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This document outlines the guidelines and requirements for F-1 visa graduate students to apply for optional practical training, detailing the application process, required documentation, and eligibility
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How to fill out optional practical training for

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How to fill out Optional Practical Training for Graduate Students on an F-1 Visa

01
Verify your eligibility: Ensure that you are on an F-1 visa and have completed at least one academic year of study.
02
Schedule a meeting with your designated school official (DSO) to discuss your intention to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
03
Obtain and complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Make sure to specify OPT in the form.
04
Prepare your application package, including Form I-765, a copy of your I-20 form, a copy of your passport, and two passport-sized photos.
05
Pay the required application fee as specified in the instructions for Form I-765.
06
Submit your application package to the appropriate USCIS service center. Ensure you send it within the allowed time frame.
07
After submission, track your application status online using the receipt number provided by USCIS.
08
Once approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to begin your OPT.

Who needs Optional Practical Training for Graduate Students on an F-1 Visa?

01
Graduate students on an F-1 visa who wish to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study.
02
Students who have completed at least one academic year in a degree program.
03
Those who want to enhance their academic knowledge through hands-on experience in a professional setting.
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A student may not request a start date that is more than 60 days after the student's program end date. A student must complete all practical training within a 14-month period following the completion of study.
OPT offers temporary employment authorization to international students in the United States, allowing eligible students and recent graduates to gain valuable work experience within their field of study.
Overview. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States. This employment can be used: Before completion of studies during an annual vacation or leave term. After completion of studies
To be eligible for OPT, a student: Must have maintained F-1 status for a minimum of one academic year (i.e., two consecutive academic semesters). Must have confirmed eligibility for graduation with their academic department/unit prior to initiating the OPT application process.
OPT can be completed before or after graduation, while CPT must be completed before graduation. CPT employment is part of your major curriculum that allows students to work in a paid or unpaid internship, practicum, or cooperative (co-op) education program.
Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement. You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution. You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
Overview. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States. This employment can be used: Before completion of studies during an annual vacation or leave term.
Full-time CPT for 12 months can lead to OPT rejection Using full-time CPT for one year cancels out OPT eligibility for this particular degree level. Students must ensure that they use CPT for no more than 11 months or part-time CPT to avoid being rejected for OPT after graduation.

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows graduate students on an F-1 visa in the United States to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their degree. It enables students to gain practical experience and enhance their educational experience.
Graduate students on an F-1 visa who wish to participate in Optional Practical Training must file for OPT with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before completing their degree. This includes students who are in master's, doctoral, or other advanced degree programs.
To fill out the OPT application, students must complete Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. They should gather necessary documents such as a copy of their Form I-20, passport, I-94, and provide a recent passport-style photo. The completed form and documents should be submitted to USCIS along with the required filing fee.
The purpose of Optional Practical Training is to provide international students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, improve their employability, and make professional connections in the U.S. workforce.
Students must report their employer's name, address, job title, and start date of the employment. Additionally, they must report any changes in their employment status, such as leaving a job or changing positions, to their designated school official (DSO).
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