When the student is hired, the student reports the employer information to the DSO.

The student receives the EAD and can begin work once the authorized date arrives.

If the Form I-765 is denied, the OPT Request status in SEVIS changes to Denied.

If the application is approved, USCIS issues an EAD and the OPT Request status in SEVIS changes to Approved.

USCIS then makes a decision on the application:.

The student must respond by the deadline.

If USCIS needs more information, the student will receive a Request For Evidence, which states what information is needed and the deadline for submitting it.

Through an interface with USCIS, the status of the OPT request in SEVIS changes to Pending.

Upon receipt of the I-765, USCIS issues a Receipt Notice (Form I-797) that contains the receipt number assigned to the case.

The web site provides submission instructions. Note: The Form I-765 is available on the USCIS website. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the DSO’s recommendation. The Form I-765, fee, and supporting documentation must be filed with U.S.

The student completes an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).

Note: Any OPT status updates to SEVIS are automatic and require no action on the part of the DSO.

The status of the OPT request in SEVIS immediately changes to Requested.

DSO confirms eligibility, enters the request in SEVIS and prints the Form I-20.

Student follows school processes to submit an OPT request to the DSO. The OPT application process involves many players and several steps: Step CPT at another program level does not affect OPT. Note: Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the CPT 12-month total affecting OPT.

The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

The student has not used all optional practical training available at the current level of study.

For more information see SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study.

The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of study.

The student is not studying English as a Second Language.

The student has been a full-time student for one academic year in an SEVP-certified:.

USCIS approved the student’s request to withdraw the Form I-765. StatusĭSO requested OPT in SEVIS on behalf of the student, but USCIS has not yet received the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).ĭSO has canceled the OPT request in SEVIS. The table below lists the statuses used to identify the stages of OPT requests in SEVIS.

Cap-Gap OPT Extension: For students whose prospective employers filed a qualifying H-1B-cap subject petition.

This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT.

24-month (STEM) OPT Extension: For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS.

It must be at least 20 hours per week or full-time.

Post-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used after the student’s Program End Date.

Pre-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used before the student’s Program End Date.

(For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree). Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. OPT: For students engaged in post-secondary schools or at conservatories. DSOs must understand the following regulations and policy guidance: Any OPT requests entered into SEVIS must comply with federal regulations. Regulations and Policy GuidanceĬomplex rules and guidance apply to OPT. The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study. Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. This document discusses different types of optional practical training (OPT) including: required forms, processes, and updating SEVIS.

However, employment opportunities are limited and strict rules apply.

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