...
View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT.
- Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.
- It's a good idea to make a note of any questions or concerns so that you can review them in your OPT advising appointment.
...
Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz.
This is required before International Programs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation.
Step 2
...
- Please see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation below.
Final Steps
| Expand |
|---|
| title | Online Filing Option |
|---|
|
...
|
USCIS announced on 04/10/2021 that F-1 students can now file Form I-765 online for OPT (Optional Practical Training). - Review the USCIS resource page below carefully and consult with your international student advisor to discuss online filing.
- Students are responsible for submitting all documents required for online filing in the USCIS online account.
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/f-1-students-seeking-optional-practical-training-can-now-file-form-i-765-online Individuals can file 11 USCIS forms online, which can all be found on the Forms Available to File Online page. To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. This free account allows them to: - Submit their forms;
- Pay their fees;
- Track the status of their case;
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and
- Respond to Requests for Evidence.
USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of these forms by mail.
|
...
|
Send your complete OPT application with fee to USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. - Be careful that all required documents are in the application.
- USCIS can deny your application if it is missing any required documentation without sending you a notification (a Request for Further Evidence).
- Check that the Form I-765 is complete, signed in blue ink and dated.
- Make certain that the copies of all Forms I-20 are signed and dated.
- Double check that your application includes all items on the OPT Application Checklist.
- Make a complete copy of your application for your records.
Where to send the application: We recommend that you send your complete application by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by Priority Mail so that you have a tracking number. Please see the USCIS website for the address: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses - See the section for Foreign Students and search for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- International Programs recommends the United States Postal Service to ship these documents.
- If you submit your application near the deadline (60 days after your program end date), be aware of shipping timelines and select overnight service with the United States Postal Service.
|
Important Information to Review before you apply for OPT
| Expand |
|---|
| title | Click here for important information. You can contact your international student advisor if you have any questions or concerns. |
|---|
|
- Processing time can take up to 90 days or longer.
- You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
- You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
- If you move while your application is being processed, you must complete an AR-11 form to update your address or update in your USCIS account.
- USCIS will not forward your mail or EAD card to a new address.
- Employment is permitted only during the time period specified on the EAD card.
- Post-completion OPT is considered full-time, more than 20 hours per week.
- You may have multiple employers, but all employment must be related to your major field of study.
- International Programs will send important OPT updates to the email on record in MyUWF.
- International students who rely on recruitment agencies to obtain OPT placements should ensure those agencies are trustworthy and reputable.
Reputable recruiters will not modify a student’s resume or academic background to secure OPT placement. - International students who encounter fraudulent activity tied to OPT should contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ICE.gov/tips immediately and make a report.
|
Maintaining Status while on OPT
Reporting Requirements and the SEVP Portal
| Expand |
|---|
| title | Click here to review reporting requirements. |
|---|
|
You will use the SEVP Portal to fulfill your legal reporting requirements while on OPT. - Updates must be made within 10 days of the change occurring.
- Students receive an email directly from SEVP with instructions to activate the portal account.
- The SEVP portal will email you on the start date listed on your EAD card.
- If you do not receive an email, email a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to international@uwf.edu.
It is your responsibility to complete reporting requirements. - The SEVP Portal Help page has step-by-step instructions and instructional videos to learn to navigate the portal.
- Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.
In the portal, you can update: - Physical home address.
- Mailing address.
- Telephone number.
- Employment information. The employer address should be the address the student reports to for work.
If no employer information is entered into SEVIS after 90 days, ICE will cancel your OPT and terminate your status. To update your legal name or email address, contact your international student advisor or email international@uwf.edu. - SEVP will send email to the address listed in your portal account.
- Be sure to check your email regularly.
|
Travel and Maintaining Status
| Expand |
|---|
| title | Travel Best Practices for F-1 Students on OPT |
|---|
|
The travel signature on your I-20 is valid for six months. For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US: - a valid passport and visa
- Form I-20 with travel signature (within 6 months of re-entry to the US)
- EAD card
- job offer letter/letter from your employer that you are on approved leave
|
Applying for OPT and Travel
...
