Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

How To Request a Form I-20 with "OPT Requested":

1. Complete page one of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form
2. Apply for graduation.
3. Request an OPT-Requested I-20 on Ensign International.
4. Receive an OPT-Requested I-20 from the International Student Office.
   
   • Student may also receive additional documents for your application including a printed screenshot of your Curricular Practical Training record.
   • Student must SUBMIT the I-765 no later than 30-days from the date the OPT Requested I-20 was signed by the DSO.
     

USCIS Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

1. To complete the Form I-765 online, first create an account. To do so, open the linked webpage, scroll down to the I-765 form, and click the “File Online” button. You will be prompted to create an account.
2. Be sure to answer all the questions. Enter “N/A "for any questions that do not apply to you. If the question requires a numerical response, enter “none”.
3. Answer item #27 (Code for Post Completion OPT you are applying for) with (C) (03) (B)
4. Pay the $470 fee to submit the online application. Please be aware that the fee is subject to change without notice.
5. Once I-765 has been received by USCIS, an email receipt will be sent (Form I-797) containing a receipt number assigned to your case.

6. USCIS takes 90-120 days to adjudicate an I-765 OPT application.

   • During this time, you are not authorized to work.
   • If approved, an EAD card will be mailed to the address listed on your application. The start and end dates of authorization will be listed on the card. Do not start working until the authorization date listed on the EAD card.
   • Send a copy of the EAD card to the International Student Office.

Items Needed for Filling I-765:

• Two Identical 2x2 inch passport style photos (with a white background) taken within 30 days of filling Form I-765.
• Digital copies of previous employment authorizations, including EAD cards and Form I-20s with CPT authorization on the back or a screenshot of your CPT record.
• Digital copy of most recent I-94.
• Digital copy of passport showing picture, name, and date of birth.
  
  • Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on the submitted I-765 application.
• Digital copy of F-1 Visa or proof of a change of status with Form I-797 if you changed to an F-1 student after arriving in the US.
• Digital copy of a Social Security Card, if you have one.
• Your US mailing address on the application must be valid for at least three months after submitting the application.

Pending OPT Application

Students who have a pending OPT application CANNOT work. DO NOT engage in work before you receive approval and your EAD card. Travel outside of the United States is NOT recommended for those with a pending OPT application.

Requests for Evidence

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is a notice issued by USCIS stating that more information is required for your OPT Application to be processed. Getting an RFE doesn’t mean that your OPT application will be denied. These requests are completely subjective. You will be given a date by which you will have needed to respond. If you do not respond by that date, your OPT I-765 application could be denied. If you receive a Request for Evidence, please complete the “OPT Application: Request for Evidence” E-form on Ensign International.

Once your OPT Employment Authorization is granted:

Congratulations! Your OPT Application has been approved. Please read the following information and instructions upon approval.

To Do Check List:

• Complete the “OPT Authorization EAD Card” e-form on Ensign International. The ISO will email you when to pick up your new Form I-20 with “OPT Approved” on the second page.
• Create an account for the SEVP Portal.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

You will receive an approval notice via email and USPS (mail). This notice is not your approval to work. You must wait for your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive in the mail. You EAD will have the dates you are authorized to work.

Once you receive your EAD card in the mail, you will need to complete the “OPT Authorization EAD Card” e-form on Ensign International.

Employment Reporting and the SEVP Portal

Along with your Approval Notice and email, you will receive a link to create an account on the SEVP Portal. This is how you are expected to report your employment updates to SEVP.

This email should arrive after your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) is issued and the start date on your EAD card has arrived (or within 1-2 business days after the start date listed). The email will be sent from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs to your Ensign.edu email. You must set up the account right away, even if you haven’t started working yet. The link will be valid for 10 days and you must set up the account within that time.

After you set it up, you will be able to report to SEVP and the school of any changes related to employment and home address made during OPT. Make sure to update your SEVP portal with employment information or address changes within 10 days.

If you haven’t set up your SEVP Portal, and need to report or update your employment details, please complete the “SEVP Portal Reset Request” e-form found on Ensign International.

More information about the SEVP Portal can be found on the Study in the States website.

OPT Employment Requirements

• Your job must be related to your program of study listed as “Major 1” on your Form I-20
• You must work at least 20 hours per week
• You CANNOT exceed 90 days of unemployment
• You CANNOT start working before you receive your EAD card and the dates which are authorized on the card
• You must report employment to SEVP through the Portal

Types of Employment Allowed on Post-Completion OPT

Students who received a bachelor’s in a STEM OPT eligible program may apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion OPT.

You can apply as early as 90 days before your standard OPT EAD card expires. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current OPT EAD Card expires.

The process to apply is similar to the initial OPT application, with one exception. Your employer must complete a formal training document as part of your application.

Eligibility

• Have maintained your F-1 Status
• Currently working in a period of Post-Completion OPT
• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or System Administration which are Eligible STEM OPT programs
• Have a job offer that meets the following criteria:
  
  • The position must be directly related to the program of study
  • Employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program
  • Job offer is for at least 20 hours of work per week
  • The position is paid
• The student and employer must complete and sign the Form I-983 Training Plan

How to apply

1. Have your employer complete and sign the Form I-983 Training Plan. This must be submitted with your application. More information can be found on the Study in the States webpage, including the instructions for completing the form.
2. Request a new I-20 with “STEM OPT Requested” through the e-form found on Ensign International.
3. Complete the I-765 Application- New a new photo is needed for your EAD card taken with in 30 days of your application

STEM OPT and Evaluation of Progress

Every six months you must report to the International Student Office, specifically a DSO. You will be required to report:

• Legal name
• Residential or mailing address
• Employer name and address
• Status of current employment

SEVP Portal users will receive a reminder via email 30 days before any validation report is due. Please note that STEM OPT students must report a change in this information, including any loss of employment, within 10 days of the change.

Annual Self-Evaluations

STEM OPT Students must complete an annual self-evaluation describing the progress of the training experience.
Your Form I-983, with your annual training plan, must be sent to the International Student Office no later than 10 following the end of your training period.

• Initial: 12 months after the STEM OPT start date, and a
• Final assessment that recaps the training and knowledge acquired during the complete, 24-month training period.

For more details on STEM OPT reporting requirements and, please visit Study in the States.