Getting In
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information
- What is OPT?
- When to Apply for OPT
- How to Apply for OPT
- OPT Quiz
- Reporting Requirements While on OPT
- Traveling While Employed on OPT
- Tax Issues While Employed on OPT
- Steps After OPT
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month employment authorization for F-1 students to gain work experience in the academic subject they study. Prior to apply for OPT, students must have full-time F-1 enrollment for at least one academic year. Optional Practical Training is a benefit for F-1 visa students. You remain an F-1 visa student (you DO NOT change your visa) during OPT. As an F-1 student, you have requirements to remain in legal status while on OPT.
Requirements for students approved for Optional Practical Training
- Look for and get a job. New rules require student to have authorized work during approved OPT. If you have more than 90 days, collectively, of no employment your OPT approval is cancelled.
- Report all jobs. You must report all employment to the International Office to be considered approved employment.
- Report your home address. All international students must report any change in address within 10 days of moving.
- Travel only when approved. Students on OPT need valid employment.
SPECIAL NOTE: MiraCosta College is NOT responsible for your F-1 status when you approved for Optional Practical Training. International students are solely responsible for maintaining all F-1 requirements while on Optional Practical Training, including finding an approved job and maintaining work throughout approved OPT.
When to Apply for OPT
International student can apply for Optional Practical Training in TWO situations:
- While going to school full-time. Students can apply for Pre-Completion OPT for up to 20 hours per week when school is in session. Students must be an F-1 student for a minimum of 1 academic year
- When student is graduating with an Associate’s Degree or Certificate of Achievement. Students can apply for Post-Completion OPT for full-time employment. Post-Completion optional practical training can be no more than 12 months total and must be approved within 60 days of graduating. Students must be attending school full-time for a minimum of 1 academic year. A student can apply for Post-Completion OPT 90 days before graduating up until graduation day.
How to Apply for OPT
Step 1:
You must attend one of the OPT workshops offered by the IIP and take the OPT Quiz. You are recommended to attend the workshops provided by the Career Center.
OPT Quiz
You will need to complete and receive a 100% on the OPT Quiz in order to be eligible to participate in OPT. You may take the quiz as many times as you need to in order to pass. Your results will be sent to the International Office.
Step 2:
You need to complete the following OPT application requirements:
- Form I-765
- Form I-538 (you only need to fill out section A) Students can choose a START DATE from the day after graduating up to 60 days after graduating. End date is one year later.
- Take two (2) passport-sized photos meeting the picture specifications
- Read and Understand the Frequently Asked Questions
Step 3:
You are required to make an appointment at the International Office by calling 760-795-6897 to review your application.
Step 4:
When meeting with the International Student Advisor, please bring the following documents:
- All of your I-20 Forms (from MiraCosta College and any other colleges or language schools you may have attended)
- Completed Form I-765
- Completed Form I-538 (2 pages)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Passport, visa and I-94 card
- Check or money order in the amount of $380.00 payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
- Resume (see Career Studies and Services, Bldg. 3700, for assistance in developing a resume
Step 5:
After your application is reviewed, you need to mail* the documents by using certify mail with return receipt to the following address:
- For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
- For Express mail and courier deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Step 6:
Bring your OPT receipt notice and OPT/EAD card to the IIP for copy.
Step 7:
Once the OPT/EAD card is approved, you will be eligible for applying for a Social Security Number.
Reporting Requirements While on OPT
Click here to download OPT Best Practice Guidlines
On April 8, 2008 the Department of Homeland Security published new F-1 OPT regulations that became effective immediately. This is a summary of those obligations required for international students to report the following information to the International Office while on OPT.
Click here to update your OPT information online
- Report any change of your name or address of residence
- Report the name and address of your employer. If you have more than one employer, you must provide each employer's name and address.
- Report any change to employment including employment end date and any changes to employer's name or address. Students on OPT must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment. Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns in your major field of study.
- If you decide not to use OPT and depart the U.S. to return home or to another country.
Failure to report any information required for OPT students will result in your F-1 status termination.
Traveling While Employed on OPT
You will need the following documents in order to return to the U.S.
- Valid passport and valid F-1 visa
- I-20 form with OPT recommendation printed on page 3
- Employment Authorization Card showing approved OPT
- A letter from your current employer showing you are working in a job directly related to your field of study you completed; or looking for work directly related to your field of study.
Tax Issues While Employed on OPT
Can I go to school while on OPT?
While on OPT, students must be working. However, a student can enroll for one or two classes with approval from MiraCosta College but CANNOT begin a new program of study.
Do I need to pay income taxes while employed on OPT?
Yes, all F-1 students with employment in the U.S. must file federal and state income taxes each year. Based on your income level and other factors, you may be subject to paying income taxes. See instructions on how to file income taxes here.
Do I need to pay Social Security and Medicare Taxes?
Generally speaking, all F-1 students on OPT are exempt from Social Secuity and Medicare taxes. Please refer to the Internal Revenue Services' website for additional information. The US Immigration and Custom Enforcement also has a great website to guide employers. Here is a link from the Social Security Administration with information on taxing income from F-1 students:
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/205/kw/F-1%20students
Steps After OPT
How long can I stay in the U.S. after my OPT expires?
You can stay in the U.S. up to 60 days. This only applies to students who have completed OPT. Students on post-completion OPT who have accrued more than three months of unemployment are considered "out of status" and are not eligible for a grace period.
Can I return to school after completing OPT?
Yes, if you obtain a new I-20 for the next program of studies within 60 days of your OPT completion. Before receiving the new I-20, you must complete a school transfer request and fax it to the International Office at 760-757-8209 with the admissions letter from the new school.
Can I change to another status in the U.S. after completing OPT?
You must contact an immigration attorney to figure out your options prior to the expiration of your OPT.
Contact Information P 1.760.795.6897 Location Oceanside Campus
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Mailing Address MiraCosta College Office Hours Monday to Friday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) |
