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- 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.
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2. Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz.
This is required before International Programs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation.
3. Submit the International Graduation Verification form in MyUWF.
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You must be logged into MyUWF to access the International Graduation Verification Form.
Once logged into MyUWF, Search for "International Graduation Verification."
Step 2
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| title | Submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF |
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To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from International Programs, submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF. The earliest start date you can select is the day after your program end date. - If you graduate early, your program end date will be changed to reflect your graduation date.
- You must choose a start date within 60 days of your program end date.
International Programs will review your documents, shorten your I-20 end date if necessary and issue an updated I-20 with the recommendation for post-completion OPT. The new I-20 must be uploaded in your OPT application.
Important note: USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date the OPT I-20 is issued or within 60 days after your program end date, whichever is sooner. If you apply late, you may have less than 30 days to apply. |
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| title | Pick up your new I-20 with OPT recommendation. |
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- During the COVID-19 remote environment, we We can also email you a copy of your OPT I-20.
- You must download print it and sign/date in ink.
- USCIS does not accept electronic signatures.
Review it for accuracy, sign and date it. A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application to USCIS. |
Step 5
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| title | Compile supporting documents for the OPT application. |
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For more information, see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation at the bottom of this page. - Checklist has notes on each required item. Be sure to read these carefully.
- For more information, please refer to the USCIS website https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.See pages 19-20 in Form I-765 Instructions for how to assemble your documents in the correct order.
Important Note:USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization. International Programs usually advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months. In this current epidemic, processing may take longer. Therefore, it is important that the address on your I-765 be valid as long as possible. You can discuss your options and concerns with your international advisor. |
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Final Steps
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| title | Schedule an advising appointment with an international programs advisor to review your OPT application. |
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| You must bring all the required documentation to the appointment.- Please see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation below.
Final Steps
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| title | Online Filing Option |
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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.Use this link to access the I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization: Forms Available to File Online
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
Important Notes: - Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B).
- Do not pay the application fee until you have reviewed your application with your international student advisor.
- We strongly recommend you complete a final document check to ensure that your application is complete.
USCIS Resources for online filing. 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.
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| title | Click here to see the Checklist of Required Documentation |
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Form G-1145 | For notification of delivery, use this form. Put this form on top of your application. | | Filing Fee | Important Notes for Online Filing: USCIS considers your OPT application filed when you pay the fee. - Be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy before you pay the fee.
- International Programs recommends scheduling a final document check prior to making payment.
- You may not be able to update information in your application after it is filed.
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| title | Important Notes for Paper Filing |
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| It is important to pay the correct fee. Forms with the incorrect fee will be rejected. Check for the amount of the fee the day you send your application. Fees are subject to change. International Programs recommends payment by money order if you file the paper application. |
| Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment AuthorizationInclude original of Form I-765 in your application if you file by mail.
| You must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in SEVIS. Read and follow the USCIS Form Filing Tips carefully. Important Notes: Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B). You must provide all prior SEVIS numbers and proof of previously authorized CPT/OPT and the corresponding academic level- include in Additional Information.
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| title | Important Notes for Paper Filing |
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| Please see the USCIS I-765 website to confirm that you submit the correct version of the I-765 if you choose paper filing. Check to see that your I-765 is the August 25th edition. The date is printed on the lower left corner of the I-765. Prior editions of the I-765 will be rejected. Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT for item 27: (c)(3)(B))(B). Include original of Form I-765 in your application if you file by mail. - You must download and complete the form before you print.
- Refer to Instructions for Form I-765 for details on how to complete the Form I-765.
- Answer all questions fully and accurately.
- Use the name on your I-20 for Family Name and Given Name(s).
- State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “None.”
- Print completed form and sign in blue ink in Applicant Signature field.
- Students must write their signatures so that they fit within the lines of the signature section on Form I-765 so that signatures can be scanned cleanly and applied to the EAD.
Use Part 6. Additional Information to provide: - all previously used SEVIS numbers and
- evidence of any previously authorized CPT and the academic level at which it was authorized
- evidence of any previously authorized OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized
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| | Most recent I-94 arrival record. | Printout of electronic Form I-94. - Make sure the record indicates “Class of Admission: F1" and “Admit Until Date: D/S,” which stands for duration of status.
- Make sure the I-94 shows the correct date for your most recent entry.
Or copy of both sides of card stock I-94.
| | Copy of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards). | Include a copy of front and back of each EAD card. | | Proof of identity if you do not have a previous EAD card. | Copy of biographical ID page of your passport (valid for at least six months). Copy of most recent F-1 visa. | | US passport-style photograph/s. |
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| Follow the instructions in your USCIS account. There are links provided so that you can make sure that the passport photo you upload meets USCIS requirements. |
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| title | Paper filing requires two US passport-style photographs |
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| Two identical US passport-style color photos, taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. Write your name in pencil on the back of each photo. |
| Copies of all I-20s.20 with OPT recommendation | Put a copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with OPT recommendation on top. IMPORTANT: - You must download, sign and date the I-20. Then make a copy to send to USCIS.
- USCIS will not accept an electronically-generated signature.
Include a copy of all prior I-20s. Check that all the I-20s have 20 has your signature and date in ink before you copy.
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What to Expect After You Submit your Application to
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| title | USCIS Updates on your Application |
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USCIS will contact you by mail at the address on your I-765 form. - Check your mail regularly.
You will receive an I-797C Notice of Action acknowledging receipt of your application. - You can use the case number to track your OPT application on the USCIS website.
- If you filed online, you can also see the I-797C Notice of Action in your account.
Contact International Programs if there is an error on your receipt notice or if you receive a Request for Further Evidence. A tracking number is assigned upon shipment of the EAD card. - You can use the case number on the USCIS website to identify your tracking number.
- You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Tracking section.
- Contact your local post office for more information in tracking EAD card delivery.
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