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This document provides information and guidelines regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students, including application procedures, eligibility criteria, and details about using OPT

How to fill out optional practical training opt

How to fill out Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application

1. Review the eligibility requirements for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
2. Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
3. Gather supporting documents, including your Form I-20, passport, and any prior employment authorization documents.
4. Prepare a personal statement explaining your reason for applying for OPT.
5. Submit the application fee, typically via check or money order made out to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.'
6. Mail the completed application package to the appropriate USCIS service center based on your state of residence.
7. Track your application status on the USCIS website after submission.

Who needs Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

1. International students on an F-1 visa who wish to gain work experience in their field of study.
2. Students who have completed their degree program or are nearing completion.
3. Individuals looking to extend their practical training period post-graduation.

People Also Ask about

What happens after 1 year of OPT?

Once your OPT concludes, you enter a strict 60-day grace period. This limited window is not intended for extended planning — it's designed for decisive action. Missing this deadline could leave you out of status, which may jeopardize your eligibility for future visas or adjustment of status.

What is optional practical training in the USA?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.

How long can I stay in the US after my OPT is over?

After OPT or STEM OPT expires, international students only have a grace period of 60 days. During that short time, you must either leave the US or obtain an alternative form of work authorization.

Who is eligible for OPT-in in the USA?

To be eligible for OPT, students must: Be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application. Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. Be physically present in the U.S. when the application is submitted online or by mail.

Is OPT still in F-1 status?

Optional Practical Training is a benefit of the F-1 visa category for those students who meet the eligibility criteria. You are still in F-1 status while on OPT and considered an “F-1 Student” even when you complete your Notre Dame program.

What if my OPT expires before H-1B starts?

If your OPT expires in July but your H-1B petition is approved to start after October 1 but before April 1 of the following year, the Cap Gap extension of OPT will cover July up to the H-1B petition start date.

How long can I stay in the US after my F-1 visa expires?

You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

What happens if my OPT expires while waiting for a green card?

Once you have a Form I-485 pending, you can stay legally even after your OPT expires. You can also get a work permit based on that pending I-485 and work for your employer until your green card is ready.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows F-1 international students in the United States to gain practical work experience related to their field of study for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending it for certain STEM majors. The OPT Information & Application is the documentation process required to apply for this work authorization.

Who is required to file Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

F-1 international students who wish to engage in practical training related to their major field of study in the U.S. after completing their degree program are required to file the OPT Information & Application.

How to fill out Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

To fill out the OPT Information & Application, students must complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), provide required documentation such as proof of enrollment, and submit the application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the appropriate fee.

What is the purpose of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

The purpose of the OPT Information & Application is to provide a structured process for F-1 students to request work authorization in order to gain practical experience in their field of study, which enhances their educational experience and prepares them for future employment.

What information must be reported on Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information & Application?

The OPT Information & Application requires students to report personal information, including their name, address, SEVIS ID, the date of their program completion, details of their degree, and information regarding their intended employment while on OPT.