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This document provides information on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students at SUNY Potsdam, detailing eligibility, application processes, work conditions, and travel guidelines

How to fill out optional practical training

How to fill out Optional Practical Training

1. Check eligibility: Ensure you are an F-1 student enrolled in a degree program.
2. Gather necessary documents: This includes your I-20 form, passport, and any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Complete Form I-765: Fill out the application for employment authorization carefully and accurately.
4. Prepare your application package: Include Form I-765, a copy of your I-20, and any supporting documents such as passport photos.
5. Pay the application fee: Include a check or money order for the required fee made out to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.'
6. Submit your application: Mail the completed application package to the address indicated for your case on the USCIS website.
7. Track your application status: After submission, you can check your application's status through the USCIS website.

Who needs Optional Practical Training?

1. Students on F-1 visas who wish to gain practical work experience in their field of study after completing their degree.
2. International students who want to take advantage of work opportunities related to their academic training.

People Also Ask about

Why would my OPT be denied?

Degree Mismatch: Submitting an OPT application for a degree level already used for OPT. Insufficient F-1 Status: Not meeting the one-year F-1 requirement due to SEVIS ID changes or breaks in status. Incomplete or Incorrect Materials: Missing or outdated forms, improperly filled-out I-765, or invalid payment methods.

Can I apply for OPT again if I was denied?

If you receive notice of the denial before your 60 day grace period expires, you may reapply for OPT but will need to resubmit all application materials again, including a new OPT Recommendation from OIA and the filing fee. The 2nd application will also be subject to the same standard processing times.

What makes you ineligible for OPT?

You can work on CPT either full-time or part-time. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from your employer. If you have 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT is fine and will not stop you from doing OPT.

Why is OPT rejected?

A top reason for OPT rejections is failing to apply within the 30-day window after the Designated School Official (DSO) issues your OPT-recommended I-20. Students often overlook this deadline, thinking it aligns with their degree end date.

How long can I stay after OPT denial?

If post-completion OPT is denied, the student's F-1 status expires 60 days from the date the degree program ends or the date of the denial, whichever is later. However, if the application is denied because the student failed to maintain F-1 status, they must immediately depart the United States.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa students in the United States, allowing them to work in their field of study for a period of time after completing their academic program.

Who is required to file Optional Practical Training?

F-1 visa students who wish to participate in post-completion OPT must file for it. This includes students who have completed their degrees or have completed at least one academic year of full-time study.

How to fill out Optional Practical Training?

To fill out the Optional Practical Training application, students must complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and submit it along with the required fee, copies of their Form I-20, passport, and other supporting documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is the purpose of Optional Practical Training?

The purpose of Optional Practical Training is to provide F-1 students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study, enhancing their education and allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world work environment.

What information must be reported on Optional Practical Training?

Students must report information including their employer's name and address, job title, start and end dates of employment, and changes in their employment status. Additionally, any changes in personal information, such as changes of address, must be reported to their school's International Student Office.