Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is one year of eligibility to work in the United Stated in a job that is directly related to your major area of study. OPT can be used while you are still pursuing your course of study and/or after you have finished your degree.
The total amount of time you may spend engaging in OPT is 12 months maximum, (i.e. student may use OPT for 6 months before graduation and 6 months after graduation) but the big majority of international students apply for OPT to be used all 12 months after graduation.

New regulations allow for an additional 12 months of OPT if you move to a higher level of education (i.e. you get 12 months of OPT after a Bachelor's degree, and another 12 months for the Master's degree).

OPT Forms

OPT Application (form I-765) (PDF file size 116kb)
Photo Standards - Passport Pictures (PDF file size 585kb)

You may be authorized for pre-graduation optional practical training:

If you have enrolled as a full-time student for a minimum of one academic year (fall & spring semesters), and intend to register for the next semester
While school is in session, OPT does not exceed 20 hours a week
After completion of course requirements and before graduation (during thesis /dissertation) OPT can be full-time

You may be authorized for post-graduation optional practical training:

If you have enrolled as a full-time student for a minimum of one academic year (fall & spring semesters)
You MUST apply for OPT 3 months before graduation
USCIS must receive your application before your graduation date

Eligibility:

You must have been enrolled full-time in an academic program for at least one academic year
To request permission to engage in OPT after graduation, you must apply during your last semester before completing your degree
You must submit your application while you are still in the United States. You are not eligible to apply for OPT if you have already graduated and have left the United States.

First Step

Collect the OPT package from the ISS office
Complete Form I-765 [in #16, write in: (c)(3)(i)] (You can complete this form by clicking on the "I-765" here on this page. Click on the first field and complete the form. When you are done, please print it out and bring it to ISS
Complete Section A of Form I-538
Have two photographs taken for immigration purposes and lightly print your name on the back of each photograph with a pencil. You can get these done at Wal-Mart, Eckerd drug store, or any local photo shop. View photo specifications and guidelines.
Make sure your passport is valid
Write a check or money order made payable to "U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security" for $175

Second Step

Bring in your completed form I-765, SEVIS I-20, your passport, your I-94, the check or money order, the photographs, and your academic advisor approval to an international student advisor. The international student advisor will:

Recommend you for full-time or part-time work authorization in SEVIS system and issue you a new I-20 to reflect the recommendation
Review your application, make the necessary copies, submit the required documents and provide you with the envelope and mailing address to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Third Step

Submit application assembled in the following order to:

USCIS SERVICE CENTER
75 Lower Walden St.,
St. Albans, VT 05479- 0001

The check or money order for $340.00
Form I-765
Copy of I-538
A photocopy of your new SEVIS I-20 (the advisor will photocopy the new I-20 once the information has been entered into SEVIS)
A copy of Form I-94 Departure Record (front and back). ISS will make the copies
A photocopy of the important pages of your passport. ISS will make the copies
Two photos (see examples )
Copies of previous EAD card (if any)
Copies of all previous I-20 forms that issued to you by Plattsburgh or other schools/universities

Important:

Do not plan to travel outside of the U.S. while a decision is pending on your OPT application. Your absence from the U.S. may be viewed by USCIS as abandoning your OPT application and the review process of your OPT application may be terminated
Employment through OPT will automatically be terminated if you transfer to another school in the US
If you will be doing your OPT after completing your course of study or degree outside the State of NY, you may file at the USCIS office having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Processing times for EADs vary from one USCIS district to another. Be sure to allow enough time for this procedure. EAD processing may take up to 120 days at some locations
If you have received 365 days or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for OPT
If you are applying for optional practical training after completing your degree, you must have the following in your possession if you are traveling outside the US and want to re-enter the US to start or resume your practical training: (a) a current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued to you by the USCIS; (b) a SEVIS I-20 signed for re-entry by a foreign student advisor within the last six months. (c) A valid F-1 visa (d) copy of a letter from your employer verifying your employment. If you do not have these, you may not be allowed to enter the US in F-1 status and you may not start or continue practical training. Please make your travel plans carefully and consult with an international student advisor well in advance of your departure from the US.
You must have an EAD in your possession before beginning to work.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you have any questions about international admission or financial aid at SUNY-Plattsburgh, please contact:

International Student Services
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Kehoe Administration Building, Room 209
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, New York 12901 USA

Phone: (518) 564-3287
Fax: (518) 564-3292
E-mail: iss@plattsburgh.edu

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