OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
- Requesting Authorization Optional Practical Training
- Employment Authorization Document
- Change of Address
- Travel
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis in college, university or seminary for one full academic year. An F-1 student on OPT is authorized for temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study.
There are two types of practical training: pre-graduation and post graduation.
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Pre-graduation practical training is permitted:
- During annual vacation and other times when school is not in session, if the student is in college, university, seminary and is eligible for registration and intends to register for the next semester or term; or
- While school is in session, provided that practical training (employment) does not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session.
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Post-graduation practical training is permitted:
- When the student is in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program and has completed all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent), or
- When the student has completed his/her course of study.
The student must complete all practical training within 14-month period following the completion of study.
A student is eligible for a total of 12 months of optional practical training. A student who has used 12 month of OPT is eligible for another 12 months after changing to a higher educational level.
Part-time practical training (20 hours per week or less) will be deducted from the available practical training at one-half the full time rate.
Authorization to engage in practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.
REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
The student must apply at the respective international student office by submitting Form I-538 and his or her current Form I-20 ID.
The OPT must be related to the student's major or field of study. In making recommendation for OPT training under SEVIS, the Designator School Official (DSO) will update the student's record in SEVIS as having been recommended for OPT.
The DSO will indicate on SEVIS whether the training is for part-time or full-time and note in SEVIS the start and end date of employment.
The student must apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765, with fee and the SEVIS Form I-20 employment page indicating that optional practical training has been recommended.
An application for authorization may be filed up to 90 days prior to a student being enrolled for one full academic year, provided that the employment will not begin until the completion of the full academic year.
Allowing students to apply EAD in advance attempts to eliminate the long processing time for Employment Authorization Card. A student on optional practical training cannot Commence Employment Until an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT
The USCIS will issue the EAD based upon the recommendation of the Designated School Official. The USCIS will notify the applicant of the decision and if the application is denied, of the reason(s) for the denial. The applicant may not appeal the decision.
The EAD will be issued only up to the period ending no later than fourteen months after the completion of studies. The EAD is valid from the date of issue or the date of employment is to begin, whichever is later. If the EAD is processed late, there is no way to recapture any unused period of time of practical training authorized by the USCIS. Therefore, it is recommended that the student apply early for the EAD in order to avoid loss of practical training time.
If a student has undertaken more than 12 months of full-time curricular practical training, the student is ineligible for any optional practical training.
Unauthorized employment on and off campus subjects you to deportation proceedings by the USCIS.
The student must submit the following documents to apply for employment authorization in the jurisdiction over his or her place of residence:
- Form I-765
- Form I-20 ID Copy, with the DSO's endorsement recommending employment.
- Copy of Form I-94 (front and back)
- I-765 signature card, signed in the designated area.
- Copy of the front and back of any previously issued Employment Authorization (EAD)
- Two (2) photographs
- Filing Fee
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
The student authorized for OPT is required, by law, to report any change of name and address, or disruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the authorized training.
TRAVEL
A student with an unexpired EAD issued for post-graduation optional practical training and who has a valid visa may return to the US to continue employment after a temporary absence. The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the endorsed I-20 within the last 6 months may be used for reentry into the US.
A student returning from a temporary trip abroad with an unexpired off-campus employment authorization may continue employment only if the student is readmitted to attend the same school which granted the employment.
We highly recommend that before travel arrangements are made that you consult our office and visit the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.
TERMINATION OF PRACTICAL TRAINING
Authorization to engage in practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.
Within three (3) days of employment at Penn State, you must complete Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. Failure to complete Form I-9 may be the basis for termination.
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
In the United States, you may need to have a Social Security number. If you are located at University Park Campus and want to obtain the Social Security card, you will need to go to the Social Security Office, located at 901 University Drive, to apply for the number. You should take your approved document, I-797, the I-94, and your passport. If you are at another Penn State location, please contact the local Social Security office.
TAXES
In the United States, there is federal, state, and local governments tax income. To find out about your tax responsibility (liability), you should contact the payroll office, located in James M. Elliott Building, third floor; telephone (814) 865-7621. Remember, you must file a tax return regardless of the amount of your income or whether your income is exempt from U.S. tax. If you are at University Park Campus and need help filing your income tax return and getting your sailing or departure permit, you should contact the local Internal Revenue Service. If you are at any of the other Penn State locations, contact your local IRS office. For additional tax information, contact the Internal Revenue Service
HEALTH INSURANCE
During your employment at Penn State, you must maintain health insurance for you and your dependents. Please check with your department head, mentor, or human resources representative regarding health insurance coverage. You must choose one of the following:
- Health Insurance coverage by Penn State via your employment;
- Health Insurance coverage by the sponsoring agency; or
- Health Insurance coverage provided privately (on your own).
If you have come on a visa that does not cover you in the University's health insurance program, and your sponsoring agency does not provide you with health insurance coverage, you should purchase your own health insurance immediately.
The ISFVS office has information on health insurance policies recommended by the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs. These policies offer comprehensive protection for participants engaged in international educational activities. We urge you to consider purchasing at least the basic coverage. You are also urged to contact local insurance companies for assistance. You can find a list of local insurance companies from the yellow pages of a telephone directory.
If you have any questions or problems concerning your stay at Penn State or the conditions and terms of your visa status, you should contact the International Scholars and Faculty Visa Services at (814) 865-0423 immediately. Any change in immigration and visa standing, if applicable, is subject to rigid rules and fixed time limits.