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This document is used by international students to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) while on an F-1 visa, detailing personal information, program start and end dates, and required documents

How to fill out optional practical training application

How to fill out Optional Practical Training Application

1. Obtain the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Form (Form I-765) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
2. Ensure you are eligible for OPT; you must be an F-1 student in good standing and have completed at least one academic year.
3. Fill out the Form I-765, providing accurate personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and information about your degree program.
4. Select the appropriate eligibility category for OPT on the form (c)(3)(B for post-completion OPT).
5. Attach the required documents, including a copy of your I-20 form with OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO), and a copy of your passport and visa page.
6. Include a recent passport-sized photograph as per USCIS specifications.
7. Pay the required filing fee by including a check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.'
8. Review your application for accuracy and completeness.
9. Mail the completed application to the appropriate USCIS address based on your state of residence.

Who needs Optional Practical Training Application?

1. International students in the United States on an F-1 visa who wish to gain practical work experience related to their field of study after completing their degree.

People Also Ask about

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.

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.

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.

Who is eligible for STEM OPT?

You must have received both degrees from currently accredited and SEVP-certified institutions, and cannot have already received a STEM OPT extension based on this previous degree. The practical training opportunity also must be directly related to the previously obtained STEM degree.

How do I apply for optional practical training?

Applying for OPT Request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

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.

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 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.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Optional Practical Training Application?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application is a form submitted by international students in the U.S. to request work authorization to gain practical experience in their field of study. It allows students on F-1 visas to work for up to 12 months after completing their degree.

Who is required to file Optional Practical Training Application?

International students on F-1 visas who wish to work in the United States after completing their academic program are required to file the Optional Practical Training Application.

How to fill out Optional Practical Training Application?

To fill out the Optional Practical Training Application, students must complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and provide necessary documentation, including proof of enrollment, copies of previous work authorization (if any), and photographs as specified by USCIS.

What is the purpose of Optional Practical Training Application?

The purpose of the Optional Practical Training Application is to allow eligible international students to obtain work authorization for gaining hands-on experience in their field of study, thereby enhancing their academic learning through practical application.

What information must be reported on Optional Practical Training Application?

The Optional Practical Training Application requires personal information like the applicant's name, address, and immigration status; details about the academic program; and the type of work the applicant intends to pursue. It also requires supporting documents such as a copy of the I-20 form and proof of enrollment.