Please Sign-In Up Front and Take an I-983 Training Plan (and some goodies). We will get started shortly.

Transcription

1 Please Sign-In Up Front and Take an I-983 Training Plan (and some goodies). We will get started shortly.

2 STEM OPT Workshop: Extended Training for International Alumni in STEM fields International Students and Scholars

3 What you can expect of this meeting: Who s here? Short background on STEM OPT Extension Quick summary of new regulations STEM OPT Extension application process The I-983 Training Plan Life on STEM OPT Q&A Save your questions to the end please! And nothing personal!

4 What is the STEM OPT Extension? STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math OPT: Optional Practical Training Benefit and continuation of F-1 Student Status Extension of work authorization for 24 months beyond the 12 months of postcompletion OPT Requires degree in a STEM related field Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify OPT and STEM OPT are sponsored by the University (not the Employer) BUT: STEM OPT requires employer attestations

5 STEM OPT Rules Feature Rule Duration of Extension 24 months Limits on Unemployment STEM OPT Extensions filings allowed per lifetime STEM OPT Extensions based on prior qualifying degree? Continued work authorization with timely filing? Validity of I-20 after being issued? Cap-Gap Benefit included? 60 days + remainder of unemployment from OPT period = total (up to 150 days max) 2 (at higher degree level) Yes Yes, up to 180 days while STEM OPT Extension is pending 60 days Yes

6 STEM OPT Rules Feature Rule Application Process Student (and Employer) complete I-983 Training Plan with Attestations Student requests I-20 from University (request must include I-983 Training Plan) University creates I-20 via SEVIS Student collects I-20 from University EAD application prepared and submitted to USCIS USCIS issues EAD Card Filing Requirements Form I-765 Filing Fees Photos New I-20 from University Supporting Docs (prior I-20s, I-94, passport copy, etc.) Submit to University: I-983 Training Plan and Attestations

7 STEM OPT Rules Feature Rule Student Requirements Completion of I-983 Training Plan and Attestations Application to USCIS Reporting employment and address changes to University 6 month validation s Not exceeding unemployment period Reporting material changes Submission of evaluation of progress (at 12 and 24 months)

8 STEM OPT Rules Feature Rule Employer Requirements E-Verify Enrollment Participation in completion of I-983 Training Plan Signature and Attestations on I-983 Training Plan Participation in evaluation and signature on evaluation submission Reporting material changes to University Reporting last day of employment to University Subject to random site-visits

9 STEM OPT Rules Feature Rule University Requirements Continue to sponsor immigration status for months beyond graduation Maintain immigration compliance files for at least 3 years beyond end of status Provide guidance and advising Create I-20s Report employment and address updates into SEVIS system Complete 6 month check-ins Validate and maintain copies of I-983 Training plans and attestations Report material changes to I-983 Training plans and attestations via SEVIS Monitor, validate and maintain copies of 12 and 24 month evaluations

10 STEM OPT Timing Considerations Submit your Training Plan Days OPT EAD Card Expiration Date Filing Period 90 Days Processing Time 3-4 Months If your application is on file before your card expires You can work while the application is pending, up to 180 days Unemployment Clock 60 Days + OPT left over

11 How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension 1. Attend or Watch a STEM OPT Workshop Good job! 2. Prepare your Training Plan (Form I-983) and STEM OPT Extension Application. Schedule a consultation if you have questions 3. Submit a your STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request and completed Training Plan (Form I-983) 4. Receive your new I-20 from our office via: STEM OPT Advising appointment or Pick-up or Mail you pick! 5. Mail your application to USCIS

12 Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students DSOs cannot issue a STEM OPT I-20 until we have the properly completed I- 983 Training Plan. Fillable PDF and tips are on our website (scu.edu/stemopt) The point of the form is to tie the STEM OPT experience back into the educational goals and learning objectives of the F-1 program This form requires students to work with employer way in advance of the STEM OPT filing. There are some tricky questions, and it s different than anything an F-1 student has had to do before. The form is not submitted to USCIS with STEM OPT Application, but USCIS can request it (via RFE) Entrepreneurs, small businesses and consulting / staffing / placement companies are at risk

13 Student Information

14 Student Certification

15 Employer Information

16 Employer Certification

17 Training Plan

18 The training plan really asks you to work with your company to consider What you want from this experience and how you will apply, expand, improve and enhance the skills, knowledge and techniques you first encountered in your degree program. Remember you re an F-1 Student, not a worker. Focus less on: title, role, responsibilities, duties, tasks, assignments or ways you benefit the company Focus more on: educational outcomes, learning goals, and ways training with this company will benefit you and your education Why did you want to work with this company? What are you getting out of this other than a pay check and a line for your resume?

19 Student Role "Describe what tasks and assignments the student will carry out during the training and how these relate to the student's STEM degree. The plan must cover a specific span of time and detail specific goals and objectives." Things to consider: What are your job responsibilities, duties and tasks? How will these change over time? How are these are connected to goals and objectives that relate to the STEM degree? How do your specific goals and objectives of the role, as well as day to day tasks expand and enhance the knowledge gained in your STEM degree program?

20 Goals and Objectives "Describe the specific skills, knowledge and techniques the student will learn or apply; how the student will achieve the goals set out for his or her training and the training curriculum, including the timeline. Things to consider: What are your goals for this job? What knowledge do you hope to gain? What do you hope to learn more about, improve upon or gain experience with? How will your assignments, responsibilities, duties, and tasks help you meet those goals?

21 Employer Oversight This should outline your day to day oversight and supervision (individual meetings, team meetings etc) and should outline any company policy for supervision. Things to consider: What kind of mentoring, oversight and supervision will you receive? Who do you report to? How do you report to them? Who supervises your work? How often do you meet with that person individually or with a team?

22 Measures and Assessments This should outline the company practice / policy regarding evaluations, assessment and feedback. Things to consider: How do you know if you're meeting the goals and objectives? How do you know if you're doing a "good job"? How do you know what you need to improve on? How are you assigned new tasks? How are your accomplishments evaluated?

23 Additional Remarks & Employer Certification

24 12 and 24 Month Evaluations

25 How to Apply for STEM OPT Extension 1. Attend or Watch a STEM OPT Workshop 2. Prepare your Training Plan (Form I-983) and STEM OPT Extension Application. Schedule a consultation if you have questions 3. Submit a your STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request and completed Training Plan (Form I-983) via 4. Get your new I-20 from our office via: STEM OPT Advising appointment or Pick-up or Mail you pick! 5. Mail your application to USCIS

26 How to request your STEM OPT I-20 You are NOT required to meet with an advisor in person. You can request a phone or in-person consultation for questions. your docs to ISS@scu.edu Subject Line: STEM OPT Request (Your Student ID#) Attach your completed STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request (ISS Form) Attach your completed Training Plan (Form I-983) Attach a copy of your current EAD Card ISS will review within 10 business days and either issue your new I-20 or ask you to correct and resubmit your request. You can elect to get your I-20 via via pick-up, or via mail. You can also request an STEM OPT Advising Appointment where we review your application before you mail it! USCIS must receive your OPT Application within 60 days of I-20 issuance

27 OPT Application Package Tips Templates, samples and FAQs are online Cover Letter $410 Check - NEWLY INCREASED! Passport Photos (from reputable photographer) Form I-765 (sample online) New I-20 (appointment, pick-up or mailing) Copies of Supporting Documents Immigration documents like all prior I-20s, EAD Cad, I-797 Approval (CoS students), I-94, Passport biodata and visa pages Diploma, Transcripts Clear copies, single sided, no staples, 8 ½ X 11 paper

28 Once your case has been mailed Receipt Notice 7-10 days Check for typos Track your case online / sign up for USCIS alerts Contact ISS if you have any questions Do not contact the government directly Legally able to stay while it s pending Legally able to work while it s pending up to 180 days (even if your current card expires) The case will be pending for about 90 days Notify our office of changes or travel

29 Once your case is approved 3-4 months after you file, you get an approval notice and your official STEM OPT EAD Card in the mail Check for typos or errors (contact ISS if you find any) Upload card to our OPT Reporting Portal You may not exceed unemployment 60 days + any remaining unemployment from your OPT period You are required to report to our office Employment details via OPT Reporting Portal (scu.edu/reportopt) Changes to Home Address via ecampus Material Changes to the I-983 Training Plan Evaluations at end of training or at 12 and 24 month points Travel is possible, but may require advising. Benefit from our expertise while you can! Think critically about H-1B sponsorship

30 Still have questions? Read the website and FAQs All STEM OPT Advising is done by appointment Schedule a consultation (phone or in person) Please do not come during drop-in advising hours One point of contact; one kind of contact. iss@scu.edu Please be patient! Response Time: 2 business days Processing Time : 10 business days

31 Q&A Please keep questions and comments general in nature (not specific to your situation).