OPT Pre-Completion
Employment related to your field of study before completion of an academic degree.
Eligibility
You must have been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for at least a full academic year, currently be in F-1 status, and not have used twelve months or more of full-time curricular practical training or optional practical training. You are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of optional practical training employment while in F-1 status for each degree level.
You do not have to have a job offer to apply for optional practical training. However, if the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorizes you to work for some period of time under the provision of optional practical training and you do not find a job during that time, you will have lost the time authorized and you will not be eligible for the full 12 months of optional practical training after you graduate.
Required Materials
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Completed USCIS form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
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Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s.
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Photocopies of the identification page of the passport, F-1 visa, and your most recent I-94 record.
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Photocopies of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards.
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Completed USCIS form G-1145 e-Notification of Application Acceptance by USCIS
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Electronic recommendation from academic advisor.
Procedure
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You must attend one OPT Workshop before you can apply for OPT.
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Log in to your My ISS-Profile.
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Click on "2. Requests."
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You will need to upload all required documents listed above.
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Request OPT electronic recommendation from your academic advisor.
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Complete the OPT Student Information Sheet.
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Electronically sign the OPT Agreement.
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Submit
Special Considerations
- You must have been in valid student status for one academic year before you may apply to the immigration service for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Remember, you may not begin employment until you have been issued an EAD by the USCIS.
- Students on pre-completion OPT may not work more than 20 hours on and/ or off campus during the academic semesters, but may work full-time during the longer vacations.
- *NOTE* Once your OPT I-20 has been created by our office, USCIS must receive the completed application package within 30 days or your application will likely be denied.
- The process for receiving employment authorization from USCIS can take up to 90 days.
To begin this request, login here: International Student Platform
Resources
International Student Services:
E-mail: international@newpaltz.edu
Phone: +1-845-257-3595
