Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Eligibility requirements:
- You have been in lawful F-1 status for a minimum of one academic year (by the time you wish to begin OPT).
- The work is directly related to your major field of study and commensurate with your level of education; however, a job offer is not required when you apply.
- Your application must be received by the USCIS Service Center before you complete the graduation requirements; you are recommended to send in application 90-120 days before you complete the graduation requirements.
- The application requires a recommendation by the DSO and approved by the USCIS Service Center.
- The training is limited to 12 months within the 14-month period following the completion of study after each level of education.
- If you enter another education program during OPT, the USCIS will terminate your OPT.
- OPT terminates when you fail to comply with F-1 regulations (e.g. fail to report a change of address to DSO).
- If you have been approved for one year of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you are not eligible for OPT.
Work/Travel:
- You may not work until you have completed all requirements for your program of study, received the “Employment Authorization Document (EAD)” from USCIS and the specified starting date has arrived.
- To travel outside of US for a short period of time while on OPT and employed, you need a valid EAD, a valid F-1 visa, an endorsed I-20 within the last 6 months, and a letter from your employer; however, your return to U.S. is not guaranteed. We strongly recommend that you do not travel outside of U.S. after graduation while your application is pending.
Application procedure:
1. For NDNU international student office
- Complete an OPT application form.
- Complete the Graduation Verification Form and have it signed by your academic advisor.
2. To be sent to the USCIS Service Center via a certified mail with return receipt requested (mail to: USCIS Service Center, P.O. Box 10765, Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1076)
- Complete the I-765 Form (you can get it from the DSO, or download from http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf) (in item #16 write “(c) (3) (i)”)
- Copy of I-20 with DSO endorsement within the past 30 days (see below)
- Copy of most recent I-20 that is stamped (first page only)
- Copy of I-94 (front and back)
- Copy of ID page from passport
- $180 Fee (or see the USCIS website for current fee, write your I-94 number on the check, check payable to US Department of Homeland Security)
- 2 US passport style photos (write your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo)
- Photocopy of previous EAD if applicable
- Make an appointment to see the DSO in order to update your request in SEVIS. Bring the above forms, your passport, and a copy of transcript to your appointment. You will be given an endorsed I-20 if your application is complete.
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application for F-1 Students at NDNU
( ) Mr. ( ) Ms. ____________________________________________________________
Family (Last) Name Given (First) Name Middle
Student I.D. _____________________ Major ___________________ Degree _______________
Expected Graduation Date ________________ Academic Advisor ____________________
Current Address ___________________________________________________________
Number and Street Apt.#
_______________________________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
Email ________________________________ Phone _____________________________
Home Country Address ______________________________________________________
____________________________________________ Country of Citizenship __________
OPT Application Checklist
___ Graduation Verification Form
___ Passport (valid until __________)
___ I-765 Form
___ Copy of most recent stamped I-20
___ Copy of I-94 (front and back)
___ Copy of ID page from passport
___ 2 US passport style photos
___ $180 Fee
Requested OPT Start/End Dates
Beginning Date ___________________________ Ending Date ______________________
Month Date Year Month Date Year
Date of Application ____________________ First semester at NDNU _________________
Month Date Year Semester Year
I understand that as long as I am in F-1 status I am responsible for notifying the DSO at NDNU of any change in my employer, name, or address within 10 days.
__________________________________________________ (student signature)
For office use only:
_____ Units for _______ (___RCL filed ) Restrictions _____________ SEVIS/I-20 updated on _________
Notre Dame de Namur University
Office of International Student Service
GRADUATION VERIFICATION FORM
FOR F-1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Dear Advisor: The following F-1 international student is applying for the Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Please verify the expected date that the student will complete all requirements for graduation. Thank you.
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Student: Please fill out this portion.
Student Name ____________________________________________________________
Last First Middle
Student ID ____________________________ Date _________________________
Month Date Year
Units completed as of today __________ Units taking this semester ________
_____________________________________________
(Student Signature)
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Academic Advisor: Please fill out this portion.
The above student is expected to have completed all the requirements for graduation on
____________________________
Month Date Year
_______________________________ ______________________________
Name of Academic Advisor Signature of Academic Advisor
_______________________________ ______________________________
School/Department Extension Date