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Excerpt

The page explains how to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Post-completion OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree.

For help with this process, please contact International Programs Affairs at international@uwf.edu.

Important: A new I-20 with OPT dates on page two is required to apply for OPT. 

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titleReview the information in this OPT Confluence page to learn about the process to apply for OPT. Take the OPT quiz.
  1. 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.


2. Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz. 

This is required before International Programs Affairs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation.

A new I-20 with OPT dates on page two is required to apply for OPT. 


3. Submit the International Graduation Verification form in MyUWF.

  • 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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titleSubmit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF

To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from International ProgramsAffairs, 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 Affairs 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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titleCompile supporting documents for the OPT application.

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.

Important Note:

USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization.

International Programs

International Affairs 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.

Final Steps


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titleOnline Filing Option

USCIS announced on 04/10/2021 that F-1 students can now file Form I-765 online for OPT (Optional Practical Training). 

Students are responsible for submitting all documents required for online filing in the USCIS online account.

A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application.


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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titleClick 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 Affairs 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.

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titleClick here to see the Checklist of Required Documentation




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 Affairs recommends scheduling a final document check with your international student advisor prior to making payment.
  • You may not be able to update information in your application after it is filed.


Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization


 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 instructions carefully: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Important Notes:

Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B).

You must provide the details below to apply for OPT.

Additional Information:

  • all previously used SEVIS numbers 
  • 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



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).


US passport-style photograph/s.


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titleOnline Filing

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.


I-20 with OPT recommendation

A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application.

Look for the OPT start and end date on page two.

IMPORTANT:

  • If you have a scanned copy, you must download, sign and date the I-20.
  • Then make a copy to upload.
  • USCIS will not accept an electronically-generated signature.

Check that the I-20 has your signature and date in ink before you upload.


Additional Information

Include 

  • Evidence of all previous CPT work authorizations
  • All previous SEVIS numbers


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titleUSCIS Updates on your Application

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  Affairs 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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