12 Month Pre-Optional Practical Training
Eligibility Criteria
You must have maintained your F-1 status for at least one academic year
Application Deadlines
Application can be submitted as early as 90 days before fulfilling 1 academic year requirement
Employment cannot start before completion of 1 academic year
OPT requires an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS takes at least 3 months to process an application for OPT. Please plan accordingly - we recommend that you apply as early as possible.
Application Procedure
Your passport, I-94 card, and original I-20
A completed Form I-765
Your academic advisor's recommendation letter (A sample letter)
Two passport-style photographs, with your name, date of birth, and SEVIS ID number lightly printed on the back
Photocopies of any previously-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards, if applicable.
A check or money order for $340 made payable to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (or USCIS). If paying by check, be sure that your name and address are printed on it.
After the OISS reviews the OPT application and recommends OPT, you must submit your OPT application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of OISS OPT Recommendation (see page 3 of I-20).
Processing Times
Processing times vary widely depending on the time of year, but USCIS takes at least 90 to 120 days to process this type of application. Approval is NOT guaranteed, and you may not begin employment unless you have received written approval from the USCIS. Written approval will come in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Mailing Application
Your application will be reviewed at the time of your appointment. After the application has been reviewed, you will be responsible for mailing your application via traceable mail (U.S. Post Office Express Mail, Fedex, etc.) to:
For courier/express deliveries:
USCIS
California Service Center
24000 Avila Road 2nd Floor, Room 2312
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Note that the USCIS/California Service Center may take 90 - 120 days to process your application. Within two to three weeks of submitting your application, you will receive a Notice of Action (I-797C) from USCIS/CSC. Please bring that form to OISS as soon as you receive it.
Please be advised that you must notify OISS immediately when you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS/CSC, as it is time-sensitive. OISS will provide assistance in all matters pertaining to RFE.
YOU MAY BEGIN WORKING ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (EAD) FROM USCIS & ON THE START DATE INDICATED ON THE EAD.