Students are eligible for OPT only after completing one year of full-time courses. Students may submit an application for Optional Practical Training (OPT) up to 90 days prior to their graduation date and up to 60 days after the program end-date, provided that it is filed with USCIS within 30 days of the date the DSO enters the OPTrecommendation into SEVIS. Students granted optional practical training receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) which looks similar to SCU's ACCESS card. Currently, it is taking between 80 - 90 days for the USCIS to process OPT applications and mail EAD cards.
Please note: DO NOT SUBMIT PAPERWORK FOR POST-COMPLETION PRACTICAL TRAINING TO ISS UNLESS YOU ARE REASONABLY CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL GRADUATE ON THE DATE INDICATED ON THE DEGREE CONFIRMATION FORM!
To apply for practical training, students must first petition to graduate with the Registrar's Office then submit to the International Student Advisor:
-
A completed
Degree Confirmation/OPT Request Form noting your
expected graduation date and signed by your academic advisor or department dean (
Degree Confirmation Form)
-
A completed I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). The I-765
(*Must be the recently updated version of 02/08/07) application form and instructions are easily downloaded from the USCIS website at:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf
The review and endorsement of your immigration documents by the International Student Advisor typically takes one week and the student will be provided with the following:
- Original SCU SEVIS Form, which will include a page reflecting the OPT recommendation and the DSO endorsement (a photocopy is sent to USCIS and student should retain the original)
- Original I-765 and photocopies of the endorsed SEVIS issued Form I-20
Students should mail their application through certified mail with a return receipt to:
USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607- 1076
The OPT application must include:
- The original I-765
- Photocopies of all previously issued SEVIS I-20 documents (including those issued from other institutions)
- Photocopy of your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure card (front and back on one page)
- Photocopy of your Biographical page of your Passport
- If you previously engaged in practical training, include a photocopy of your first EAD card
- Two full color frontal photographs "passport style" which is no more than 30 days old. Write your name and I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo and enclose the photos in a small envelope so they are not damaged in the mail
- Cover letter mentioning the above enclosed documents
- Check or money order made payable to "DHS" for $340
Please Note:
- Make photocopies of all documents mailed to USCIS.
- As an F-1 student it is your responsibility to mail the application to USCIS, not ISS.
- See the SCU international student advisor immediately after you receive your EAD card.
- Students are encouraged not to travel while the OPT application is pending. Traveling may cause the application to be cancelled by USCIS.
New OPT Rules
1) Limited Periods of unemployment to maintain status: As of April 8, 2008, students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any post-completion OPT carried out under the initial post-completion OPT authorization.
2) Reporting Requirements: As of February 27, 2008, USCIS requires that all F-1 students on OPT report the within 10 days of any change to: legal name, residential or mailing address, or any interruption of such employment. Additionally students are required to provide ISS with a copy of their EAD card.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can I find out how long it is currently taking to process EAD cards?
A: Students should allow for 3-4 months processing time. However, for a more precise estimate on processing time, please refer to the following link and select "California Service Center" Processing Dates:
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
Q: What should I do when my EAD card does not arrive in 90 days?
A: You may apply for an Interim EAD card after 90 days after your Notice date that is shown on the Notice of Action letter that was mailed to you by USCIS (form I-797C). You may apply for the Interim EAD card at the San Jose USCIS office at 1887 Monterey Highway, San Jose, CA 95112.
Bring:
- Photocopies of your OPT application
- Passport and relevant copies
- I-94 card
- Original and photocopy of your SCU issued SEVIS Form (front and back)
- Notice of Action letter
- New I-765 form (Write "Interim EAD, no Fee"on the top)
Note: Although most students get their cards immediately, it may be possible that you will not be issued your Interim EAD card on the same day because background checks are being conducted (which may take about 3 days).
Q: May I apply for a second OPT?
A: Students may be authorized 12 months of OPT and become eligible for another 12 months of OPT when they change to a higher educational level. For example, moving from a Bachelors degree to a Masters degree.
Q: Can I divide OPT into two consecutive periods of post-completion OPT?
A: No. Dividing OPT into two consecutive periods of post-completion is no longer possible. Prior to SEVIS, it had been possible for a student to request less than 12 months of post-completion OPT and then apply for the remainder before the expiration of the first period. Effective January 1, 2003, however, OPT regulations were changed to require that OPT must be requested prior to the completion of your degree.
Q: Can I change employers or work for two companies while on OPT?
A: Yes. A student may work for more than one employer and/or change employers during the period of authorized practical training provided that each position is directly related to the student's field of study and commensurate with his or her educational level.
Q: Will use of CPT affect eligibility for OPT?
A: F-1 students who engage in an aggregate of 12 months of full-time curricular practical training become ineligible for optional practical training.
