Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

• OPT Application Forms
• F-1 OPT Workshop Presentation (PowerPoint)
• OPT New Rules (April 8, 2008)
• I-765 Forms
  After attending the OPT Workshop, select the appropriate I-765 form, complete and print it.
• I-765 for Pre-Completion OPT
• I-765 for Post-Completion OPT
• I-765 for STEM Extension OPT
• STEM Majors
• OPT Validation & Information Report
• OPT Automatic Extension for H1B Applicants
  The New Rule on OPT of April 8, 2008 allows new benefits for ALL students on OPT (not just STEM-eligible persons) whose employers have made a "timely filing" of form I-129 Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker on their behalf. "Timely filing" appears to mean that the I-129 was mailed on April 1, 2008.
  
  The "Cap Gap Automatic Extension" starts when the former student's current period of F-1 status ends. But, a student must DO something to receive evidence of the automatic extension.
  
  To continue to work for your current employer, you should receive an OPT extension on the I-20. This benefit does NOT require that you submit a form I-765 and pay a fee for additional period of work authorization. That's why it is called "automatic."
  
  Guidance on the rule (SEVP Policy Guidance 0801-01) indicates that a student should request that the OPT dates be extended in the SEVIS record, by working with an adviser in the ISS office. The ISS adviser will initiate a SEVIS DATA FIX and the OPT dates will be extended by the SEVIS Claims Division, resulting in a new I-20 form page 3 with extended OPT dates.
  
  For the year 2008, the extension may be granted to August 2 in some cases, September 27 in other cases, and September 30 in still other cases. The length of the extension depends on whether the Petition is 1) properly filed; 2) is selected for receipting during the random selection process; 3) is selected for wait-listing; or 4) is selected for receipting.
  
  If your OPT expires this summer you may be eligible for the automatic extension. To verify your situation, please make an in-person or phone appointment with an ISS adviser. Have with you your receipt from the US CIS responding to your I-129 petition or fax it to us after your appointment.