The extension must be based on compelling academic or medical reasons such as a change of major or research topic, unexpected research problems, or a documented illness. to make sure that the EAD was not received at your residence by someone else. However, the OPT Employee can only submit the OPT STEM extension within 90 days of the initial OPT expiration. The ISSO recommendation is a required part of your OPT application. Resolving Common OPT Issues If a student enrolls for 12 credits, they are only permitted to enroll in one 4-credit online course per semester. An appointment with your advisor may be required in some circumstances. For example, passport to show your correct name, or I-20 to show correct recommended start and end dates. Program Extension; Change of Program/Appointment Information; Employment, or Affiliation. Ask your academic advisor to complete the attached Academic Advisors Recommendation form. These portals are intended for use by Boston University students on OPT and STEM OPT. If the U.S. 3. Are you planning to withdraw from your classes? The ISSO has included everything from travel and transportation to Approximately 2 3 weeks after your application is received, you will receive and I-797 Notice of Action in the mail with your receipt number and the date your application was received. New F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars entering the U.S. for the first time in F-1 or J-1 status must pay a SEVIS fee. In addition to a program extension, you may try to withdraw your pending OPT application and submit a new OPT application later or, you may just need to push your start of employment back until after your new program completion date. Federal regulations require that F-1 and J-1 students have a valid Form I-20/DS-2019 at all times. For more information regarding health insurance and medical care, visitMedical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance. International Students and Scholars OfficeKutz 215, MS 040Brandeis University415 South StreetWaltham, MA 02453, Transportation from the Airport to Campus, Driving in the U.S. and Public Transportation, STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension, Tips to Locate and Print Electronic Form I-94, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa for Non-Degree Personnel, Arrival and Departure Dates for J-1 Scholars, B-1 Visitor and Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for Business, EB-1B Outstanding Researcher or Professor, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Rabb School: Graduate Professional Studies, Graduate Professional Studies (Online Programs), International Students and Scholars Office, Student Financial Services Undergraduate Tuition Calculator. Photo by Jackie Riccardi, Medical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance, Researcher, Faculty, and Staff Employment, Completing your program, employment or activity, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (F-1), Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in Summer, US Ends COVID Vaccination Travel Requirements, Dispatches from Abroad: International Students on Life at Home, Study Abroad Program Directors on Coping with Coronavirus, Far from Boston, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future New Video Series The World After Coronavirus, (#WorldAfterCorona), Virtual Coffee & Conversation: Adapting to a New Reality, Updated: BU Moves All Classes Online Due to Coronavirus Questions and Answers, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs. WebCurrent Students. Photo by Jackie Riccardi. If the withdrawal is completed in a timely manner you may be able to retain eligibility for OPT at the same academic level. are also provided on the Department of Homeland Securitys Study in the States website. Summer enrollment may or may not be requiredit depends on your situation. If you are a student or scholar under the J-1 classification, you must comply withminimum health insurance requirementsto maintain your legal J status in the U.S. If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by submitting a NEW I-765 application form, and selecting Replacement box in the first question. All student-run organizations at BU are maintained through Student Activities. I changed my mind and dont want to apply for OPT any more. Your ISSO Advisor will typically ask you to provide the following for review of the error: Errors that are the fault of USCIS can generally be corrected without a new application or filing fee. This fee is required before an OPT recommendation can be issued by an ISSO advisor. How do I apply for STEM OPT? STEM Optional Practical Training Extension Processing Submit a Program Extension Request in the ISSO Portal. If you have not received a tracking number, you may open an inquiry through Non-Delivery of Notice USCIS online tool. WebF-1 students with degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and ar currently engaged in Post-Completion OPT may be eligible for a 24 month International Students & Scholars Office Program Extension Student Acknowledgement for STEM OPTcompleted and signed. You'll find a variety of living options on campus or very close by. 2. The information below explains common issues that students face after mailing their OPT applications and how to address those issues. These minimum requirements also apply to any dependents who have accompanied you in J-2 status. Please note: This ISSO process has no bearing on your University bill. If there is some information that has not been included, please feel free to contact the ISSO. For immigration purposes, full-time enrollment is defined as: Please note that additional credit requirements vary depending on the school/program to which you were admitted. Office of Housing Resources, Medical Campus, Riho Imada (from left) and Akari Noguchi, both students at the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, and Andrew Burwash (CAS'18) at the International Student Reception, held September 4 at the Trustee Ballroom. WebFaculty, Researchers & Employees ISSO Check-In and Clearance (including I-9 employment verification) Schedule an Appointment Find your ISSO Scholar Advisor In some circumstances either an extension of the scholars current immigration or a change to another immigration classification is required. Students must provide documentation from a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or a licensed clinical psychologist recommending a reduced courseload due to illness or medical condition. Your immigration documents and records should always be accurate. Federal regulations require BU to update the Department of Homeland Security about every F-1 student each academic semester. WebThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule to allow students who have completed a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) In order to insure that your scholar can continue in their position at BU, it is important that their documents are current and accurate. Supporting documentation on the correct information. Sitemap Once your request to withdraw has been processed, you will receive an official withdrawal notice from USCIS. Visit the Living in Boston page! reversing the order of your names or selecting an incorrect option on the I-765) generally require a new I-765 and filing fee in order to be corrected. The length of the visa will vary depending on your country of citizenship and your visa classification. When your OPT application is approved, generally, the tracking number for your EAD is posted in the online cases status. As an international student or scholar, keeping on top of these procedures is integral to maintaining your status in the U.S. For more information on documents and procedures, visitDocuments & Procedures. Do you have personal issues in your home country that require you to take some time away from BU? WebNon-Degree Students = 12 Credit Hours. There are several parties involved in supporting F-1 STEM OPT employment/training, including the F-1 OPT employee, their F-1 sponsoring school, Boston UniversityISSO andhost departmentand USCIS (who will issue the OPT STEM employment authorization). I am not going to graduate as expected but I already applied for post-completion OPT? More detailed information about OPT STEM site visits is provided on theStudy in the States website. Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1students to register for, and complete, a full course of study each Fall and Spring Semester. If you need to extend authorization for a current employee in F-1 status with a qualifying STEM major and qualified employment, you will need to forward a completed scholar processing packet to the ISSO to initiate the process. Whether youre interested in study, research, teaching, or a staff position at BU, were here to help guide you. Are you planning to request a leave of absence for non-medical reasons or a medical condition? If you have questions about the extension process, contact your ISSO advisor. Orientation offers both students and scholars the opportunity to learn how best to successfully transition to the U.S. and the BU community. Photo by Jackie Riccardi, Medical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance, Researcher, Faculty, and Staff Employment, Completing your program, employment or activity, Change of Program/Appointment Information, Interruptions to your Program, Employment, or Affiliation, Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in Summer, US Ends COVID Vaccination Travel Requirements, Dispatches from Abroad: International Students on Life at Home, Study Abroad Program Directors on Coping with Coronavirus, Far from Boston, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future New Video Series The World After Coronavirus, (#WorldAfterCorona), Virtual Coffee & Conversation: Adapting to a New Reality, Updated: BU Moves All Classes Online Due to Coronavirus Questions and Answers, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs. Immigration regulations permit exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement in very limited circumstances. We send information through SEVIS for new students once they have completed Initial ISSO check-in and have registered for classes. Standard practice is to allow up to 30 days for delivery of your card once your OPT application is approved. As international students and scholars at BU, you must apply for the most appropriate visa that will enable you to enter the U.S. to commence or resume your academic activities. You must have completed a degree in a STEM major field on the DHS list of STEM majors based on Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code: Compare the CIP code on your I-20 with the complete list of, You must be working on an approved period of post-completion OPT in valid F-1 status with an active SEVIS record, You may not have accrued more than 90 days of unemployment during your initial OPT, You must be working for a U.S. employer in a job directly related to your STEM major area of study, Your current or prospective employer must be registered with the DHS, Your employment must be paid with terms commensurate with your degree level and be for a minimum of 20 hours per week, Apply to USCIS for an extension of your OPT. You must provide a letter of assessment from your academic counselor that verifies the circumstances and recommends that you be allowed to take less than a full-time credit load for the semester. The re-verification process is done at the ISSO, usually in conjunction with the scholar picking-up the related immigration paperwork during our walk-in or I-9 hours, or during a scheduled appointment (for H-1B and O-1 status) and must occur prior to the end date of the current authorization. If you have registered for 12 credits and need to drop a course, you must obtain the signature of an ISSO advisor on a BU drop form and submit that directly to theUniversity Registrars office. To request a Reduced Courseload during your final term, you should complete the, If you are requesting a Reduced Courseload in your final semester and need ISSOs approval to drop a class, please submit the Registrars. F-1 students are eligible to apply for a program extension if they: F-1 students are NOT eligible to apply for a program extension if they: There is no federal regulatory limit on the time that a J-1 student is permitted to remain in the U.S. J-1 students are eligible to apply for a program extension if they: You must submit your Program Extension Request in the ISSO Portal at least 7 business days before the current program end date indicated on your Form I-20/Form DS-2019. Please note that additional credit requirements vary depending on the school/program to which you were admitted; in some cases, the required credit hours for your degree program may exceed the 12 credit hours required for immigration purposes. While the process of applying for F-1 STEM OPT is certainly faster than applying for change to another immigration status, BU host departments should note that if a F-1 STEM OPT extension is not possible in a particular employees case, then it may be necessary to come up with an alternate immigration sponsorship strategy which may take several months time. Students who drop below full-time enrollment without prior authorization from the ISSO must be reported to the Department of Homeland Security via SEVIS. Application Checklist for STEM OPT Extension, Medical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance, Researcher, Faculty, and Staff Employment, Completing your program, employment or activity, Request for STEM OPT Based on Prior Degree, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) (F-1), Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in Summer, US Ends COVID Vaccination Travel Requirements, Dispatches from Abroad: International Students on Life at Home, Study Abroad Program Directors on Coping with Coronavirus, Far from Boston, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future New Video Series The World After Coronavirus, (#WorldAfterCorona), Virtual Coffee & Conversation: Adapting to a New Reality, Updated: BU Moves All Classes Online Due to Coronavirus Questions and Answers, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs. Every F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor has a unique SEVIS record. Department of Homeland Security. You should verify the correct filing fee amount on the USCIS I-765 website. Boston In addition, you must register and be officially certified full time by your academic department. Meet with your employer to complete the USCIS Form I-983 Training Employees with independent employment authorization based on their status in the U.S. must apply for an extension of their work authorization and receive the approval before they can continue their BU employment. You can find your SEVIS number in the upper right corner of your immigration document. The ISSO has put together admissions, transportation, housing and other types of information that is very helpful before you arrive in Boston. If there are errors on your EAD such as the spelling of your name, country of birth, or start and end date of work authorization which are a result of USCIS error, please contact your ISSO Advisor. 7. USPS Certified Mail). Photo by Jackie Riccardi, Medical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance, Researcher, Faculty, and Staff Employment, Completing your program, employment or activity, Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in Summer, US Ends COVID Vaccination Travel Requirements, Dispatches from Abroad: International Students on Life at Home, Study Abroad Program Directors on Coping with Coronavirus, Far from Boston, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future New Video Series The World After Coronavirus, (#WorldAfterCorona), Virtual Coffee & Conversation: Adapting to a New Reality, Updated: BU Moves All Classes Online Due to Coronavirus Questions and Answers, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs, Employment Authorization and Restrictions. The ISSO cannot retroactively authorize a drop below full-time enrollment, so please contact the ISSO before you drop or withdraw from classes. The International Students and Scholars Office is part of the Provost Office's global engagement efforts. Please consult with the ISSO to discuss any registration requirements or limitations based on your specific immigration classification. Photo by Jackie Riccardi, Medical Care, Immunization & Health Insurance, Researcher, Faculty, and Staff Employment, Completing your program, employment or activity, Change of Program/Appointment Information, Interruptions to your Program, Employment, or Affiliation, Reminders for F-1 Students Graduating in Summer, US Ends COVID Vaccination Travel Requirements, Dispatches from Abroad: International Students on Life at Home, Study Abroad Program Directors on Coping with Coronavirus, Far from Boston, Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future New Video Series The World After Coronavirus, (#WorldAfterCorona), Virtual Coffee & Conversation: Adapting to a New Reality, Updated: BU Moves All Classes Online Due to Coronavirus Questions and Answers, Center for English Language & Orientation Programs. Must attest that the student will not replace a U.S. worker; Must certify that the terms and conditions of the STEM OPT training are commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers similar duties, similar supervision, similar qualifications, consistent duties, hours and compensation. As a courtesy, we send monthly reminder notices to both administrators and scholars with upcoming expirations, but ultimately, it is up to the scholar and department to keep track of such things. Please contact the ISSO immediately should you receive any inquires related to an international employee on OPT STEM in your department. Blended and hybrid class formats are counted the same as online classes and therefore, the same restrictions apply. Please note that, in some cases, address changes that occur very close to when your application is approved may not allow for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be mailed to the new address. 24-Month STEM OPT Extension If I fail to complete all requirements of my program, I must request an extension If you will be pursuing the 16-month track, you will work with your ISSO advisor to request an This includes a student population of 250,000 representing more than 50 colleges and universities.

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