Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2018

Career Development

Optional Practical Training Employers and employees, faculty and students, may all be confused about the ability to legally extend a foreign

cate that the student has been recommended for OPT. With the updated I-20, the student can submit an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765, along with required information) to a designated US Citizenship and Immigration Office. Employment cannot begin before the student receives and shares with his/her employer an Employment Authoriza-

student’s stay within the United States beyond graduation. Here are a few basic facts and resources about the available opportunities.

tion Document. When to apply

Foreign students on F31 visas may stay in the United States for up to 60 days after program completion, regardless of whether they applied for OPT or not. However, the “process- ing time” for the I-765 request is about 3–4 months. There- fore, in practice, students initiate OPT requests in advance of their anticipated graduation date. Keep in mind that I-765 applications may be submitted at most 90 days prior to end of program. Yes, this is rather unsettling. It is best to work with the experienced professionals who can better estimate a timeline and make specific recommendations in each case. What activities count as OPT? The proposed activity, whether additional study or employ- ment, has to be related to the student’s program of study and must have at least a 20-hour-per-week commitment. As long as jobs are related to the completed degree, it is possible to switch jobs while on OPT and to hold more than one job, without prior approval, for a maximum commitment of 40 hours per week. However, keep in mind that students on OPT must report their jobs to the international office at their uni- versity. Importantly, while on OPT, a person retains student status and therefore can engage in academic activities as well as travel accordingly. Where can I learn more about OPT? It is best to keep communicating with the office for interna- tional students at your institution. Rules and even legislation can change at any time and specific requirements may apply to your particular case. Most institutions in the United States welcome foreign scholars and students and have dedicated significant resources to assisting students maintain legal sta- tus and continue their education and training. Make sure you know the people working in this office; a personal relationship may help you overcome the stress and anxiety that arises when dealing with legal situations, particularly when such legal dealings can significantly increase your career opportu- nities to help you achieve your dreams!

Is it possible for a foreign student to work in the United States after graduation? Yes, holders of F31 student visas may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT). What is OPT? Optional Practical Training refers to the opportunity to extend a foreign student’s legal stay within the United States beyond graduation, for the purpose of additional professional prepa- ration. Who qualifies? Any foreign undergraduate or graduate student with F-1 sta- tus who has completed or has been pursuing a degree in the United States for more than nine months. How long can the OPT be? F-1 students who receive degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and who meet other specified requirements, may qualify for a total of 36 months of OPT. What is the process by which one can obtain OPT? The process starts with the student contacting the office for international students at their degree-granting institu- tion. Based on information provided by the student, such as expected graduation date, this office recommends a specified start date for OPT. This date must be at least one day and no later than 60 days after program completion. With this recommendation the student requests an updated I-20 from the US Citizenship and Immigration Office, which will indi-

Numbers By the

The 2017 Annual Meeting attendees came from 39 different countries.

January 2018

16

T H E N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E B I O P H Y S I C A L S O C I E T Y