OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit for F-1 students who wish to gain work experience in their major field of study. Eligible students may be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. There are both Pre-Completion (during your program) and Post-Completion (after your program) OPT options. Most students select the Post-Completion option, which is the focus of this page. Please consult ISS if you are interested in Pre-Completion OPT information.

Please note that this page provides a general overview of Post-Completion OPT. The most comprehensive information on the OPT process would be provided at the OPT Training Session held each semester. The training session reviews the detailed nuances of completing form I-765 and other application pitfalls. Students are required to attend a training session prior to being recommended for OPT and issued a new OPT I-20.

OPT APPLICATION PROCESS: AT-A-GLANCE

OPT Application Process, Step 1: Attend OPT Training Session

FOR ACCESS TO FULL OPT APPLICATION GUIDE + TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION COMPLETION.

OPT Application Process, Step 2: Submit Completion of Program Form

SUBMIT THIS FORM TO THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IN ADVANCE OF OAR SESSION.

OPT Application Process, Step 3: Complete OPT Application

COMPLETE ALL FORMS AND GATHER ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS.

OPT Application Process, Step 4: Attend OAR Session & Receive OPT I-20

REFER TO THE OPT CHECKLIST FOR ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BRING TO APPOINTMENT.

OPT Application Process, Step 5: Mail Application to USCIS within 30 Days of I-20 Issuance

APPLICATIONS NOT RECEIVED BY USCIS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF I-20 ISSUANCE WILL BE DENIED.

OPT Application Process, Step 6: Wait for Response (2-3 Months)

CONFIRMATION RECEIPTS SENT WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS, & APPROVAL NOTICE SENT WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS.

OPT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

POST-COMPLETION OPT REQUIREMENTS

PRE-COMPLETION OPT REQUIREMENTS

FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING DOCTORAL THESIS

OPT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

WESLEY'S OPT PROCESS

Attend an OPT informational session.
Submit Completion of Academic Program form.
Schedule an OPT Application Review (OAR) session with ISS.
Prepare all application materials prior to OAR session.
Attend OAR session. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes for the appointment. Bring all required documents.
Gather remaining items for USCIS application. Verify completeness using OPT Checklist.
Mail all items. Using a mail tracking service is highly recommended (DHL, FedEx, UPS or USPS tracking options).
> Expect a confirmation receipt from USCIS within 2-3 weeks.
> Expect an approval or denial notice from USCIS within 2-3 months.
> Setup your online account to check for case status updates.

REQUESTING YOUR OPT I-20

OPT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

OPT CHECKLIST

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE USCIS OPT APPLICATION

Original completed form I-765 (in BLACK ink, no corrections);
Complete the form online, print it and sign it in BLACK ink only.
(Optional) Original completed form G-1145 (in BLACK ink, no corrections);
Complete the form online, print it and sign it in BLACK ink only.
Copy of your OPT I-20 (issued by ISS after your OPT Application Review Session).
Copies of all other I-20s (all previous and current from all institutions attended);
If missing an I-20, write a memo or contact the school that issued the I-20/s
Copy of your Valid Passport (you must renew if expired or expiring w/in 6 months);
Copy of your F-1 Visa;
Copy of your I-94 card (front and back) OR a print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html;
Copy of a Previous EAD Card, if applicable;
2 passport size photos;
A Cashier’s Check, Personal Check or Money Order for $380.00 (payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Include your SEVIS number on the “For” line.

MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

For students mailing applications from DC/VA/MD, use one of the two following mailing options to send your application to the USCIS DALLAS LOCKBOX:

Express Mail
If using FedEx, DHL or UPS, please use the following address:

USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
U.S. Postal Service Mail (USPS)
If using USPS, choose the Priority Mail option and use the following address:
USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266

30 DAY RULE

OPT EMPLOYMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

EMPLOYMENT & UNEMPLOYMENT

You will be required to secure full-time employment in your field of study. You may also accept a (legitimate) volunteer position.
Full-time for OPT means 20 hours or more per week. Don’t confuse this with what employers consider full-time (40 hours/week). From an employer perspective, you are looking for part-time work.
You have an unemployment window of 90 days from OPT start date in which to find employment.
You MUST report employment to ISS within 10 days.
NEW POLICY THIS YEAR: One your SEVIS accounts hits 90 days of unemployment, your I-20 will automatically be terminated.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

While participating in your OPT employment, you continue to have important reporting responsibilities to your DSO. The following reporting is mandated by federal law as a requirement of maintaining your F-1 status during your OPT year.

Employment Information Reporting

Report the following employment information by email to ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu within 10 days:

Employment position/job title;
Employment type (paid, unpaid internship, volunteer);
Employment duration (dates and hours per week);
Contact information for supervisor;
Brief description of your work and how it is related to your degree.

Personal Information Reporting

Report the following personal information by email to ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu within 10 days:

Name and Address changes;

Additional Reporting/Communication Topics

The above reporting is mandated by federal law as a requirement of maintaining your F-1 status during your OPT year. However, there are several other topics that you should also communicate about with ISS, including:

Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) during the OPT application process (contact ISS immediately for assistance);
Receipt of EAD card (send scan of front and back of EAD card to ISS once it is received);
Lost EAD or incorrect data on EAD;
Travel outside the U.S. while OPT application is pending or approved;
Any changes from F-1 to another status (e.g. R-1, H1-B, etc.).

QUICK LINKS

> Wesley Completion of Academic Program Form

> DHS Form I-765:
Application for Employment Authorization

> DHS Form I-94 Digital Record Access

> USCIS Form G-1145:
e-Notification of Application Acceptance

> USCIS Application Status Monitoring

UPCOMING TRAININGS

OPT Application & Authorization

Monday, February 1, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Library, Large Classroom

OPT Employment & Reporting Requirements

Monday, May 2, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Library, Large Classsroom

CONTACT ISS

Email: ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu
Phone: +1 (202) 885.6069
Twitter: @WesleyISS

OFFICE HOURS

Walk-In Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:
12:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: by appointment.

The ISS office operates M-W 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Thursday by appointment.

ADVISER ADVICE

"Working at Starbucks would not be considered employment in your field . . . even if you are blessing the coffee!"

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Optional Practical Training

OPT APPLICATION PROCESS: AT-A-GLANCE

OPT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

OPT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

OPT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

OPT EMPLOYMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

QUICK LINKS

> Wesley Completion of Academic Program Form

> DHS Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization

> DHS Form I-94 Digital Record Access

> USCIS Form G-1145: e-Notification of Application Acceptance

> USCIS Application Status Monitoring

UPCOMING TRAININGS

OPT Application & Authorization

OPT Employment & Reporting Requirements

CONTACT ISS

OFFICE HOURS

ADVISER ADVICE

> DHS Form I-765:
Application for Employment Authorization

> USCIS Form G-1145:
e-Notification of Application Acceptance