OPT Request Form

    Optional Practical Training

    Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is an opportunity for F-1 visa students to live and work in the United States for 12 months after the completion of a degree program.

    DISCLAIMER: If an F-1 visa student is found to have completed or begun work in an OPT capacity without authorization, his/her status could be jeopardized.

    WARNING: You must report your practical training/employment to ISL. If you do not report your practical training/employment to ISL, the U.S. government will terminate your F-1 SEVIS record 90 days after the OPT start date printed on your EAD card. A terminated SEVIS record cancels OPT authorization and requires you to leave the U.S.

    Before you continue, here are some easy tips for choosing your OPT Start Date on the Request Form:
    • The “start date” is the date your work permission begins. You cannot work earlier than the start date, but you can start working later. YOU get to choose the start date you want, in the 60-day period following your completion date. If you do not have a job offer at the time of application, you may want to delay the start date to the 60ᵗʰ day after your program ends to maximize the time you spend job hunting, but you will not be able to start work until the approval date.
    • Your requested start date must be within 60 days after your program completion date (commencement date). For example, if you graduate on June_8, your start date can be no later than August_7.
    • Changing the requested OPT dates after the application has been mailed to USCIS can be very difficult. Choose your dates carefully.
    OPT FAQ

    Eligibility:
    To be eligible for OPT, an F-1 visa student must:

    • Be in active status
    • Have completed one full academic year at the College
    • Have not previously been authorized for OPT at the same level of study
    • Seek a position directly related to his/her degree program.

    When to Apply:

    Apply Early! Don’t wait for a job offer. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. It is recommended that the student be proactive and complete all paperwork for submission at the earliest date allowed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    **Applications for OPT may be submitted to USCIS as early as 90 days prior to the end of your program and up to 60 days following the end of your program (commencement date).

    Allow:

    • Three months for processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
    • Allow time for obtaining your academic adviser’s signature on the OPT Request Form
    • International Student Life (ISL) processing time- 7 + days.
    • Mailing time to USCIS

     
    Please read the following instructions carefully
    The Office of International Student Life (ISL) is here to provide you with information regarding your OPT application, however, we are not able to “approve” it or influence the process. If we notice an error, we will notify you so that you can make the appropriate changes before submitting it to USCIS.

    Again, we cannot officially approve or verify the information you submit on or with your application.
    How to Apply

    PART 1- Gatherin your necessary documents.

    1. Make an appointment to speak with a Designated School Official (DSO) to review the OPT process and expectations.
    2. (a) Complete the student portion of the OPT request form. (b) Upon completion, submit the advisor recommendation form to the academic advisor and then (c) to the Saremi Center for Career Development for the final signature.
    3. Once the application has been completed by all parties, submit it with all required documentation to the Office for International Student Life.
    4. Complete the I-765 form found at: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765.pdf
    5. Gather the following documentation:
      1. Photocopy of all previously issued I-20’s (pages 1 and 3)
      2. Photocopy of passport photo page
      3. Photocopy of F-1 visa page (if applicable)
      4. Evidence of program completion ( Ex: transcript, diploma)
      5. Photocopy of previously issued EAD (if applicable)
      6. Two photographs
        1. “You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.” ( I-765 instructions)
        2. Do not use the same photograph used for the visa application.
      7. Photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 card, or, if you do not have an I-94 card, a copy of your F-1 admission stamp from your passport and a printout of your electronic I-94 https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
      8. Check or Money order payable to “US Department of Homeland Security”. Check the DHS website for the current OPT application fee amount.https://www.uscis.gov/forms/our-fees.
        1. Do not postdate your check
        2. Use the following date format: month/day/year
      9. Complete the G-1145 (optional: it signs you up for email/text message notification of your applications’ arrival at USCIS) https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-1145.pdf
    PART 2- Submitting your documents to ISL (A.I.C. Ofiice for International Student Life)
    1. Submit all completed documents to the Office for International Student Life (first floor Adams Hall). Allow at least 5-7 business days for processing. 
    2. You will be contacted with a request for additional information, corrected documents, and /or an updated I-20 with the OPT recommendation if needed.
    PART 3- Pick up your processed application from ISM, MAIL to USCIS (United States Customs and Migration Services)
    1. Endorse the new I-20 at the bottom of page 1 and make a copy of all application materials .
    2. Mail the application within 30 days of the newly endorsed I-20. Late applications will be denied
      by USCIS.
      1. We recommend sending the application via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure
        delivery.
    3. USCIS will send a receipt notice (I-767 Notice of Action) confirming receipt of your OPT
      application and case number that can be used to check the status of your application.
      1. It is typical to see the status “initial review” for the majority of the processing period which
        can be 2-3 months.
    This form provides the Office of International Student Life with the required information needed to grant Optional Practical Training to F-1 visa students. This section must be completed by the student.
    Part 1 - Personal Information
    Program:
    Program:

    Part 2 - OPT Information

    Requested Start Date:
    Requested Start Date:
    Requested End Date:
    Requested End Date:
    Previous CPT or OPT Dates (if applicable):
    Previous CPT or OPT Dates (if applicable):
    OPT Capacity- Check One. This should correspond to item 16 of the form I-765:
    OPT Capacity- Check One. This should correspond to item 16 of the form I-765:
    Part 3 - Requirements and Stipulations

     

     
    OPT is only authorized for a finite period of time and limited to a position related to my degree.
    • I must report any changes to my OPT status to ISL within 10 days of the change.
    • Any violation of my F-1 visa and OPT expectations will jeopardize my status as a student at American International College

    • Submitting this form is considered an electronic signature confirming this certification

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