Employment post-Macalester

This employment authorization allows a F-1 student to work a paid or unpaid job related to their major. OPT employment may be done while school is in session or during vacations for monetary compensation or academic credit during your practical training; however, Mac international students tend to utilize OPT for after graduation. Any pre-completion OPT (before graduation) will reduce post-completion time available. A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.

Applications may be submitted no more than 90 days before program completion and within 60 days of program completion while you are in the U.S; job offer not required to submit OPT application. As of April 2021, you can file Form I-765 application for OPT online .We recommend that you apply online. To file Form I-765 online, you must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov.

Required Materials

*Needed BEFORE appointment with ISP staff

For the online application, you need to prepare or complete these relevant documents/forms (make copies for yourself) BEFORE your appointment with ISP staff. These documents are important as they will be uploaded with I-765 when you apply online. Failure to submit the required documents, including a new I-20 from ISP, results in the rejection of your application.

1. Passport-style photo taken within 30 days of the application
   • Make sure the image fits the US Dept. of State digital image requirements; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.
   • Helpful tips for photo: White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.
   • photoAiD is phone application that might be helpful.
2. Completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
   • Please read the I-765 instructions and form carefully, not all questions apply to you.
   • Create an account
   • Section: Getting Started
     • For Eligibility Category, (c) (3) (B) for post-completion OPT form.
     • For the question, “Is someone assisting you with completing this application?” -No.
     • There is a question about whether you want to pay extra for premium processing. Please say no, if you have questions, feel free to ask ISP professional staff in your meeting.
   • Section: About You
     • For current U.S. mailing address, use a mailing address that will be valid beyond graduation or at least 3-5 months after OPT application submission.
     • For Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number, get the number from the top of the page at the newest Form I-94.
     • For the Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if you are applying for initial post-completion OPT, choose “I do not have or know my A-Number.”
     • For USCIS Online Account Number, for most students, you will check the box for “I do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.”
   • Section: Evidence
     • For I-20: You will upload the I-20 with OPT after meeting with ISP staff.
   • Review: Go to “Your application summary” as part of online application and click on “View Draft Snapshot.” A PDF document will be available for download; save and have this I-765 draft ready for your meeting with ISP staff if needed.
   • DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATION BEFORE HAVING APPOINTMENT WITH ISP STAFF
3. Copy of recent Form I-94 (not travel history) to upload with online I-765
4. Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement – must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.
5. After finishing these steps, please set up a meeting with Molly or Luyen to review your application material!!!

ISP Staff Appointment

ISP staff will use this appointment to go over the application draft and ensure all information is filled in correctly. In addition, the following steps will also be completed.

1. ISP will print CPT history, if applicable, to upload with online I-765.
2. ISP must issue a new I-20 with OPT for you to submit with your application
   
   • Sign your new I-20.
   • Upload new I-20 (with OPT recommendation) with online I-765
   • Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance, failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in the application’s rejection.
3. Submit I-765
   • Payment: $410—credit or debit card, or U.S. bank account information. NOTE starting April 1, 2024, the online fee increases to $470 while paper application increases to $520.
4.  Check the status of your OPT application via your USCIS account or online at this case status website after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.
   • Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.
   • EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)
   • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) , contact ISP immediately with the notice.
5. Time to complete authorization process: 90-150 days.

If applying by mail

1. Be aware that mail-in I-765 applications involve significantly longer processing times, therefore online applications are highly encouraged.
2. Two passport-style photos taken within 30 days
   • Make sure the image fits the US Dept. of State digital image requirements; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.
   • Helpful tips for photo: White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.
   • photoAiD is phone application that might be helpful
3. Check or money order for $410 made out to the Department of Homeland Security. NOTE starting April 1, 2024, the online fee increases to $470 while paper application increases to $520.
   • See the following for more information on how to write a check and what a money order is.
   • Purchase money order from banks, post offices or other businesses. Call the business or check online first before going to the location to purchase money orders and ask if you need to pay in cash, debit, or credit card.
   • Mac’s Mailing Services sells USPS money order for up to $700 per order; must pay with cash.
   • Payment with a valid U.S. based credit card is possible (non-US cards may be rejected). If applying by mail, submit Form G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
4. Completed Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
   • If applying by mail, optional but recommended, and you will receive a text message or email when USCIS receives your application. If you submit a paper form and your receipt number begins with IOE, USCIS will mail you a letter about creating a USCIS online account. The letter has user codes (valid for 90 days) you will need to create an online account. With an account, you can sign up for automatic case alerts, see processing times, upload evidence, update your address, and send USCIS secure messages using any device.
   • If applying online, you will get electronic notification and likely a receipt letter by mail after submission.
5. Completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
   • Please read the I-765 instructions and form carefully, not all questions apply to you.
   • If you are applying by mail and can’t type your answer in the I-765, then handwrite responses.
     • For Line 1.a., check “Initial permission to accept employment.”
     • For Lines 5.a.- 7.d., Use a mailing address that will be valid beyond graduation or at least 3-5 months after OPT application submission.
     • For Line 7.a. Applicant’s Signature – DO NOT SIGN electronically. Use a pen and sign it by hand only after printing out Form I-765.
     • For Line 27 Eligibility Category, enter code (c) (3) (B) for post-completion or graduation OPT; (c) (3) (C) is for STEM OPT extension, and (c) (3) (A) is for pre-completion.
     • Submit all pages even if they are blank.
6. Copy of passport photo page (valid passport at least 6 months into future) – mail paper copy
7. Copy of F-1 visa page – mail paper copy
8. Copy of recent Form I-94 (not travel history) – mail paper copy
9. ISP will print CPT history if applicable – mail paper copy
10. Make an appointment with Luyen, Molly, or Britt to review your application material.
11. Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement – must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.
12. ISP must issue a new I-20 with OPT for you to submit with your application
    
    • Don’t forget to sign your new I-20.
    • Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance, failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in application’s rejection.
    • Check the status of your OPT application after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.
      • Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.
      • EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)
    • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), contact ISP immediately with the notice.
    • Time to complete authorization process: 90-150 days.
13. If not submitting OPT application, Form I-765 online, send materials to the USCIS Chicago lockbox depending on mailing method:

Q: What status am I in while on OPT?
A: OPT is benefit and continuation of your F-1 status.

Q: Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
A: No.

Q: When should I file for post-graduation Optional Practical Training work option?
A: ISP’s recommends you apply for OPT 90 days before your program end date (which may not be same as graduation date), which can be seen on Page 1 of your I-20. If you file by this time, you will hopefully receive work authorization card around the time you graduate.

Q: When must I file?
A: If you don’t file within 60 days from program completion date (see your I-20 and be aware it may be different from graduation date), you must depart the U.S. unless you are beginning U.S. graduate school program in the subsequent term. Your F-1 visa status with Macalester ends upon graduation. Check OPT Petition Status here

Q: How long does OPT allow me to work?
A: It allows you to work up to 12 months full-time paid or unpaid. Your OPT must be completed within 14 months of your program completion date.

Q: I have been offered a job after graduation and my employer has agreed to sponsor my H1-B Visa. Do I still need to file for OPT?
A: H1-B visas are not issued until October 1 or later. Unless your job begins later than October, you need to file for OPT in order to begin working before October.

Q: Can I leave and return while my OPT is pending? What about after it’s approved? Or while I’m working on OPT?
A: ISP has outlined the Travel Risk associated with certain scenarios; be sure to ask ISP staff about your specific situation. There are a lot of answers depending on if you have a valid visa, a job, a job offer, the length of stay, graduate school plans, etc. Some general information on re-entry into the U.S. while on OPT can be found at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel page.

Q: Is there a limit on how long I can be unemployed?
A: 90 days of unemployment from approved OPT start date, and must leave the U.S. if exceed 90 days. During your employment period, you must work or volunteer in your major for at least 21 hours a week to qualify as full-time employment (this is different than 40 hours normally considered by employers).

Q: I have applied to enter U.S. graduate school in the fall. Should I apply?
A: We recommend you obtain OPT authorization as a back-up plan. Even if you are going to U.S. grad school in the fall, you can work during the summer with OPT. OPT employment will end on the date your SEVIS record is transferred to your new school.

Q: What if I have a change of address during my employment?
A: You must report EVERY change of name or address (personal and employment) within 10 days of the change to ISP.  Also report changes in your employer or employment status. You can report most changes via via Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal or through ISP’s SEVIS Update Form:

Q: Should I apply for OPT before I renewing my passport?
A: If your passport is about to expire, you should apply for OPT before renewing your passport. If you have applied for new passport and waiting for it to be issue, include proof that you’ve applied.

Q: After OPT I found a job or I have changed employers, do I need a new I-20?
A: Contact ISP or submit update through ISP SEVIS Update Form. Every new job requires a new I-20 (which is needed as part of your I-9 Employment Verification as well) to reflect your employment information as well as show your OPT approved status. ISP will send you a new I-20.

Q: Can I study while on OPT?
A: Studying while on OPT is generally prohibited. Enrolling full-time, taking classes at a higher educational level, or taking courses at another institution will terminate your employment authorization, even if the dates on your EAD are still valid. In limited circumstances, you may enroll part-time in courses at or below your most recent program level as long as courses do not lead to any certificate, diploma, etc. ISP recommends caution about beginning any kind of professional formal training outside of the work place. You must notify ISP of any enrollment at least 2 weeks before classes begin. We will consider whether or not this enrollment will not result in the termination of your OPT and update this on your SEVIS record. You may also need to consult an experienced immigration attorney.

NOTES:

1. As of April 2021, you can file Form I-765 application for OPT or STEM OPT online (or via mail). To file Form I-765 online, you must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. If submitting STEM OPT via online portal you used for your OPT application, make sure your mailing address is updated in the portal BEFORE you e-file your STEM OPT application. If you have moved since you submitted your OPT application, USCIS will send your STEM OPT EAD to the wrong address.
   
2. STEM OPT application must be received by USCIS before current EAD expires, but cannot apply earlier than 90 days prior to the current EAD end date.
3. USCIS must receive your application within 60 days of the “Date Issued” listed on your new I-20 containing your STEM OPT recommendation (ISP recommends 30 days). Failure to include new I-20 from ISP will result in STEM OPT denial.
4. Once STEM OPT application is received by USCIS, you are given 180 days where you can work before your new EAD arrives. If your employer has applied for H-1B authorization, this means that you can wait until a few weeks before your current OPT expires.
5. Unemployment during OPT is limited to 150 days (including any days used while under regular OPT).
6. Strongly advised not to travel outside of the U.S. while your STEM OPT is being adjudicated, and you should consult with ISP about any travel plans. If your OPT STEM Extension has been approved and you are employed, you can find some general information about re-entry into U.S. by visiting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel page. You can view visa processing times at U.S. embassies and consulates and make sure you contact U.S. post in advance to see if they would allow you to process your new F-1 visa there or if there would be enough time to process.

ISP needs to review your material before we can issue an I-20. Prepare STEM OPT application in this order (be sure to download a copy for your personal records) and send all accompanying documents to ISP via email. If your STEM employer or their immigration attorney will prepare or review your application as well, send us everything after their initial review. The appropriate documents should be uploaded as part of filing the I-765 online. Failure to submit the required documents, including a new I-20 from ISP, will mean rejection of your application.

1. Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement

2. A digital passport-style photo taken within 30 days that meets US Dept of State digital image criteria, uploaded in pertinent field as part of online I-765 application.

• Make sure the image fits the US Dept. of State digital image requirements; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.
• Helpful tips for photo: White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.
• photoAiD is phone application that might be helpful.

3. Payment of $410 (pay by U.S. credit/debit card for online applications). NOTE starting April 1, 2024, the online fee increases to $470 while paper application increases to $520.

• Pay using a valid U.S. based credit or debit card (non-US cards maybe be rejected) – if DHS is not able to charge your card, your application may automatically be rejected.
• No need to submit payment information to ISP for review, but MUST submit payment in order to submit online application.

4. Download your completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization as a PDF to email to ISP for review.

• Please read the USCIS I-765 instructions, as notes below are not exhaustive. If section does not apply to you, do not answer.
• Line 1.a., check “Initial permission to accept employment.”
• Line 5.a. – 5.3., Make sure to put your mailing address on the Form I-765 and put your actual address as your physical address in Line 7.a. – 7.d. DO NOT USE ISP mailing address.
• Line 8, Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is same number as the USCIS # on your EAD.
• Line 13.a. – 13.b., Check “Yes” if you have been issued a Social Security card and enter your Social Security Number.
• Line 21.c. – If you have another passport or travel document; DO NOT enter your F-1 visa number.
• Line 23 – Port you entered the U.S. – check your passport.
• Line 27 Eligibility Category, enter code (c) (3) (C) for STEM OPT extension.
• Line 28.a. Degree, enter Major and CIP Code, e.g., Econometrics 45.0603 or Math 27.0101, handwrite if cannot type.
• Under Review and Submit tab of online application: Go to “Your application summary” and click on a small button on the page “View Draft Snapshot.” A PDF document will be available for download; save and show ISP staff this draft I-765 at your meeting.

6. Copy of passport photo page (valid passport at least 6 months into future)

7. Copy of F-1 visa page

8. Copy of recent Form I-94

9. Copy of official Mac transcript

10. Institution Accreditation: This section does not generally apply to Mac alumni applying for STEM OPT and should be skipped. The last sentence in the top paragraph explains it applies only to applicants seeking a STEM extension that is “based on a previously earned STEM degree,” which is not the case for Mac alumni, since there is generally no history of earning a degree before attending Macalester.

11. Copy of valid OPT EAD from OPT (front and back)

12. Completed I-983 Training Plan (NOT uploaded to submit to USCIS with I-765 application, but ISP is required to retain the I-983 Training Plan and may need to upload it to SEVIS.)

• Employer must agree to a training plan that describes how the employment will further your skills in your STEM major.
• Page 1 – SEVIS ID # is found on top of your I-20, page 1 or 2. Based on Prior Degree? – check “No” since since your Mac degree is your most recent degree. STEM OPT Requested Period should start day after your regular OPT ends and last no later than 2 years later.
• Pages 2 & 3 – Employer or address must be physical street address – no PO Box accepted. Start date of Employment must be requested STEM OPT extension start date, if you are coming from regular OPT period. If you are already on approved STEM extension, then use start date of new STEM employer.
• Page 5 – Leave blank for now – you only complete this at the mid-term (normally 12-month) and final review (normally after 24-month, unless you end STEM job earlier, then you complete the final review when job ends).

13. Employer support letter on company letterhead that states employer name (as shown in E-Verify) and E-Verify number (is 4-7 numerical characters and is not the same as EIN), your legal name, position title (with department/lab as applicable), dates of employment, job duties as it relates to your STEM major, pay, location, and hours of work per week.

• If the STEM OPT employer indicates they cannot disclose their E-Verify number, share the information at this link with them, to help familiarize them with the reason they need to disclose this number to you.

14. Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement before meeting with or ISP reviews your STEM OPT application.

15. ISP must issue a new I-20 to submit with your I-765 STEM OPT application.

• Complete application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of new I-20 issuance, forgetting to submit new I-20 will result in STEM OPT rejection.
• You must print and sign in ink your new I-20, and submit a scan of it with your I-765 STEM OPT application.
• Log into your USCIS account to check the status of your OPT application or check the status of it online after you receive a receipt number from USCIS.

16. Once you have reviewed your I-765 application and accompanying documents, and met with ISP, submit your payment information as directed in the online application and follow prompts to complete the submission of your I-765. Download a PDF copy of your application for your records. If for any reason filing electronically is not an option, these are the addresses used prior to electronic filing to send application materials to the USCIS Chicago lockbox, depending on mailing method:

• Biology (CIP: 260101)
• Chemistry (CIP: 400501)
• Computer Science (CIP: 110101)
• Computational Science (CIP: 303001 or Data Science)
• Digital Comm/Media/Multimedia (CIP: 09.0702 formerly MCST or Media Cultual Studies)
• Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (CIP: 450603 formerly Economics)
• Environmental Studies (CIP: 030103)
• Geography and Environmental Studies (CIP: 304401; formerly Geography)
• Geology (CIP: 400601)
• Mathematics (CIP: 270101)
• Neuroscience (CIP: 261501)
• Physics (CIP: 400801)
• Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (CIP: 422799 formerly Psychology)
• Statistics (CIP: 270101) – Note Macalester lists Statistics with Math major CIP code

• Apply up to 90 days (3 months) before your current EAD expires.
• The extension application must be received by USCIS BEFORE your current OPT expires.

It takes approximately 2 to 4 months for USCIS to process your request and mail your EAD to the address on Form I-765. Several weeks after you apply (expect delays during pandemic), you should receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) in the mail from USCIS. Students who file a timely application can continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first. The EAD will reflect the dates of your employment authorization. The authorization period begins the day after the expiration of your initial post-completion OPT employment authorization and ends 24 months later, regardless of the date the extension is approved.

Check the status of your OPT application after you receive a receipt letter and number from USCIS.