Optional Practical Training
Definition
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work experience directly related to a
student’s field of study. An F-1 visa holder who has maintained status and who
has been in the United States as a full-time student for one academic year or
more is eligible for up to 12 months of OPT. OPT may be pursued full-time
before the completion of a degree during vacation periods or after completion of
required coursework but prior to completion of a required thesis. OPT may also
be pursued during the school year provided the practical training does not
exceed 20 hours per week. OPT granted upon completion of all degree
requirements must be full-time.
Limitations
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You are limited to a total of 12 months of
full-time employment. You have the option of using OPT before completion of the
degree, after completion of the degree, or a combination of both. Any OPT
authorized is deducted from the 12 months total that is allowed. For example, if
you are authorized for 3 months of full-time summer OPT (before the completion
of a degree); you will only be eligible for 9 months upon completion of the
degree. Any part-time OPT authorized is deducted from the 12 months at one-half
the full-time rate. · The employment must be directly related to your field of
study.
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Once you receive the recommendation for
the OPT from the OIA you must seek authorization by mail from the U.S.
Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). USCIS must receive the application
BEFORE you complete your program. If the USCIS does not receive the application
for OPT prior to completion you will not be eligible for OPT.
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You do not need to have a job to apply
for OPT. However, any OPT authorized will be deducted from the 12 months allowed
whether or not a student actually works. Students interested in pursuing OPT
before completion are advised to apply only if they are fairly sure they will
have a job.
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Once optional practical training is
authorized, there is no way to cancel it.
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You may not begin working until you have
received the employment authorization document (EAD) from the USCIS and may only
work within the dates specified on the EAD.
How to Apply
Once you compile all of the documents listed
below schedule an appointment with the OIA.
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Letter from your academic advisor or
departmental chairperson (see samples). This letter must be on departmental
letterhead and signed by the advisor or chairperson.
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Original Form I-20, in addition to any
previous I-20’s issued to you.
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Passport and I-94 card (white card in
passport)
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2 Photographs (OIA has picture
specifications)
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Personal check for $340.00 made payable
to the Department of Homeland Security.
You will complete some forms and your I-20 will
be endorsed with the recommendation for OPT. You will be given the application
which you will need to mail by express or certified mail to the following
address: Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden Street, St. Albans, VT 05479
Important Information
If you move, you must inform
USCIS of your change of address. The U.S. Postal Service will not forward mail
from U.S. government agencies. You should not leave the United States before you
receive your EAD. If you plan to leave the U.S. prior to the receipt of the EAD,
you must consult with the OIA in advance of your trip.
Sample Letters for Optional Practical Training
MEMORANDUM TO: Office of Intercultural Affairs
FROM: Name, title, and signature
RE: Recommendation for Practical Training for
________________________
DATE: Current Date
Sample 1: Practical Training after the completion of the
program of study
This letter is written to confirm that the above named student
completed/will complete all requirements for the
Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in student’s major/program of
study on Month Day, Year. In order for him/her to receive the full
benefit of his/her education, it would be beneficial for him/her to
receive practical experience in the field of __________________
(field of study/major) in this country. Therefore, I recommend that
s/he be granted practical training.
Sample 2: Practical Training after the completion of all
course requirements
The above named student is a full-time undergraduate/graduate
student in the Department of _______________. S/he has completed all
course requirements for the Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree
in______________ (field of study/major) and is working on his/her
thesis/dissertation/equivalent (please specify Master’s project,
comprehensive exam, etc.). S/he expects to complete the degree by
Month Day, Year. In order for student’s name to receive the full
benefit of his/her education, it would be beneficial for him/her to
receive practical training in the field of _______________________
(field of study/major) in this country.
Sample 3: Practical Training During Vacation Periods
The above named student is a full-time undergraduate/graduate
student in the Department of _______________ expecting to complete a
Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in the field of _______________
(field of study/major) by Month Day, Year. The Department of _______
recommends that s/he be authorized practical training to engage in
employment related to his/her program of study during his/her
vacation period. We consider such an experience beneficial to a
student’s program of study.
Sample 4: Part-Time Practical Training during the school year
The above named student is a full-time student in the Department
of _______________ expecting to complete a
Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in the field of _______________
(field of study/major) by Month Day, Year. The
___________________department recommends that s/he be authorized
practical training to engage in employment related to his/her field
of study part-time (20 hours/week or less) during the academic year.
We consider such an experience beneficial to a student’s program of
study.
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