Get the free F-1 Optional Practical Training Request Form - stots

F1 Optional Practical Training Request Form Part I (To Be Completed By Student) Name: Expected Date of Completion of Study: I am requesting the following dates for OPT and understand that these dates

How to fill out f-1 optional practical training

Who needs f-1 optional practical training?

International students on an F-1 visa who have completed an academic program at a U.S. educational institution and wish to gain practical work experience in their field of study.

How to fill out f-1 optional practical training?

1. Gather necessary documents: Before starting the application process, make sure you have the following documents ready: a completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), a valid Form I-20 from your school, a copy of your passport, a copy of your F-1 visa, and two passport-sized photos.
2. Review eligibility requirements: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the optional practical training. Generally, you must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a U.S. educational institution for at least one academic year and be in good academic standing.
3. Complete Form I-765: Carefully fill out every section of Form I-765, providing accurate and truthful information. The form requires you to provide personal details, immigration information, and employment history, among other things. Pay attention to specific instructions for each section to avoid errors or delays in processing.
4. Include the required supporting documents: Along with your completed Form I-765, you need to include the necessary supporting documents. This includes your Form I-20, a copy of your passport identification page, a copy of your F-1 visa, and two passport-sized photos taken within 30 days of your application.
5. Submit the application package: Once you have completed Form I-765 and gathered all the required supporting documents, make a copy of the entire package for your own records. Then, mail the original application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility, along with the necessary filing fee. Be sure to use a trackable mailing method and keep the receipt as proof of submission.
6. Wait for a response: After submitting your application, USCIS will review it and process your request for optional practical training. This process can take several weeks, so be patient. You can check the status of your application online using the USCIS Case Status Tracker.
7. Seek employment opportunities: While awaiting a decision on your application, start exploring potential job opportunities in your field of study. Contact your school's international student office, attend job fairs, and utilize online job search platforms to increase your chances of finding relevant positions.
8. Attend any required interviews: In some cases, USCIS may require an interview as part of the application process. If called for an interview, make sure to attend it on the scheduled date and time. Prepare beforehand by reviewing your application materials and researching common interview questions.
9. Receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD): If your application is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit. This document will specify the dates of your approved optional practical training period and the employer(s) you are authorized to work for.
10. Maintain valid immigration status: Throughout your optional practical training period, it is essential to maintain valid F-1 visa status. Adhere to the employment restrictions, report any changes in your employment or address to your designated school official, and comply with any additional requirements set by USCIS or your educational institution. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your OPT authorization.

For pdfFiller’s FAQs

Where do I find f-1 optional practical training?

The pdfFiller premium subscription gives you access to a large library of fillable forms (over 25 million fillable templates) that you can download, fill out, print, and sign. In the library, you'll have no problem discovering state-specific f-1 optional practical training and other forms. Find the template you want and tweak it with powerful editing tools.

How do I edit f-1 optional practical training online?

pdfFiller not only allows you to edit the content of your files but fully rearrange them by changing the number and sequence of pages. Upload your f-1 optional practical training to the editor and make any required adjustments in a couple of clicks. The editor enables you to blackout, type, and erase text in PDFs, add images, sticky notes and text boxes, and much more.

How do I complete f-1 optional practical training on an Android device?

On an Android device, use the pdfFiller mobile app to finish your f-1 optional practical training. The program allows you to execute all necessary document management operations, such as adding, editing, and removing text, signing, annotating, and more. You only need a smartphone and an internet connection.

What is f-1 optional practical training?

F-1 optional practical training is a program that allows international students with an F-1 visa to work in the US for up to 12 months in a field related to their major.

Who is required to file f-1 optional practical training?

International students with an F-1 visa who wish to gain practical work experience in the US related to their major are required to file for f-1 optional practical training.

How to fill out f-1 optional practical training?

To fill out f-1 optional practical training, students must work with their designated school official (DSO) to complete the necessary forms and submit them to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is the purpose of f-1 optional practical training?

The purpose of f-1 optional practical training is to provide international students with hands-on work experience in their field of study in the US.

What information must be reported on f-1 optional practical training?

Information such as employer details, job description, and work location must be reported on f-1 optional practical training.