Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Employment Off Campus
All F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT if you have maintained lawful status. This is an opportunity granted to eligible applicants by USCIS for work experience in the U.S., hopefully in the area you are studying. You must apply for OPT before completion of course of study. You can apply up to 90 days before program completion. You CANNOT travel outside the U.S. until you have been approved for employment authorization by USCIS. The new rule also maintains that all OPT must be completed within 14 months following completion of program of study. Example: if you graduate May 16, 2003, the last day you can indicate on your application for OPT is July 16th if you want 12 months of employment, but you can
begin sooner (right after graduation if you desire).

REQUIREMENTS: Complete the following documents and submit to the Admissions Office.
1. Complete an I-765 form, with the code “(c) (3) (i)” on item #16.
2. Make a copy of the front and back of your I-94 card
3. Original I-20 ID
4. Complete a graduation check-out in the Advisement Center.
5. Get a letter from an international advisor confirming graduation date, a program
of study and degree checksheet(s)

USCIS form I-765 can be printed by going to the USCIS website:
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-765.htm
*** Submit the above documents to the Admissions Office ***
Once you receive your OPT documentation back from the Admissions Office, you will need to mail the following material to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Mail the following documents to the address provided on #7.

1. A photocopy of your SEVIS I-20 ID with an original signature (do not send the
original I-20, you keep the original). If this I-20 does not have an USCIS entry stamp
with the date, then make a copy of the last I-20 issued to you that has an entry
date. Make a copy and submit it along with the copy of your most current I-20.
Keep the original I-20s (if more than one), but send the copies.
2. A photocopy of your I-94 Departure Record card (front and back)
3. I-765 original form (Employment Authorization)
4. Check for $175 made payable to “USCIS.”
5. Two (2) ADIT style photographs (Photographs Requirements)
6. Copies of ID pages and stamped pages of your passport
7. Send all materials to:

Students should expect to hear from USCIS between 4-6 weeks with a receipt Notice of Action, form I-797. If approved, your EAD card will be mailed to you. If you have not received a decision within 90 days of receipt, you may obtain interim work authorization by appearing in person at the local USCIS district office. You must bring proof of identity and any Notices that you have received in connection with your application.

QUESTIONS?
Please visit with someone in the International Admissions Office if you have any questions regarding Optional Practical Training application procedures.

TO CHECK YOUR CASE STATUS:
If you would like to find out about the status of your application, you can call USCIS at (949) 831-8427 between 9am-2pm, Mon-Fri. or check online by visiting www.bcis.gov, select “hot topics”, then “case status online”. You will need to refer to your case number on the receipt Notice of Action form.

Local area USCIS Office location
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Phoenix District
2035 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
(602) 379-3114/5

Crossroads:
Central and Monte Vista (Monte Vista is located north of McDowell Road).

For driving directions and map: www.mapquest.com