Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for at most one year on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their field of studies. F-1 students are usually permitted a total of 12 months of practical training.
Please download and read the OPT Instructions.
You will need to complete and submit the two forms to get approval for OPT from Stanton University.
Then you will need to assemble the OPT Packet, which is explained in the OPT Instructions.
OPT Packet
- Original Form G-1145
- Original Form I-765 – see next slide for instructions
- Passport Photocopy
- I-94 Printout
- Photocopy of OPT I-20 and all previous I-20’s
- Two US Passport Style Photos*
- Application Fee Payment (check -OR- Form G-1450)
- Photocopies of all previously issued EADs, CPT I-20s, and OPT I-20s (if applicable)
- Please note: Paperclip the 2 photos and payment method on top of the application packet
Then once you have found employment, you will need to complete and submit the two forms to Ms. Jordan.
- OPT Employment Verification Form
- This form is for your employer to fill out. After you receive this from your employer, please send this to Ms. Jordan.
- Prospective Job Offer Letter
- Please hand the letter and template to your prospective employer. Once you receive a job offer letter, please submit it to Ms. Jordan Thomas.
If you have any questions that were not listed above, please contact our International Student Adviser, Ms. Jordan Thomas at jthomas@stantonuniversity.com.
1) When should I apply for OPT?
An F-1 student may apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before the student’s program end date and up to 60 days after his or her program end date. In addition, the application must be properly filed within 30 days of the date the student’s DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS.
2) What is the earliest date a student can file a request for post-completion OPT with USCIS
A student may file the request for post-completion OPT no more than 90 days prior to the student’s program end date.
3) Can I leave the U.S. while my OPT is processing?
Although certain agencies have stated that students who have completed their studies may travel outside the U.S., the regulation says that an EAD card plus a letter from the employer are required for re-entry. The student must decide whether to take the risk or not.
4) Can I travel outside the U.S. after I receive my EAD card?
Once you receive your EAD card you are allowed to travel outside the U.S., however, you will want to make sure to have the following documents in your possession to be granted re-entry:
- Signed I-20 within a 6 month period
- EAD card
- Valid U.S. visa
- Valid passport
- Letter from your employer verifying employment. This is required.
5) What happens after the EAD expires?
After your EAD card expires you must either leave the U.S. or start a new program of study with a new I-20 within 60 days.
6) Do I have to inform Stanton University of address and phone number changes?
Yes. You must inform Stanton University of any address or phone number changes within 10 days. USCIS requires you to update this information to our office to maintain your immigration status while engaging in Optional Practical Training.
7) What happens if I don’t graduate in time?
OPT requests can be cancelled, but it is a complicated process. You should inform the SU office as soon as possible that you will not be completing your program as planned, so that we can extend your program on your I-20, if necessary. If your I-20 expires, your options are limited, and you may lose your OPT benefit.