ISSS

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work authorization for students on a F-1 visa. OPT allows you to work in your major field of study for up to 12 months, post-graduation, per degree level. Students in STEM degrees are eligible for a 24-month extension.

• OPT Eligibility

  To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must:

  1. Be in valid F-1 status
  2. Have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the U.S.
  3. Pursue a job directly related to your major
  4. Receive a new I-20 recommending OPT

  You are not eligible if you:

  1. Have been authorized 12 or more months of full-time CPT at your current degree level
  2. Were previously authorized for OPT at a higher degree level (if this is your case consult with an ISSS advisor)
• Required Documents
  Assemble the OPT application materials:

  1. Application fee $410 (can pay online)
  2. Digital image meeting the requirement, taken within 30 days
  3. Most recent electronic I-94.
  4. Biographical page of your passport
  5. Digital copy of any I-20s containing a CPT or OPT authorization, if any
  6. New I-20 with OPT recommendation from ISSS

  Keep a copy (digital or paper) of all of these documents for your records.

• Submit your OPT Application to USCIS

  It is your responsibility to submit your OPT application to USCIS. Do NOT submit your OPT application until you have your new OPT I-20.

  USCIS must receive your OPT application no later than 30 days after the "date issued" on your OPT I-20. USCIS will deny an application if it is received more than 30 days after the OPT I-20 issue date.

  You can submit your documents online or by mail.

  Online Application

  1. Create your myUSCIS online account and log into your myUSCIS account.
  2. Complete the online I-765 (follow the directions given in myUSCIS). You should complete all pages of Form I-765 online and keep a copy for your records. When asked, your eligibility category is c (3)(B) Student Post-Completion OPT.
  3. Upload all documents that were listed above, including your new I-20 with OPT recommendation. For your new I-20, you should sign it and upload pages 1 and 2.
  4. Pay the $410 fee.

  After your payment is accepted, you will be redirected to a confirmation screen which will include your receipt number. You should keep a copy of your receipt number for your records. You can track the status of your OPT application through your myUSCIS online account.

  Once submitted, USCIS will communicate with you through your myUSCIS account. You will receive notifications at the mobile number and/or email address you entered in your online I-765.

  Mail Your OPT Application

  1. Complete a paper version of the I-765.
  2. Mail the I-765 and the assembled materials to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. You should send them as certified or express mail so you can track your package.

  For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
  USCIS
  Attn: I-765 C03
  PO Box 805373
  Chicago, IL 60680

  
  For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
  USCIS
  Attn: I-765 C03
  131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
  Chicago, IL 60603-5517

  Several weeks after you apply, you should receive a Receipt Notice (Form I-797) in the mail from USCIS. If you submitted Form G-1145 E-Notification, you will receive a text message or email within a few days after USCIS receives your application.

• Wait for EAD to be Mailed to You

  The EAD card is your Employment Authorization document. The EAD card will show the dates of your employment authorization: Valid From = start; Card Expires = end

  To find current processing times for I-765 applications, go to z.umn.edu/usciscase.

  USCIS may mail you a Request for Evidence, if they have a question on your OPT application. If this happens, contact ISSS so we can help you.

  If you change your address while your OPT application is still pending, click here to submit the change on the USCIS website. You must also include your current phone number.

  You may NOT begin working until you have received your EAD card and the start date is current.

  You may not continue any on-campus employment after the completion date in block 3 of your OPT I-20, even if you have not yet completed your degree. Any on- or off-campus employment after this completion date must be with OPT authorization and with your EAD card.

• Requirements During OPT

  It is essential that you fulfill your OPT reporting requirements.

• Travel while on OPT

  While on OPT students will need the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:

  • Valid passport
  • Valid F-1 visa
  • Travel signature on I-20, dated no more than 6 months from when the student enters the U.S.
  • OPT/EAD card
    • Supplemental (not required) document: proof of employment, such as an offer letter

  We do not recommend travel outside the U.S. while an OPT application is pending, but if you must must travel contact SEVIS@cwu.edu.

• 24-Month STEM Extension

  The 12-month period of post-completion OPT can be extended by 24 months for certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees.

  To see if you are eligible, find the Program of Study and Major printed on your I-20. Then, compare it to the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine if your field and CIP Code are included in the list. Applying for STEM OPT is much the same as applying for 12 month OPT, please contact ISSS to start the process.

  USCIS needs to receive your STEM application before the end date listed on your 12 month OPT card. You can apply for STEM OPT as early as 90 days before the end date. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN).

  If a timely application for an extension is filed, you will be able to continue employment while the extension is pending, until it is approved or denied, or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

  While on STEM OPT, you need to complete the I-983 form with each employer. Any updates or changes in employment will need a new I-983 submitted to ISSS. Additionally, while on STEM OPT you have to complete a 6 and 18 month validation, as well as a 12 month evaluation (page 5 of the I-983 form).

  Once you complete STEM OPT, or if you change employers, you need to complete the Final Evaluation on page 5 of the I-983 form. You can submit the I-983 form to SEVIS@cwu.edu.

  You are allowed a total of 150 days of unemployment during the 36-month period of OPT.

  You may be eligible for up to two separate STEM OPT extensions over the course of your academic career upon completion of two qualifying STEM degrees at different educational levels.

• International Graduate Students Applying for OPT

  You need to receive department approval as part of the OPT application. You should be in your last quarter, have submitted your request for a folder check, and be on track for completion of your thesis. For Graduate submission deadlines, please see the School of Graduate Studies and Research Graduation Procedures and Deadlines page.