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:

1. Request your OPT I-20 from VCSU's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), Shannon Hone, by completing the OPT I-20 Request listed below and emailing it to shannon.hone@vcsu.edu. You can leave the start and end dates and employer information blank if you do not know what they are yet. 
2. Once the PDSO receives your OPT I-20 Request they will 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.
3. You must wait 3-5 months for USCIS to process and approve your OPT I-765 Application.
4. Maintain and report your employment.
   
   

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