OPT Information

What is OPT??

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the regulations as:

“Temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of

study.”

8 C.F.R. §

214.2(f)(10)(ii)

OPT Definition

1 year of work authorizationMust be in major field of study

1 year for each higher degree level

OPT Eligibility

Must be in F-1 status with one year completed as a full-time student

Eligible to apply 90 days prior to completion date or 60 days after

90 days 60 days

Packet Materials

Green sheet Checklist, hints, and guidelines

Blue sheet OPT application & academic adviser

verificationI-765 and G-1145 (white sheets)

Official application to USCISYellow sheet

Basic info & FAQ (frequently asked questions)

Blue Sheet

This form will not be sent to USCISFill out info on frontUse NON-Miami email addressUse current mailing addressCompletion date

UG—date program requirements are met (last day of semester)

Grads—date coursework is completed OR thesis/dissertation is finished

IT MAY BE HARDER THAN YOU THINK!!

Requesting an OPT Start Date

Date Requirements

Start date must be within the 60 days AFTER degree completion

Example:If completing on May 6:

Start date can be anywhere from May – July 5

Start Date

OPT officially starts when card is received AND start date arrives

3 months is the standard time for USCIS to process an OPT application

If you want to start right after graduation, apply earlyAppl

y

USCIS approv

es

Receive OPT card

Start working!

Keep in Mind…

Possible to have a start date LATER than requested Example:

Date requested is May 9—packet is sent April 15 Application won’t be processed until after requested start date

so… New start date will be the date OPT application is approved

NOTE: If application is approved prior to requested start date, work authorization will begin on requested start date

OPT start date = when days of unemployment begin 90 days of unemployment begin accruing immediately if

not employed Only 90 days total for duration of OPT!!

Academic Advisor Verification

Turn the blue sheet over!Your Academic Advisor MUST complete and sign this side before you apply for OPT

They are verifying when you will complete your degree requirements

Form I-765

Official application that is sent to USCIS Write neatly in blue or black pen, or:

Fillable PDF form on USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf

Name—EXACTLY as appears on passport Family: ALL CAPS (HEIDEMANN) First: Molly Middle: if listed on passport Example: HEIDEMANN Molly

Form I-765

#2—leave blank in most cases#3—address where USCIS will mail OPT card

OIE address recommended#4-9—you can figure this out!#10—1-94 card number (11 digits)#11—previous employment authorization?

OPT or work visa NOT on-campus work or CPT

#12-14—most recent entry to US Date of entry Port of entry (airport) Manner of entry (usually “F-1 student”)

Form I-765

#15—current status is “F-1 student” (EVERYONE!)

#16– code # (green page has answer or will be filled in already)

#17—leave this blankSign correctly!

Between lines or will NOT show up on OPT card Phone #--don’t worry they won’t call!

Leave bottom part blank (under “Signature of Person Preparing Form…)

Form G-1145

OPTIONALIf you complete this form, USCIS will send

you a text message and/or email when your application is received

You will still receive a paper receipt notice in the mail

No extra fee for this service

Passport photos

2 passport style photos must be: Taken within past 30 days Identical In small plastic baggy (“snack size”)

Lightly print name and I-94# on back sideGaskill Hall Print Center

$5 Check out this website:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_827.html

I-20s

Please bring all original I-20s They won’t be sent in to USCIS We would like to review them You should make sure you still have them

A new I-20 will be processed at your OPT intake It will have your OPT recommendation on it You will get to take the original with you that day A copy will get sent to USCIS with your application

Copies of documents

You must bring copies of: Your passport identity page (with name, photo, and

expiration date) – include extension/renewal page if applicable

Your I-94 card (front AND back) Any previous employment authorization documents (if

you answered “yes” to #11 on the I-765)

Fee

The fee for applying for OPT is $380It is non-refundableBring a check or money order made payable

to “US Department of Homeland Security”If using a check, make sure the account is

open and there are sufficient funds in it!If the check has an old address, cross it out

and write your correct address

Yellow Sheet

READ THE YELLOW SHEET (OPT basics and FAQs)!

It contains helpful information and frequently asked questions (including information about traveling while on OPT!)

If you have questions, you can ask them at your OPT intake appointment

Next Steps

Gather all of the materials on the checklist and complete your forms (don’t forget your academic advisor’s signature!)

Call OIE (529-5628) to schedule an OPT intake appointment

Bring all of your materials to the appointmentOIE will submit your application to USCIS for youIf you use our address, we will notify you by email

when your receipt notice and OPT card arriveKeep OIE updated on your address and your

employer’s name and address