Optional Practical Training
Why OPT
OPT is intended for students to gain real employment experiences in their chosen profession for a period of 12 months at every level. It must be recommended by your DSO/International Student Advisor and approved by the US CIS. When your application is approved, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) is issued to you for the duration of your OPT.
Eligibility Requirement
Enrolled as full-time for nine (9) consecutive months.
Be in valid F-1 status including valid passport and SEVIS I-20.
Be in good academic standing.
Important Note: You can only begin employment upon receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Planning your OPT Application
F-1 students can apply for 12 months OPT for every level of a degree program. Once OPT is granted by US CIS, it will be extremely difficult to withdraw or cancel regardless of subsequent occurrences such as inability to find an appropriate job or loss of job or delay in completing requirements.
Different types of OPT
Pre-completion OPT
Full time summer vacation period application.
Part time during academic session.
Full-time enrollment for the preceding nine (9) months is required and the student must plan to enroll for 12 credits and more for the following Term.
Post Completion OPT
After completion of studies and submission to US CIS before date of graduation
Change of Employer
You may able to change your employer after your employment has begun provided the new job is related to your major field of study.
Travel Outside the US
It is risky to travel outside the US while your OPT application is still pending at the US CIS. Once you have received your EAD card, you can travel outside of the US with the following documents:
• SEVIS I-20 be signed in the past 6 months and SEVIS info updated
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
• A valid F-1 entry visa
• Have a letter from your employer
• OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot reenter.
• Have a job, you may travel and re-enter to resume work at the same job
Note: You can verify your application status by using your LIN number which you will find in your Notice of Action receipt. To verify your application status, go to the US Immigration website. Your receipt will also have a phone number you can call to verify your application status.
Application for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Application for OPT is authorized by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for directly related to a student’s major area of study. You can apply before or after completion of studies. It is limited to a total of 12 months at 40 hours per week at every level of your studies. For example: after completing your AA degree, you will be recommended for a 12 month OPT and after completing a bachelor’s degree, you will be recommended for another 12 month OPT. A job offer is not required for OPT.
Application Deadline
Application for OPT must be submitted to your DSO/International Student Advisor for recommendation to US BCIS. Please give your self about 60 to 90 days for approval from US CIS. You need to have your complete OPT application mailed and received by US CIS before your graduation date. If not, you will lose your OPT benefit.You can pick up an OPT package from your advisor. Please meet with your advisor to discuss your OPT plans and bring along the following documents:
1. I-765 form, on line 16 of the form put ( C ) (3) (i)
2. Letter from your academic advisor
3. Two photos (passport size)
4. Transcript
5. A government issued ID
6. Photocopy of both sides of the I-94 card even if the back side is blank
7. A copy of previous EAD card (if issued previously)
8. Supplement Information for SEVISOPT (Office use only)
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, the advisor will issue you a SEVIS I-20 recommending for OPT and submitting your information into SEVIS. Then you mail the following documents (do not staple) to US CIS:
• Photocopy of SEVIS I-20 with your signature (no originals)
• A check in the amount of ________, payable to US CIS
• Two photos with your name and I-94 number printed behind your both photos
• A photocopy of a government issued ID
• Photocopy of both sides of the I-94 card
•I-765 form
Mail to:
US CIS Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 851041
Mesquite, TX 75185-041
