied, and you may or may not be eligible to submit a second application once you receive this denial.

Students will be required to complete all application requirements and submit this to USCIS, which will include but may not be limited to:

The I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Note: The ISS cannot legally assist you with completing the I-765 Form. You must read the instructions for this form carefully and complete this document to the best of your ability.
- See full instructions for OPT applications in the box below.
The I-765 filing fee
Photocopy of most recent I-94
Photocopy of Passport and F-1 Visa biographical pages
- If you changed your status to F-1 while present in the U.S., you must include your I797 Approval Notice from USCIS, and a photocopy of your visa stamp (even if it is not an F-1 Visa)
Photocopies of any previously issued EAD cards (if applicable)
(2) Identical passport size photos (2”x2” with white background), taken recently.
- Your head must be bare, unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member.
- **DO NOT submit photos which you have used for any previous applications. You MUST submit new photos, or USCIS may deny your application or send you an RFE, which will delay processing of your application.
Form I-20 with OPT request on Page 2
Photocopies of all previous Form I-20's with your current SEVIS ID
- This includes I-20s from previous schools you may have attended, if applicable
- The ISS cannot provide you with old copies of your documents. It is your responsibility to maintain your own records and documentation.
Transcript from SUNY Poly
- If you have not yet graduated, this does not need to include your graduation date.
- You may request a transcript from the Office of the Registrar, as needed.

*IMPORTANT*

The ISS cannot provide copies of prior Form I-20's.

It is your responsibility to maintain your own records and keep copies of your Form I-20's even after an updated document is issued to you.

If you are missing any previously issued Form I-20's, then you must submit your application to USCIS without these documents. If USCIS has questions, you may be issued a Request for Further Evidence to explain the absence of these documents.

You may submit your application for OPT one of two ways (but not both!):

Online (preferred by most students)
1. If you choose to submit your application to USCIS using their online application process:
  1. It is your responsibility to follow the instructions provided by USCIS VERY carefully.
  2. Be sure to SIGN your Form I-20 before submitting your application.
    1. Many students miss this step-don't have your application denied because you forgot to sign your I-20!
  3. Upload/attach all required documents before submitting your application.
    1. You may not be able to attach more documents/change your application after submission.
By Mail
1. If you choose to submit your application for USCIS by mailing a physical application to them:
  1. It is your responsibility to follow the instructions provided by USCIS VERY carefully.
  2. Find the filing address for your location online through USCIS
  3. Be sure to always make copies of your ENTIRE application prior to shipping
  4. Always send documents with tracking information!

You may find complete instructions for submitting your OPT application to USCIS below.

Please read these instructions carefully and make sure you are submitting all required documents as requested.

FULL OPT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS HERE

Make sure you read all instructions and information from USCIS carefully to ensure you are submitting a completed application.

**It is your responsibility to follow all government requirements to avoid denial of your OPT application**

AFTER YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION TO USCIS

USCIS may take 1-3 months to process your application
You CANNOT begin employment until:
- You have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), AND
- The start date listed on your EAD card has arrived.
You may check the status of your application online using the USCIS Case Status Online.

**IMPORTANT**

If you receive a Request For Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, send a copy of this document to the ISS at ISS@SUNYPoly.edu so we may review this and assist you, if necessary.

Many RFE’s are issued for reasons that are easy for you to address quickly, without ISS assistance.

You should respond to an RFE as quickly as possible (there is usually a 30-90 day deadline) to avoid delaying your application decision.

*IMPORTANT*

Remember: It is your responsibility to maintain lawful F-1 Status during your post completion OPT period.

Once your OPT is approved by USCIS, you are responsible for following regulations and submitting information in a timely manner to maintain lawful status.

During OPT Authorization, you must:

Submit a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card HERE so this may add to your records.
- You only need to submit this once during your OPT period
You may only work during the dates listed on your EAD card.
You must work Full Time
- Full Time is more than 20 hours per week
- You may engage with multiple employers, if all employment meets the other OPT requirements, to meet/surpass the full-time requirements.
  - Multiple part-time employment positions will be considered full-time, if the total hours per week is over 20.
All employment must be directly related to your SUNY Poly program of study
- This does not mean “related to a course you completed”; your employment must be directly to your overall major program of study.
- It is your responsibility to determine how your job responsibilities are related to your program of study.
  - The ISS will not review any employment to determine if it is eligible for your OPT employment.
Employment may be paid or unpaid.
- Unpaid employment must be considered a true “volunteer” position.
  - This cannot simply be work an employer does not wish to pay you to complete.
  - Please make sure you review the information about volunteering vs unpaid employment (further below) carefully to ensure you are meeting guidelines.
Employment may be long or short term.
- Students may engage in long term, salaried positions, or short term, contract positions or internships, as long as all other employment requirements are met.
Multiple employers may be authorized
- All employment must be related to your program of study, reported in the SEVP Portal, and the total hours per week of all employment is 20 hours or more.
Self-employment may be authorized
- Your work must be related to your program of study.
- Please be aware, however, self-employment is NOT authorized for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.
You may accrue up to 90 days of unemployment during your entire OPT authorization period
- The “90 days” are cumulative over the entire period of OPT.
All changes in employment must be reported within 10 days of the change occurring
- See reporting instructions below.
If you have applied for a change of status to H1B
- You may submit your official receipt or approval notice, and request a reprint of your Form I-20, HERE

Students must self-report all employment within 10 days of the change occurring into the SEVP Portal.

You will receive an email from SEVP after your OPT approval to set up your account
- The ISS does not set up your account for you
- The email used is the email you used when you applied to SUNY Poly.
  - It is likely not your SUNY Poly email.
- Check your SPAM folder in case this email from SEVP is misdirected
- If you do not receive the email and your employment start date listed on your EAD has passed, email ISS@SUNYPoly.edu and request to have this link re-sent to you.
You must report ALL changes in employment, including:
- New employment
- End of previous employment
  - DO NOT delete your old employment. When ending employment with one company, enter an “end date” for that employer information.
  - Deleting your employment will appear as if you have been unemployed during that time, and will accrue your unemployment days.
- Changes to current employer (work address, supervisor, etc.)
- Changes in Employment site address
  - Please note: SEVP is very finicky with addresses!
    - SEVP uses information from the US Postal Service to verify addresses.
    - Make sure you are entering the address exactly as it is listed with USPS (usually a quick google search of the address will show you the correct format, or you may wish to verify this with your company’s Human Resources Office.)
You may report employment changes as early as you would like prior to the change taking effect, but you MUST report this within 10 days of the change occurring.
Do not report your employment to the ISS
- All employment must be directly reported by the student in the SEVP Portal
- You should not be emailing the ISS to submit your employment or to “review” your submissions. It is your responsibility to submit the required information and to ensure your employment information is correct and accurate.

**IMPORTANT**

The SEVP Portal will prevent employment information entry if you do not report within 10 days of the date of the event change.

If you fail to report your employment within 10 days and the SEVP Portal will not allow submission of employment information, you must email the ISS at ISS@SUNYPOLY.edu

*IMPORTANT*

If you require a reprint of your Form I-20 with OPT approval/employment information:

Make sure you have updated your SEVP Portal with employer information before submitting a request for a reprint.
You may request a reprint HERE
Reprint requests may take 5-7 business days to process.
Your new Form I-20 will be sent to you via email once issued.

All F-1 Students who depart the U.S. and wish to re-enter in F-1 Status to resume their studies or OPT/STEM OPT employment are required to have a travel authorization signature on their Form I-20.

Students traveling within the U.S. are not required to have a travel authorization signature.

*IMPORTANT*

Students may depart the U.S. at any time, even if they do not have a travel authorization signature.

Travel authorization signatures are only required when you return to the U.S. You may submit a request for a travel authorization signature AFTER you have already departed the U.S.

ABOUT TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.

Travel authorization signatures may be viewed on page 2 of your Form I-20.

Your travel authorization is valid for:
- 6 months from the date of signature during post completion OPT or STEM OPT employment authorization.

If you have not yet completed your program of study, but your OPT application is pending with USCIS:

Students may choose to travel and re-enter the US prior to their program end date while their OPT application is pending with USCIS at their own discretion.
Travel will not cancel an OPT application pending with USCIS
- However, if you are outside of the U.S. and USCIS sends you a Request for Further Evidence (RFE), you will not be present to address this request in a timely manner and may jeopardize your OPT application.
- Additionally, travel and re-entry so close to the end of your program may raise questions with Customs and Border Patrol.
- Students may wish to carry copies of course syllabus, class schedules, etc. to demonstrate to CBP that their return to the US for the last few weeks of their program is critical for their graduation and completion of their degree.

If your program at SUNY Poly has ended, but you have not received your OPT approval and EAD card:

Unless it is an emergency, do not travel while your OPT is pending if your I-20 program of study has ended.
You will not be able to re-enter the U.S. as an F-1 Student after your program end date until your OPT is approved, and you have your EAD card in hand.
USCIS could send a Request for Further Evidence (RFE) to your U.S. address while you are abroad, which requires a response as soon as possible after issuance.
If your OPT is approved while you are outside the U.S., you will be required to have your EAD in hand to re-enter the country.
- USCIS cannot mail your EAD outside of the U.S.
- If you leave the U.S. after your I-20 has expired but before your OPT is approved, you will have to wait until your OPT is approved and you have received your EAD before returning to the U.S. Someone will have to mail you your EAD to your home country (consider the risks of losing the EAD in the mail).

HOW TO REQUEST A TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION SIGNATURE

Students should only request a travel authorization signature if:

They will be traveling soon, or are already outside of the U.S. and are planning their return travel to the U.S.
- Your travel plans do not have to be scheduled before you request a signature, you may request a signature in anticipation of travel.
The signature on page 2 of their current I-20 was issued more than 12 months (for currently enrolled students), or 6 months (for students with OPT/STEM OPT) prior to their intended return to the U.S., or
There is no travel authorization signature on page 2 of their current I-20

To obtain the Form I-20 with Travel Authorization Signature:

Submit the F-1 Student: Travel Signature Request form
Upon approval, your Form I-20 with travel authorization signature will be sent to you via email.

*IMPORTANT*

To be fair to all students, applications to the ISS are processed in the order received and will not be expedited.

ISS processing time is up to 5-7 business days. Students will receive an email with their Form I-20 with travel authorization on page 2 attached.

NEXT STEPS for TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S.

You must print and sign your Form I-20 document prior to your return to the U.S.
You must present your most recent, signed Form I-20, along with your Visa and Passport, upon entry to the U.S.
- CBP will not accept a Form I-20 on your phone or any other digital device.
Don’t forget: It is your responsibility to keep all copies of your Form I-20, even after a new copy is issued to you!

*IMPORTANT*

All students are responsible for being aware of current federal/local travel guidelines and requirements when traveling.

The ISS cannot guarantee re-entry to the U.S. in any circumstance.

It is the responsibility of the student to review all travel requirements and ensure all required documents are in order. Entry to the US is determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).