Frequently Asked Questions—Optional Practical Training

Questions

Application Phase:

Waiting Phase:

Active Phase:

Answers

When should I apply for OPT?

It is best for you to apply for OPT 4-5 months before you intend to begin working. The latest we will accept applications is 4 weeks before graduation (or before you complete your academic program by defending your thesis/dissertation, if that is mid-semester). The reason for this is that it takes 5 working days in our office to process your request, plus up to 3 months after your application has been received by the USCIS Service Center. They will not accept an application that arrives after your program completion date has passed.

What if I can’t find all of my I-20’s?

If at first you can’t find all of your I-20’s, walk away from the task and come back later. relax for a few moments and then look for them again-you might be surprised at how quickly you find them! If they’re still missing, you should write a letter “To Whom It May Concern” explaining why all of your I-20’s are not included in your application and asking that your OPT be approved with the documents you are able to include. Submit this letter in lieu of the missing I-20’s. OISS will issue an additional letter to verify whether you have previously obtained OPT authorization or not.

How do I know if it is pre-completion or post-completion?

If you will have completed your degree program, that is post-completion OPT. If you will have completed all of the coursework for your degree program, that is post-completion OPT. If you will have completed your thesis or dissertation, that is post-completion OPT. If you will have defended your thesis or dissertation, that is post-completion OPT. If none of these is true, it is pre-completion OPT.

When may I ask for my OPT to begin?

You may request a start date any time within 60 days after you have completed all degree requirements, OR have completed all coursework for your degree program, OR have completed your thesis or dissertation, OR have defended your thesis or dissertation. Remember that you will have to apply for OPT BEFORE completion of your program.

What should be in my advisor’s letter?

Your advisor’s recommendation letter for OPT is best kept short-all that needs to be provided is the information required by the instructions for OPT. Your advisor recommends that you be granted OPT, but not the dates requested—that is your responsibility and your right.

What visa status will I be in during OPT?

You will continue to be in F-1 (student) visa status throughout your OPT.

Am I out of status while waiting for my OPT approval?

No—as long as you are awaiting your OPT approval, you are maintaining your F-1 visa status.

Am I required to continue to update my contact information while I am on OPT?

All visitors to the United States are required to keep their address updated with the Department of Homeland Security. For people who are in F-1 or J-1 visa status, the address update needs to be reported to the organization that issued the immigration documents—the I-20 or the DS-2019. For this purpose, we require that you complete the AR-11(revised) that you can find on our website or at our office. You may scan and email it; you may fax it; you may hand-carry it to our office or you may send it by regular postal mail. Also please remeber to send us a copy of your EAD card once you receive it from the USCIS so that we can place a copy in your file for future reference.

What if I move after I apply for OPT but before I get my card?

It is VERY important that you update your contact information with the OISS before you move. When you do so, you MUST tell us that you are waiting for your OPT card and need an email sent to the USCIS Service Center. It is best if you also email Deborah, just to make absolutely sure that your address gets updated before your card gets mailed to you. USCIS will NOT forward your EAD card to your new address, even if you have made request at the US Postal Service to forward all your other mail. Please ensure that your name is on the mailbox at your new location

What if I want or need to take courses while I’m on OPT?

You may take classes while on OPT. You should NOT be enrolled full-time, and you don’t need to request permission to register less-than-full-time.

Where do I report my new address if I move?

As long as you are on OPT, you are required to update your address with the OISS within 10 days after you move. Please use the AR-11(revised) that you can find on our website or at our office. You may scan and email it; you may fax it; you may hand-carry it to our office or you may send it by regular postal mail.

What should I do if I change visa status while I’m on OPT?

Please bring or send a copy of your approval notice to the OISS so that we can properly close your SEVIS record.

What should I do if I decide to travel outside the U.S. while I’m on OPT?

Make sure that the signature on your I-20 is no more than six (6) months old when your return to the U.S., and make sure you have a letter from your employer stating how much you are paid and when they expect your return. If you do not have a job, you will NOT be allowed to re-enter the U.S. on OPT!

What if I decide to leave the country and not return?

If you decide to leave the country and not return, whether after your OPT has ended or before that, please notify the OISS so that we can properly close your SEVIS record. you may do this most easily by completing the Exit Form.

What if I decide to begin a new academic program?

If you begin a new academic program at a higher level, your OPT will be automatically terminated when you begin classes.

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