{"id":193,"date":"2018-01-13T17:06:12","date_gmt":"2018-01-13T17:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/160-isp\/employmentpostmac\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T13:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:10:43","slug":"employmentpostmac","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/governmentregulations\/employmentpostmac\/","title":{"rendered":"Employment post-Macalester"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This employment authorization<strong> allows an F-1 student to work a paid or unpaid job related to their major.<\/strong> OPT employment may be done while school is in session or during breaks; however, Mac international students tend to utilize OPT for after graduation. <strong>A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"408\" src=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-11.10.25-AM-1024x408.png\" alt=\"OPT Timeline\" class=\"wp-image-8399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-11.10.25-AM-1024x408.png 1024w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-11.10.25-AM-300x120.png 300w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-11.10.25-AM-768x306.png 768w,  https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-11.10.25-AM.png 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    id=\"application\">\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t        <h2 class=\"accordion-group__heading\">OPT Application Process<\/h2>\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-1\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Timeline and Important Numbers<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Applications may be submitted no more than\u00a0<strong>90 days\u00a0before program completion<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>within\u00a060 days of program completion\u00a0<\/strong>while you are in the U.S;\u00a0job offer not required to submit OPT application. As of April 2021, you can<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/news\/news-releases\/f-1-students-seeking-optional-practical-training-can-now-file-form-i-765-online\">\u00a0file Form I-765 application for OPT online<\/a>\u00a0.We recommend that you\u00a0<strong>apply online<\/strong>. To file Form I-765 online, you must first create a USCIS online account at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov\/\">myaccount.uscis.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>90 days before program completion date<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Recommended date to apply for OPT in order to receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before program completing date (which may be different from graduation date). If graduating in mid-May, apply by mid-February; if graduating mid-December, apply by mid-September. Applications received earlier than 90 days by USCIS will be rejected.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>30 days<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>USCIS must receive OPT application within 30 days if I-20 issuance; failure to do so means rejection of OPT application.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>3-5 months or more<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>To process applications and complete the authorization process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>60 days<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>60 days after program completion date is the latest date you can apply for OPT. You should plan to leave the U.S. if you have not applied within the 60-day grace period.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>12 months<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Amount of time you could work full-time on OPT.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>14 months<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>OPT must be completed within 14 months of program completion date.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>21 hours<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Minimum you must work or volunteer per week in your major to be considered employed by USCIS (full-time employment differs from employer&#8217;s definition).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>90 days<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Cumulative number of days you may be unemployed until you have to leave the country.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>10 days<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Must report within 10 days any changes to your required information through <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/sevp.ice.gov\/opt\/#\/login\">SEVP Portal<\/a>\u00a0or I<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/#\/0\">SP SEVIS Update Form<\/a>. If your employment is terminated or interrupted in some way and no more than 10 days passes in between starting a new job, no time will be deducted from the 90-day clock.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-2\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Required Materials<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>Needed BEFORE appointment with ISP staff<\/p>\n<p>For the online application, you need to prepare or complete these relevant documents\/forms (<em>make copies for yourself<\/em>)\u00a0<strong>BEFORE<\/strong>\u00a0your appointment with ISP staff. These documents are important as they will be uploaded with I-765 when you apply online.\u00a0<strong>Failure to submit the required documents, including a new I-20 from ISP, results in the rejection of your application.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/passports\/how-apply\/photos.html\">Passport-style photo<\/a>\u00a0taken within 30 days of the application\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure the image fits the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/photos\/digital-image-requirements.html\">US Dept. of State digital image requirements<\/a>; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.<\/li>\n<li>Helpful tips for photo<strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photoaid.com\/\">photoAiD<\/a>\u00a0is phone application that might be helpful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Completed\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\">Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Please read the I-765\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/document\/forms\/i-765instr.pdf\">instructions<\/a>\u00a0and form carefully,\u00a0<\/strong>not all questions apply to you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Create an account<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Section: Getting Started<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>For Eligibility Category,\u00a0<strong>(c) (3) (B)<\/strong>\u00a0for post-completion OPT form.<\/li>\n<li>For the question, \u201c<em>Is someone assisting you with completing this application?<\/em>\u201d -No.<\/li>\n<li>There is a question about whether you want to pay extra for premium processing. We recommend you answer\u00a0<strong>no\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 if you have questions, please ask the ISP professional staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Section: About You<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>For current U.S. mailing address, use a mailing address that\u00a0<strong>will be valid beyond graduation<\/strong>\u00a0or at least 3-5 months after OPT application submission.<\/li>\n<li>Get your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number at the top of the page. Use your\u00a0<strong>newest I-94:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/I94\/#\/home\">Form I-94.<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Alien Registration Number (A-Number): if you are applying for initial post-completion OPT, choose \u201cI do not have or know my A-Number.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>USCIS Online Account Number: most students will check the box \u201cI do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Section: Evidence<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>For I-20: You will upload the I-20 with OPT\u00a0<strong>after<\/strong>\u00a0meeting with ISP staff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review<\/strong>: Go to \u201cYour application summary\u201d as part of online application and click on \u201cView Draft Snapshot.\u201d A PDF document will be available for download; save and have this I-765 draft ready for your meeting with ISP staff if needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>DO\u00a0NOT\u00a0SUBMIT APPLICATION BEFORE HAVING APPOINTMENT WITH ISP STAFF<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Copy of recent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/I94\/#\/home\">Form I-94<\/a>\u00a0(not travel history) to upload with online I-765<\/li>\n<li>Complete Mac\u2019s<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/rJFm6sroQiRr4FQE8\">\u00a0OPT Application Supplement<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>After finishing these steps, please set up a meeting with Molly or Britt to review your application material!!!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-3\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">ISP Appointment<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>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.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>ISP will print CPT history, if applicable, to upload with online I-765.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ISP must issue a new I-20\u00a0with OPT\u00a0for you to submit with your application<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sign your new I-20.<\/li>\n<li>Upload new I-20\u00a0<strong>(with OPT recommendation)\u00a0<\/strong>with online I-765<\/li>\n<li>Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance,\u00a0<strong><em>failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in the application\u2019s rejection<\/em>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Submit I-765<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Payment:\u00a0<strong>$470\u00a0<\/strong>($520 for paper application)\u2014credit or debit card, or U.S. bank account information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Check the status of your OPT application via your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov\/\">USCIS account<\/a>\u00a0or online at this\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/\">case status website<\/a>\u00a0after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.\n<ul>\n<li>Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.<\/li>\n<li>EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) , contact ISP immediately with the notice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Time to complete authorization process:\u00a0<strong>90-150 days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-4\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">If Applying By Mail<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><ol>\n<li>Be aware that mail-in I-765 applications involve significantly longer processing times, therefore online applications are highly encouraged.<\/li>\n<li>Two\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/passports\/how-apply\/photos.html\">passport-style photos<\/a>\u00a0taken within 30 days\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure the image fits the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/photos\/digital-image-requirements.html\">US Dept. of State digital image requirements<\/a>; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.<\/li>\n<li>Helpful tips for photo<strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photoaid.com\/\">photoAiD<\/a>\u00a0is phone application that might be helpful<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Online payment of $520.\n<ul>\n<li>submit\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/fingerprints\/pay-a-credit-card\">Form G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Completed<a class=\"more external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/g-1145\">\u00a0Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application\/Petition Acceptance<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>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\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov\/\">USCIS online account<\/a>. 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.<\/li>\n<li>If applying online, you will get electronic notification and likely a receipt letter by mail after submission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Completed<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\">\u00a0Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Please read the I-765 instructions and form carefully,\u00a0<\/strong>not all questions apply to you.<\/li>\n<li>If you are applying by mail and can\u2019t type your answer in the I-765, then handwrite responses.\n<ul>\n<li>For Line 1.a., check \u201cInitial permission to accept employment.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>For Line 7.a. Applicant\u2019s Signature \u2013 DO NOT SIGN electronically.\u00a0<strong>Use a pen and sign it by hand only\u00a0<\/strong>after printing out Form I-765.<\/li>\n<li>For Line 27 Eligibility Category,\u00a0<strong>enter code (c) (3) (B) for post-completion<\/strong>\u00a0or graduation OPT; (c) (3) (C) is for STEM OPT extension, and (c) (3) (A) is for pre-completion.<\/li>\n<li>Submit all pages even if they are blank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Copy of passport photo page (valid passport at least 6 months into future) \u2013 mail paper copy<\/li>\n<li>Copy of F-1 visa page \u2013 mail paper copy<\/li>\n<li>Copy of recent\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/I94\/#\/home\">Form I-94<\/a>\u00a0(not travel history) \u2013 mail paper copy<\/li>\n<li>ISP will print CPT history if applicable \u2013 mail paper copy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make an appointment with Molly or Britt to review your application material.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Complete Mac\u2019s<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/rJFm6sroQiRr4FQE8\">\u00a0OPT Application Supplement<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ISP must issue a new I-20\u00a0with OPT\u00a0for you to submit with your application<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to sign your new I-20.<\/li>\n<li>Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance,\u00a0<strong><em>failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in application\u2019s rejection<\/em>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do\">Check the status of your OPT application<\/a>\u00a0after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.\n<ul>\n<li>Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.<\/li>\n<li>EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), contact ISP immediately with the notice.<\/li>\n<li>Time to complete authorization process: 90-150 days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If not submitting OPT application, Form I-765 online, send materials to the USCIS Chicago lockbox depending on mailing method:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>U.S. Postal Service (USPS) use tracking service:\u00a0<\/strong>USCIS<br \/>\nPO Box 805373<br \/>\nChicago, IL 60680<\/td>\n<td><strong>FedEx and UPS deliveries:\u00a0<\/strong>USCIS<br \/>\nAttn: I-765 C03<br \/>\n131 South Dearborn \u2013 3rd Floor<br \/>\nChicago, IL 60603-5517<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-5\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Reporting Requirements While on OPT<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><div class=\"boxed-text\">\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong>\u00a0Failure to report may result in termination of F-1 status.<\/p>\n<p>1. Submit copy of your OPT Receipt Notice (Form I-797) and new EAD to ISP; we will issue you a new I-20 with approved OPT status.<\/p>\n<p>2. SEVIS regulations requires that you <strong>report the following within 10 days of their change<\/strong> via Student Exchange 日韩精品or Program\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/sevp.ice.gov\/opt\/#\/login\">(SEVP) Portal<\/a>\u00a0or through ISP\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>U.S. home and mailing address.<\/li>\n<li>U.S. and foreign telephone numbers.<\/li>\n<li>Employer name and address (for new employment) or termination of employment.<\/li>\n<li>Supervisor name and contact information.<\/li>\n<li>If you depart the U.S. and not returning (ending your OPT), change your legal name, or your employment changes or ends, please report that directly to ISP\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>3. Reporting other information<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Notify ISP if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT.<\/li>\n<li>Notify ISP if you change your visa status during your OPT.<\/li>\n<li>Work 21 hours per week in one or more jobs related to your major to stop your 90-day unemployment clock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-6\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">FAQ<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-6\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p><strong>Q: What status am I in while on OPT?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: OPT is a benefit and continuation of your F-1 status.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Do I need a job to apply for OPT?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: No.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: When\u00a0<em>should<\/em>\u00a0I file for post-graduation Optional Practical Training work option?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: ISP\u2019s recommends you apply for OPT 90 days before your program end date (which may not be same as graduation date), found on page 1 of your I-20. If you file by this time, you should receive your work authorization card around the time you graduate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: When<\/strong>\u00a0<em><strong>must<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<strong>I file?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: If you don\u2019t file within 60 days from program completion date (see your I-20 for exact 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. <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do\">Check OPT Petition Status here<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: How long does OPT allow me to work?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>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?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: 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 work before October.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Can I leave the U.S. and return while my OPT is pending? What about after it\u2019s approved? Or while I\u2019m working on OPT?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: ISP has outlined the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Travel-Risk-while-on-OPT.pdf\"><strong>Travel Risk<\/strong><\/a> associated with certain scenarios; be sure to ask ISP staff about your specific situation. Answers depend on having a valid visa, 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/sevis\/travel#_Toc81222015\">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Is there a limit on how long I can be unemployed?<br \/>\n<\/strong>A: You have 90 days of unemployment from approved OPT start date, and you must leave the U.S. if you exceed 90 days. You must work or volunteer in your major for at least 21 hours a week to qualify for full-time employment (this is different than 40 hours normally considered by employers). Part-time employment (under 21 hours\/week) does count toward unemployment day count, however you must still report it to your DSO.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: I have applied to start U.S. graduate school in the fall. Should I apply?<\/strong><br \/>\nA: 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: What if I have a change of address during my employment?<br \/>\n<\/strong>A: You must report EVERY change of name or address (personal and employment) within 10 days of the change to ISP.\u00a0 Also report changes in your employer or employment status. You can report most changes via Student Exchange 日韩精品or Program <a href=\"https:\/\/sevp.ice.gov\/opt\/#\/login\">(SEVP) Portal<\/a>\u00a0or through ISP\u2019s\u00a0<a class=\"more submit\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Should I apply for OPT before renewing my passport?<br \/>\n<\/strong>A: If your passport is about to expire, you should apply for OPT before renewing your passport. If you have applied for a new passport, include proof of pending application.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: After OPT I found a job or I have changed employers, do I need a new I-20?<br \/>\n<\/strong>A: Contact ISP or submit update through the <a class=\"more submit\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q: Can I study while on OPT?<br \/>\n<\/strong>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 result in the termination of your OPT and update this on your SEVIS record. You may also need to consult an experienced immigration attorney.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS &amp; EMPLOYERS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>See the resources below for information on how to talk to your potential employer about hiring international students: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to<strong> respond to questions employers may ask about having legal work authorization<\/strong>, and whether visa sponsorship is required, which tend to come up during the application process: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naceweb.org\/public-policy-and-legal\/legal-issues\/d4a8a729-31e5-45b9-b100-be4bf27a1be3\">Article from January 2021<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/interstride.com\/blog\/how-to-answer-will-you-now-or-in-the-future-require-sponsorship-to-work-in-the-us\/\">Article from July 2023<\/a> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/12\/What-Employers-Should-Know-About-Hiring-International-Students-_-NAFSA.pdf\">What Employers Should Know About Hiring International Students (NAFSA).<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stemopt\">STEM OPT EXTENSION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you were a STEM major at Macalester, you may be eligible for a 24 month extension of your OPT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an overview of STEM OPT extension rules and regulations from the Homeland Security, review their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/stem-opt-hub\">\u201cSTEM OPT Information Hub\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ISP has outlined the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/10\/Travel-Risk-while-on-OPT.pdf\"><strong>Travel Risk<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;(see page 2) associated with certain scenarios while on STEM OPT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eligibility requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Currently authorized for post-completion OPT and working for a US employer in a job directly related to your major (not minor or concentration).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Has a job-offer or is employed by an employer registered with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-verify.gov\/?utm_medium=search&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=everify2018&amp;utm_content=bg_Branded_Everify_General_English_BMM_E_Verify&amp;utm_keyword=e_verify\">E-Verify<\/a>&nbsp;federal employment verification system.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>STEM OPT e<em>mployment cannot be unpaid\/volunteer must be compensated and cannot be self-employed.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bachelor\u2019s degree&nbsp;in a field on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program list.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note that DHS major titles differ slightly from official Macalester titles. Use DHS titles in your application. A list is provided in a drop down menu below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<accordion-container\n    tag=\"section\"\n    class=\"accordion-group block-container\"\n    id=\"stemoptmoreinfo\">\t\n\t<div class=\"accordion-group__outer\">\n\t    \t        <h2 class=\"accordion-group__heading\">STEM OPT EXTENSION more information<\/h2>\n\t    \t    <ul class=\"accordion-group__list\">\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-1\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Application Process<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-1\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTES:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>As of April 2021, you can<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/news\/news-releases\/f-1-students-seeking-optional-practical-training-can-now-file-form-i-765-online\">\u00a0file Form I-765 application for OPT or STEM OPT online<\/a>\u00a0(or via mail)<em>.\u00a0<\/em>To file Form I-765 online, you must first create a USCIS online account at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov\/\">myaccount.uscis.gov<\/a>.<em>\u00a0If submitting STEM OPT via online portal you used for your OPT application, make sure your mailing address is updated in the portal\u00a0<\/em><strong>BEFORE<\/strong><em>\u00a0you 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.<br \/>\n<\/em><\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>USCIS must receive your application within 60 days of the \u201cDate Issued\u201d listed on your new I-20 containing your STEM OPT recommendation (<em>ISP recommends 30 days<\/em>).\u00a0<strong>Failure to include new I-20 from ISP will result in STEM OPT denial.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>Unemployment during OPT is limited to 150 days (including any days used while under regular OPT).<\/li>\n<li><em>Strongly advised not to travel outside of the U.S. while your STEM OPT is being adjudicated, and you should\u00a0<strong>consult with ISP about any travel plans<\/strong>.<\/em>\u00a0If 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\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/sevis\/travel#_Toc81222015\">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel page<\/a>. You can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/wait-times.html\">view visa processing times at U.S. embassies and consulates<\/a>\u00a0and 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>ISP needs to review your material before we can issue an I-20<\/strong>. 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. <em><strong>Failure to submit the required documents, including a new I-20 from ISP, will mean rejection of your application.<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>1. Complete Mac\u2019s<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/rJFm6sroQiRr4FQE8\">\u00a0OPT Application Supplement<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2. A digital <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/passports\/how-apply\/photos.html\">passport-style photo<\/a> taken within 30 days that meets\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/photos\/digital-image-requirements.html\">US Dept of State digital image criteria<\/a>, uploaded in pertinent field as part of online I-765 application.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure the image fits the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/us-visas\/visa-information-resources\/photos\/digital-image-requirements.html\">US Dept. of State digital image requirements<\/a>; the website also has an editing tool to upload your image for formatting.<\/li>\n<li>Helpful tips for photo<strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photoaid.com\/\">photoAiD<\/a> is phone application that might be helpful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>3. Payment of <strong> $470 <\/strong>($520 if paper application) pay by U.S. credit\/debit card for online applications).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pay using a valid U.S. based credit or debit card (non-US cards maybe be rejected) \u2013 if DHS is not able to charge your card, your application may automatically be rejected.<\/li>\n<li>No need to submit payment information to ISP for review, but<strong> MUST submit payment in order to submit online application<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>4. Download your completed <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\">Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization<\/a> as a PDF to email to ISP for review.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Please read the USCIS I-765 instructions, as notes below are not exhaustive. If section does not apply to you, do not answer.<\/li>\n<li>Line 1.a., check \u201cInitial permission to accept employment.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Line 5.a. \u2013 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. \u2013 7.d. DO NOT USE ISP mailing address.<\/li>\n<li>Line 8, Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is same number as the USCIS # on your EAD.<\/li>\n<li>Line 13.a. \u2013 13.b., Check \u201cYes\u201d if you have been issued a Social Security card and enter your Social Security Number.<\/li>\n<li>Line 21.c. \u2013 If you have another passport or travel document; DO NOT enter your F-1 visa number.<\/li>\n<li>Line 23 \u2013 Port you entered the U.S. \u2013 check your passport.<\/li>\n<li>Line 27 Eligibility Category, enter code (c) (3) (C) for STEM OPT extension.<\/li>\n<li>Line 28.a. Degree, enter Major and CIP Code, e.g., Econometrics 45.0603 or Math 27.0101, handwrite if cannot type.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Under Review and Submit tab of online application<\/strong>: Go to \u201cYour application summary\u201d and click on a small button on the page \u201cView Draft Snapshot.\u201d A PDF document will be available for download; save and show ISP staff this draft I-765 at your meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>6. Copy of passport photo page (valid passport at least 6 months into future)<\/p>\n<p>7. Copy of F-1 visa page<\/p>\n<p>8. Copy of recent\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/I94\/#\/home\">Form I-94<\/a><\/p>\n<p>9. Copy of\u00a0<strong>official<\/strong>\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/registrar\/services\/transcripts\/\">Mac transcript<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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 &#8220;based on a previously earned STEM degree,&#8221; which is not the case for Mac alumni, since there is generally no history of earning a degree before attending Macalester.<\/p>\n<p>11. Copy of valid OPT EAD from OPT (front and back)<\/p>\n<p>12. Completed <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/form-i-983-overview\">I-983 Training Plan<\/a> (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.)<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Employer must agree to a training plan that describes how the employment will further your skills in your STEM major.<\/li>\n<li>Page 1 \u2013 SEVIS ID # is found on top of your I-20, page 1 or 2. Based on Prior Degree? \u2013 check \u201cNo\u201d 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.<\/li>\n<li>Pages 2 &amp; 3 \u2013 Employer or address must be physical street address \u2013 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.<\/li>\n<li>Page 5 \u2013 Leave blank for now \u2013 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).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>13. Employer support letter on company letterhead that states employer name (as shown in E-Verify) and <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.e-verify.gov\/faq\/how-do-i-find-the-company-id-number#:~:text=The%20E-Verify%20company%20ID,below%20the%20E-Verify%20log\">E-Verify number<\/a>\u00a0(is 4-7 numerical characters and is <strong>not<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If the STEM OPT employer indicates they cannot disclose their E-Verify number, share <a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-verify.gov\/faq\/my-employee-asked-for-our-e-verify-company-id-number-so-they-can-apply-for-a-stem-opt-extension#:~:text=Employers%20may%20release%20their%20E,granted%20the%20STEM%20OPT%20extension.\">the information at this link<\/a> with them, to help familiarize them with the reason they need to disclose this number to you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>14. Complete Mac\u2019s<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/rJFm6sroQiRr4FQE8\">\u00a0OPT Application Supplement<\/a>\u00a0before meeting with or ISP reviews your STEM OPT application.<\/p>\n<p>15. <strong>ISP must issue a new I-20\u00a0to submit with your I-765 STEM OPT application<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Complete application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of new I-20 issuance, <strong><em>forgetting to submit\u00a0new I-20 will result in STEM OPT rejection<\/em>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>You must print and sign in ink your new I-20, and submit a scan of it with your I-765 STEM OPT application.<\/li>\n<li>Log into your USCIS account to check the status of your OPT application or <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do\">check the status <\/a>of it online after you receive a receipt number from USCIS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>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:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>U.S. Postal Service (USPS) use tracking service:<\/strong>USCIS<br \/>\nPO Box 805373<br \/>\nChicago, IL 60680<\/td>\n<td><strong>FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:<\/strong>USCIS<br \/>\nAttn: I-765 C03<br \/>\n131 South Dearborn \u2013 3rd Floor<br \/>\nChicago, IL 60603-5517<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-2\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">DHS Designated STEM Majors<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-2\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><ul>\n<li>Biology (CIP: 260101)<\/li>\n<li>Chemistry (CIP: 400501)<\/li>\n<li>Computer Science (CIP: 110101)<\/li>\n<li>Computational Science (CIP: 303001 or Data Science)<\/li>\n<li>Digital Comm\/Media\/Multimedia (CIP: 09.0702)<\/li>\n<li>Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (CIP: 450603 formerly Economics)<\/li>\n<li>Environmental Studies (CIP: 030103)<\/li>\n<li>Geography and Environmental Studies (CIP: 304401; formerly Geography)<\/li>\n<li>Geology (CIP: 400601)<\/li>\n<li>Mathematics (CIP: 270101)<\/li>\n<li>Neuroscience (CIP: 261501)<\/li>\n<li>Physics (CIP: 400801)<\/li>\n<li>Research and Experimental Psychology, Other (CIP: 422799 formerly Psychology)<\/li>\n<li>Statistics (CIP: 270101) \u2013 Note Macalester lists Statistics with Math major CIP code<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-3\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">When to Apply<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><ul>\n<li>Apply up to 90 days (3 months) before your current EAD expires.<\/li>\n<li>The extension application must be received by USCIS\u00a0<strong>BEFORE<\/strong>\u00a0your current OPT expires.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-4\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Wait for USCIS to Mail You the EAD<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-4\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><p>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.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/egov.uscis.gov\/casestatus\/landing.do\">Check the status of your OPT application<\/a>\u00a0after you receive a receipt letter and number from USCIS.<\/p><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t            <li class=\"accordion-group__list-item\">\n\t                <accordion-container-header\n\t                    tag=\"h3\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-heading\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <accordion-container-header-button\n\t                        class=\"accordion-group__heading-button\"\n\t                        controls=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                        id=\"accordion-group-heading-button-5\"\n\t                    >\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__button-text\">Reporting Requirements While on STEM OPT<\/span>\n\t                        <span class=\"accordion-group__icon-wrap\">\n\t                        \t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"base-symbol accordion-group__button-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t    <use xlink:href=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/macalester-2020\/dist\/svgs\/symbol-plus-small.svg#icon\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t                        <\/span>\n\t                    <\/accordion-container-header-button>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-header>\n\t                <accordion-container-panel\n\t                    id=\"accordion-group-5\"\n\t                    class=\"accordion-group__item-panel\"\n\t                >\n\t                    <div class=\"accordion-group__item-panel-inner\">\n\t                        <p><div class=\"boxed-text\">\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong>\u00a0Failure to report may result in termination of F-1 status.<\/p>\n<p>1. Upon receiving your STEM OPT receipt letter and new EAD, email copy of both to ISP, and ISP will send you updated I-20 reflection STEM OPT approval status.<\/p>\n<p>2. SEVIS regulations requires that you report the following within 10 days of their change via Student Exchange 日韩精品or Program\u00a0<a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/sevp.ice.gov\/opt\/#\/login\">(SEVP) Portal<\/a>\u00a0or through ISP\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>U.S. home and mailing address<\/li>\n<li>U.S. and foreign telephone numbers<\/li>\n<li>Employer name and address<\/li>\n<li>Supervisor name and contact information<\/li>\n<li>If you depart the U.S. (ending your STEM OPT), change your legal name, or your employment changes or ends, please report that directly to ISP\u00a0<a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/1aglHUGlXttXPmxwEnzPG-ZzvNhWXPXnAhxI0XRvs59w\/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1\">SEVIS Update Form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>3. Report (or confirmation) required at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months through ISP or submission of updated Form I-983 Training Plan (if anything changes in Section 3, 4, or 5 submit new Form I-983 to ISP):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Every 6 months (no earlier than 15 days before and no later than 30 days after) confirm with ISP your U.S. home address and employer\u2019s name and address if it is still the same or has changed.<\/li>\n<li>At 12-months of STEM OPT, you must submit an updated Form I-983 (page 5) that includes a completed Evaluation on Student Progress.<\/li>\n<li>At 24-months of STEM OPT (or completion of STEM employment if it ends earlier), you must submit an updated Form I-983 (page 5) that includes a completed Final Evaluation. If employment ends early the student must submit the Final Evaluation within 10 days following the conclusion of the STEM employment.<\/li>\n<li>Notify ISP if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT or OPT STEM.<\/li>\n<li>Notify ISP if you change your visa status during your OPT or OPT STEM.<\/li>\n<li>Travel Endorsements (ISP DSO signatures on Page 2) are valid for 6-month periods only during STEM OPT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/p>\n\t                    <\/div>\n\t                <\/accordion-container-panel>\n\t            <\/li>\n\t        \t    <\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/accordion-container>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"h1b\"><\/a>WORK VISA: H-1B<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>H-1B is a temporary worker visa designated for individuals coming temporarily to the United States to work in a specialty occupation. Only&nbsp;<em>65,000<\/em> cap subject H-1B visas are authorized per year; additional 20,000 available for those with graduate degrees. Applicants are selected through a lottery if there are too many applicants. Learn about <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.immihelp.com\/h1b-visa-sponsors\/\">companies that have sponsored H-1B applications.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>日韩精品 is not responsible<\/em> for helping students attain a H-1B visa. Students must contact their employer to apply for H-1B. More information about the H-1B Visa can be found on the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/working-united-states\/temporary-workers\/h-1b-specialty-occupations-dod-cooperative-research-and-development-project-workers-and-fashion-models\">U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The H-1B visa is usually used after OPT ends in order to extend the stay in the U.S. H-1B visas are not issued until October or later. Therefore, even if the employer has agreed to sponsor the visa, students are required to file for OPT or STEM extension in order to begin or continue working before H-1B approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Applying for an H-1B Visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers must apply for the visa on behalf of the employee. The employee must have graduated before an employer can sponsor a petition. Students (employees) cannot apply for the H-1B visa on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A petition for an H-1B visa can be submitted on<em> April 1st<\/em> in order for it to have effect starting on <em>October 1st<\/em>. Documents must be prepared before April 1, typically with a lawyer. The company is required to pay the fees incurred through the application process, including fees charged by the lawyers. The application process approximately costs $5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa Requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You must have an employer-employee relationship with the petitioning U.S. employer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your job must qualify as a specialty occupation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your job must be in a specialty occupation related to your field of study.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must be paid at least the actual or prevailing wage for your occupation, whichever is higher.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An H-1B visa number must be available at the time of filing the petition, unless the petition is exempt from numerical limits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) This employment authorization allows an 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 breaks; however, Mac international students tend to utilize OPT for after graduation. A job offer is not required to apply for [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":171,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-193","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=193"}],"version-history":[{"count":305,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/193\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9639,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/193\/revisions\/9639"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.macalester.edu\/isp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}