Optional Practical Training (OPT)

This article is a starting point for international students at Valley City State University who are interested in applying for a F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is an F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
An OPT is a benefit of the F-1 student status that allows students to work in a position that is directly related to their field of study for up to 12 months after they graduate (with a possibility of extension for STEM majors).

There are 4 steps to request and maintain an OPT:

Request your OPT I-20 complete the I-20 OPT Request eForm in Campus Connection and email VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone (shannon.hone@vcsu.edu) to let her know you are interested in doing an OPT. TIP: You can leave the start and end dates and employer information blank on the eForm if you do not know what they are yet.
The PDSO will reach out to you to schedule a time to meet with you to discuss the VCSU OPT Important Dates and Information handout listed below and help you submit an OPT I-765 Application online to USCIS.
Items you will need to submit your OPT I-765 Application:
1. Copy of your OPT I-20
2. $470 USCIS Application Fee
3. Passport regulation photo taken within the last 30 days (Photo regulations listed here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html)
4. Latest I-94 Reentry Document
5. Copy of your passport biography page - passport must be valid for at least 6 more months after time of application
6. Additional I-20s you were issued with different SEVIS IDs than your current I-20
7. Any previously issued EAD Cards from past OPTs
You must wait 3-5 months for USCIS to process and approve your OPT I-765 Application. You cannot travel out of the U.S. while your OPT application is pending!
Once your application is approved you may start legally working in the U.S. You must maintain and report your employment to stay in legal status.

Due to USCIS's 3 to 5 month processing time, below are the recommended OPT I-765 Application deadlines:

Fall semester graduates: 1st week in October each year
Spring semester graduates: 1st week in March each year
Summer semester graduates: 1st week in May each year