This article is a starting point for international students at Valley City State University who are interested in applying for a F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS).  What is an F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)? An OPT is a benefit of the F-1 student status that allows students to work in a position that is directly related to their field of study for up to 12 months after they graduate (with a possibility of extension for STEM majors). There are 4 steps to request and maintain an OPT: Request your OPT I-20 from VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone, by completing the OPT I-20 Request listed below and emailing it to shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. You can leave the start and end dates and employer information blank if you do not know what they are yet.  Once the PDSO receives your OPT I-20 Request they will schedule a time to meet with you to discuss the VCSU OPT Important Dates and Information handout listed below and help you submit an OPT I-765 Application online to USCIS. You must wait 3-5 months for USCIS to process and approve your OPT I-765 Application. Maintain and report your employment. Due to USCIS's 3 to 5 month processing time, below are the recommended OPT I-765 Application deadlines: Fall semester graduates: 1st week in October each year Spring semester graduates: 1st week in March each year Summer semester graduates: 1st week in May each year

There are two main categories of visas given to international studies: F-1 and J-1. Student will receive an I-20 document from Valley City State University that allows them to apply for F-1 visas. Canadian citizens do NOT need to apply for a visa to study in the United States. However, Canadian students do need to obtain an I-20 from VCSU. Follow the 5 steps below to apply for your visa: 1.) Review and sign your I-20 You must be accepted to VCSU and then you will receive a Form I-20 from the school. Review the spelling and order of your name on the I-20 and confirm that it exactly matches how your legal name is written at the bottom of the identity page in your passport (the page that has your picture). It is essential that your information is printed identically on all of your immigration documents (I-20, passport, and visa), and you should always write it the same way when completing your visa application and any other forms. If there is a mistake or the name on your I-20 does not match your name in your passport, contact the Principal Designated School Official at VCSU before applying for a visa. If all of the information is correct, sign and date your name on the bottom of page 1 of your I-20. Additionally, if you have an I-20 and are younger than 18 years old, your parents/guardians must also sign your document. 2.) Pay the SEVIS Fee Students must pay the $350 USD SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for an entry visa or entering the U.S. This fee is charged by the Department of Homeland Security, and it is not administered by VCSU. You cannot pay the fee until you have your I-20 document in your possession. 3.) Complete the D-160 visa application form and schedule your visa interview appointment When completing the $185 USD D-160 visa application, write your legal name exactly as it is printed in your passport and provide complete and truthful information throughout the application. If you do not have housing reserved in the U.S. but you are asked to provide an address in the U.S. where you will stay, you can use VCSU’s address (101 College St SW, Valley City, ND 58072). You should plan to apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate that is closest to where you live. This website also includes specific instructions for scheduling an appointment. We recommend completing your D-160 visa application and scheduling your appointment as soon as possible after you receive your I-20. You will need to determine the estimated wait time for obtaining a visa at your local embassy. 4.) Prepare your documents for your visa interview Follow the instructions from the embassy regarding what to take to the appointment. Typically, you will be asked to provide the following documents: Valid passport I-20 Admission letter (or print out of electronic admission notification) Documented proof of financial support for one year or more (scholarship or assistantship letter, bank statement, etc.) Receipt of $350 SEVIS fee payment Visa application forms (available from the U.S. embassy/consulate) Any documents requested by embassy/consulate 5.) Prepare for your visa interview The visa interview will be a very brief meeting with a consular officer. Be prepared to explain why you want to study at VCSU, how you are planning to pay for your stay, and what your plans might be after you graduate. Always answer truthfully! Once you receive your visa, check the accuracy of the information on it. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate if you find a mistake. Questions? If your visa is denied, ask the consular official to provide a written explanation of the denial, and then email registrar@vcsu.edu and write “Visa Denial” in the subject line.

Transfer Your I-20 and Visa To VCSU If you are currently attending another school in the United States, but would like to transfer to VCSU for your studies, please follow these steps: Contact the international student advising office at your current institution and inform them of your intent to transfer to Valley City State University. An advisor at your current school will need to determine your “Transfer Release Date” and schedule your SEVIS record to be transferred to VCSU on that date.  Inform VCSU of your “Transfer Release Date” by emailing the Office of the Registrar at registrar@vcsu.edu.  Complete all your admissions requirements with VCSU’s Enrollment Services. Update your Mailing Address (your address in North Dakota) in Campus Connection. If you have completed steps 1-4 above, the Office of the Registrar will issue you a Transfer Complete I-20 within the first 15 days of the semester. Transfer Your I-20 and Visa From VCSU If you are currently attending VCSU and are planning on going to a different school after graduation or the end of the semester, please follow these steps: Inform VCSU of the date you would like your I-20 and Visa transferred and to what school you are transferring to by emailing the Office of the Registrar at registrar@vcsu.edu The Registrar's Office will email a confirmation to let you know when this has been completed Your transfer school will gain access to your I-20 in their Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) on the date you requested

Every time you re-enter the United States you should go online and print 2 copies of your latest I-94 Arrival Record. This is because at anytime while you are studying in the United States, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may ask to see the physical record of every time you have entered the country. You will want to keep one copy for your permanent records and one copy in case CBP needs one. Each time you depart the United States, you will to take a copy of your most recent I-94 with you in case CBP asks for it. Here's how you can print this record: Go to https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home Click the Get Most Recent I-94 tab at the top Read over their Terms of Service and click the I Acknowledge and Agree button at the bottom Enter in your information (name, birthdate, country of citizenship, etc.) - your Document Number is your passport number Click Continue Read over their Terms of Service and click the I Acknowledge and Agree button at the bottom again Click the Print button at the bottom Print 2 copies If you do not have a printer and need help printing this important document, please come to the Office of the Registrar in McFarland Hall Room 219. Shannon Hone, the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), will be able to print these documents for you!

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment authorization for international students in F-1 status. As an international student, if you wish to accept employment off-campus, you should pursue Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is defined as employment that is an integral part of an established curriculum, including internships and practicums that are offered by employers. CPT is available only prior to the completion of your degree program and you must have a job offer at the time of application. Your CPT employment may not delay completion of the academic program. There are 8 steps to request a CPT I-20: Meet with your academic advisor to determine whether the specific training opportunity will be approved for academic credit within a course required by your major. Not all departments allow students to take part in CPT. Register for the appropriate VCSU course required for your major that is related to the training opportunity that you and your academic advisor discussed. Request that the instructor of the course complete the VCSU CPT Instructor Approval and CPT Letter listed below and write you a letter that includes all of the needed details outlined in the VCSU CPT Instructor Approval and CPT Letter listed below. Request an Employer Offer Letter from the company hiring you. Provide them with the VCSU CPT Employer Offer Letter listed below so they have an example of what needs to be included in the letter and they understand your CPT from an employer perspective. Submit the following to the Department Chair or Dean of the department your major is under: Signed VCSU CPT Instructor Approval and CPT Letter form listed below CPT Objective Letter from the instructor that includes the course syllabus Employer Offer Letter Signed VCSU CPT Department Approval form listed below The Department Chair or Dean will review your materials and if they approve of you completing a CPT they sign the VCSU CPT Department Approval form and email it back to you. Schedule a time to meet with VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone, by emailing shannon.hone@vcsu.edu and bring the following to your meeting: Signed VCSU CPT Instructor Approval and CPT Letter form listed below CPT Objective Letter from the instructor that includes the course syllabus Employer Offer Letter Signed VCSU CPT Department Approval form listed below Signed VCSU CPT I-20 Request form listed below Your materials will be reviewed by the PDSO and if approved, your new CPT I-20 will be issued.

Canadian students who are starting school in the United States are required to bring the following documents with them when they cross the border for the first time: A Canadian passport The I-20 that VCSU issued them Review the spelling and order of your name on the I-20 and confirm that it exactly matches how your legal name is written at the bottom of the identity page in your passport (the page that has your picture). It is essential that your information is printed identically on all of your immigration documents (I-20 and passport), and you should always write it the same way when completing any other forms. If there is a mistake or the name on your I-20 does not match your name in your passport, contact the Principal Designated School Official at VCSU to correct it. If all of the information is correct, sign and date your name on the Student Attestation section of page 1 of your I-20. Additionally, if you have an I-20 and are younger than 18 years old, your parents/guardians must also sign your document. A receipt showing they paid the $350 SEVIS fee online New students must pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee before entering the U.S. This fee is charged by the Department of Homeland Security, and it is not administered by VCSU. You cannot pay the fee until you have your I-20 document in your possession. Financial documents that show the ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the United States

Every student studying under a F-1 visa who would like to work in the United States, needs a free social security number (SSN). Steps For Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN): 1. Schedule an appointment to talk with Shannon Hone, VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), about working and training in the U.S. The PDSO will confirm whether you are eligible to apply for an SSN and help you with the steps listed below. Please contact the PDSO at shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. 2. Wait 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before applying for an SSN. This allows enough time for your arrival information to update in all government systems. 3. Submit a Social Security Number Application (SS-5) online Complete and submit the social security application online. You must print confirmation that you have completed this! 4. Schedule an appointment and visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office in Fargo, ND Visit the SSA Office at 657 2nd Ave N, Room 320 Federal Building, Fargo, ND 58102 to finish the application process and share your documents. You must visit the SSA office and show your documentation within 45 calendar days of when you completed your online application. Their phone number is 1-877-335-4114 and they are open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-4:00PM. 5. Take the following documents with you to your SSA Office appointment: a. For On Campus Employment - Original On-campus Employment Offer Letter with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted) - Original SSN Support Letter from VCSU's PDSO with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted) - Most recent I-94 Arrival Form from VCSU's PDSO - I-20 Form - Passport - Visa (Canadian students do not need this) - Printed confirmation of your submitted online Social Security Application (SS-5) b. For Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Employment (off campus employment that is an integral part of your major's established curriculum while you are going to school) - Original Employment Offer Letter with a wet signature (digital signatures or photo copies will not be accepted) - Most recent I-94 Arrival Form from VCSU's PDSO - I-20 Form with CPT Authorization listed on page 2 - Passport - Visa (Canadian students do not need this) - Printed confirmation of your submitted online Social Security Application (SS-5) c. For Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment (12-24 months of employment that is directly related to your major and typically starts right after graduation) - If you asked for an SSN when you submitted your OPT online application, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If the United States Customs and Immigration Services approves your OPT application, you will receive two documents: your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and in another envelope your SSN card. They will mail your EAD and SSN cards to the address you listed on your OPT application. You should receive your SSN card no later than seven business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.

Overview VCSU on campus international students are required to purchase the United Healthcare International Student Health Insurance Plan. Health insurance is required because health care in the United States is very expensive and people are responsible for paying their own medical costs. The United States government does not pay for it. Health insurance helps pay medical expenses that students may encounter such as preventative care, treating ongoing conditions, injuries, and illnesses. Students who are citizens of Canada or Norway are NOT required to have the United Healthcare plan per the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education policy and procedure number 505. Canadian and Norwegian students can opt into the United Healthcare plan though by emailing VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone at shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. The cost of the insurance plan will be charged to the student's VCSU account in Campus Connection and will need to be paid for. Coverage Periods and Cost of United Healthcare International Student Health Insurance Plan: How Students Can Get the Required United Healthcare International Student Health Insurance Plan 1. Register in your classes at VCSU 2. Then you will receive an email from ECI Services (NorthDakota@elev834.com) at the email address that you have told VCSU is your "preferred" email address. This may be your VCSU email address or your personal (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) email address. If you are unsure which email address information is being sent to, reach out to VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone at shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. 3. In the email, click on the "opt-in now" link. The email will look like this: 4. If you are logging in for the first time, you will need to enter your 7-digit student ID number and your password will be your last name (first letter is capitalized) 5. Once logged in, you will need to click on Update Password and change your password to something you will remember 6. Within 5 business days of opting into the insurance plan, you will receive an email from United Healthcare instructing you to log into your United Healthcare account 7. Click the Registrar Now button and enter your name, date of birth and 7-digit student ID number 8. Create a username and password and enter your email address 9. You will then be prompted to do a two-factor authentication via a text or phone call 10. You will be logged into your account and can get your health insurance ID card, by clicking on ID Card 11. Click on the ID Card PDF button 12. Print that page that displays the front and back of your health insurance card at the bottom and keep that document on you at all times so that you have it with you in case of an emergency. Your health insurance card is what you will share with your medical provider so they know to work with your insurance company on charges and apply any discounts that are possible on you prescriptions. How Students Can Request To Waive the Required United Healthcare International Student Health Insurance Plan 1. Register in your classes at VCSU 2. Then you will receive an email from ECI Services (NorthDakota@elev834.com) at the email address that you have told VCSU is your "preferred" email address. This may be your VCSU email address or your personal (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) email address. If you are unsure which email address information is being sent to, reach out to VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone at shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. 3. In the email, click on the picture of the figure standing next to a phone that says, "Want to WAIVE SHIP?". The email will look like this: 4. If you are logging in for the first time, you will need to enter your 7-digit student ID number and your password will be your last name (first letter is capitalized) 5. Once logged in, you will need to click on Update Password and change your password to something you will remember 6. Fill out the waiver request with your current health insurance plan's information and submit it 7. Within 5 business days you will receive an email with ECI Services approval or denial decision 8. If your waiver request is approved then you may use your current health insurance plan in the United States for the current semester. If your waiver request is approved in the fall, then ECI will automatically reevaluate your insurance to make sure it is still valid for the spring and summer semesters. Keep in mind, even if initially approved, each fall you will need to submit a new waiver request. How Students Can Request a Pre-approved Waiver If you are planning ahead and would like to know if your current health insurance is eligibile for a waiver request before the waiver portal opens for the semester, you can email the following information to waiver@ECIservices.com: 1. Your Full Name 2. Your 7-digit Student ID Number 3. School Name 4. Benefit Summary of your current health insurance 5. If ECI Services emails you to say you are pre-approved for a waiver, then when you receive the email from ECI Services (NorthDakota@elev834.com) asking you to opt-in or waive the United Healthcare insurance, you will follow the waiver instructions above. Being pre-approved does NOT waive your United Healthcare insurance requirement. You still have to submit the request in the ECI waiver portal and be fully approved. Waiver Application Deadlines For the 2024-2025 Academic Year Fall 2024 Term: September 4th, 2025 Spring and Summer 2025 Terms: January 23rd, 2025 Summer 2025 Only: June 13th, 2025 Medical Providers In Valley City, ND That Accept the United Healthcare Choice Plus International Student Health Insurance Essentia Health Valley City Clinic 132 4th Ave NE Valley City, ND 58072 1-701-845-8060 Monday-Friday 8:00AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-5:00PM https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-facility/essentia-health-valley-city-clinic Sanford Valley City Clinic 520 Chautauqua Blvd Valley City, ND 58072 1-701-845-6000 Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM https://www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-valley-city-clinic CHI Mercy Health Emergency Room 570 Chautauqua Blvd Valley City, ND 58072 1-701-845-6400 Monday-Sunday Open 24 hours a day https://mercyhospitalvalleycity.org Essentia and Sanford are two large medical providers across the state of North Dakota. If your medical provider in Valley City feels you could benefit from a specialist, you may be referred to an Essentia or Sanford medical provider in Jametown, ND (approximately 30 minutes from Valley City) or Fargo, ND (approximately 1 hour from Valley City). In the United States, in a medical emergency situation, dial 9-1-1 on your phone.

The STEM OPT Extension is a work authorization that extends the 12-month post-completion initial Occupational Pratical Training (OPT) for an additional 24 months. F-1 students who earned a bachelor’s or master’s in certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible to apply. STEM Extension Eligibility Requirements: You must be currently in valid F-1 status AND on post-completion Initial OPT. You can apply for the STEM OPT Extension during the last 90 days of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your application no later than the end date that is printed on your OPT EAD card and no earlier than 90 days before that date. You must have earned a degree in a qualifying STEM field. On the first page of your I-20, towards the middle, your major is listed. Next to the major is a series of numbers, called the CIP code. If your CIP code is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, then your major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension. Double major degrees will be considered. Minors are not considered. You must have a job or job offer that meets the following requirements: The job is paid. The job is a minimum of 20 hours per week. There must be an employer (you cannot be self-employed). The employer must be registered in the E-Verify Program (https://ww.we-verify.gov/) The employer must review and comply with the employer requirements and responsibilities on the USCIS website and on DHS’s STEM OPT HUB. Step 1 - Complete the I-983 Training Plan With Your Employer: U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires that the STEM OPT student and employer work together to complete the Form I-983 (see attachment and guide at the bottom of this page). During STEM OPT, students must report any changes to their employment by updating the I-983 and submitting it to VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone (shannon.hone@vcsu.edu). There are three main sections of the I-983: 1. The Training Plan, which is the first 4 pages. This must be completed with your employer. When these 4 pages are complete, they will be uploaded to your I-20 OPT Request eForm request in Step 2. 2. The "Evaluation on Student Progress", located on the top half of the last page (page 5). This page is completed at your 12 month OPT STEM self-evaluation. 3. The "Final Evaluation", located on the bottom half of the last page (page 5). This page is completed at your 24 month OPT STEM self-evaluation. Step 2 - Schedule an appointment with VCSU's PDSO, Shannon Hone (shannon.hone@vcsu.edu) to complete the following: Submit I-20 OPT Request eform in Campus Connection (attach your current OPT EAD card and the four I-983 pages you completed with your employer from Step 1) Receive a new I-20 with STEM OPT Extension employment authorization and sign it Submit a new I-765 STEM OPT Extension Application to USCIS requirements: USCIS charges $470 to submit a STEM OPT Extension Application USCIS must receive your STEM OPT Extension application no later than 60 days after you get your new I-20 with the STEM OPT Extension listed on it. You can apply for an OPT STEM Extension during the last 90 days of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT Extension application before your current OPT EAD card end date. As long as you have submitted a STEM OPT Extension Application between the dates mentioned above, you can continue working up to 180 days after the expiration date on your initial EAD card. Step 3 - Wait for USCIS Approval of Extension: You must wait 3-5 months for USCIS to process and approve your I-765 STEM OPT Extension application. A new STEM OPT Extension EAD card will be mailed to you. Once you receive this, your 24 month extension has been approved. Step 4 - Maintain F-1 Status on Extension: Maintain and report your employment to VCSU's PDSO. Students may not exceed a cumulative total of 150 days of unemployment during their entire OPT experience (inital and extension). Unemployment days are cumulative between both your initial 12-month OPT and your STEM OPT. For example, if you used 30 days of unemployment during your initial 12-month OPT, you would have a balance of 120 unemployment days left during your STEM OPT Extension period. There is no 60 day grace period after your 150th day of unemployment. Report changes to your OPT status or Visa (see attachment at the bottom of the page as to what changes need to be reported and where to report them). STEM OPT students must email VCSU's PDSO every 6 months after their OPT start date to confirm the following: Legal Name Mailing address in the United States Employer name and address Status of current employment (employed/unemployed and hours per week) STEM OPT students must email annual self-evaluations to VCSU's PDSO every 12 months after their OPT start date. 12 month self-evaluation: pages 1-4 and the top half of page 5 of the I-983 form 24 month self-evaluation: pages 1-4 and the bottom half of page 5 of the I-983 form