Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12 months of authorized off-campus employment directly related to your major field of study to be used after completion of your degree.
Note: should be submitted at least 3 months prior to the requested employment start date.
Students may apply for OPT no more than 90 days before completion of studies and 60 days after completion of studies. You cannot apply after the deadline. We recommend applying as early as possible for OPT. USCIS is taking 3-4 months to process applications which may delay your start date.
Before you apply for OPT:-DO NOT submit your OPT application to USCIS until you complete your OPT I-20 Request AND you receive your OPT I-20 from the ISS Office.
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Eligibility
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After 1 academic year in valid F-1 student status.
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After completion of the course of study.
In your final semester/term, you must take a seated course. In your final semester (Fall/Spring/Summer), you cannot register for only one online course;-
Example 1. If you only need one course to graduate and that final, required course is an online course, it must have some seated or physical presence requirement on campus, like an examination, presentation, or periodic meetings with the professor in class.
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Example 2. If you only need one course to graduate and that final, required course is an online course, you must take a seated course in addition to the online course.
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After completion of all course requirements for the degree excluding thesis or equivalent (for graduate students only).
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Must meet GPA requirement to graduate.
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Once per academic level.
Required Materials
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Completed PDF version of the USCIS form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Scroll to the Forms and Document Downloads Section for I-765 pdf. -
Electronic recommendation from academic advisor.
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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 all CPT I-20s.
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Photocopies of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards.
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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Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the request you would like to make.
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You will need to upload all required documents listed above.
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Complete OPT Student Information Sheet.
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Electronically sign the OPT Agreement.
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Request Electronic Recommendation from your academic Advisor.
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Submit
You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your OPT I-20 has been issued.
Special Considerations
Once your OPT I-20 has been created by our office, USCIS must receive the completed application within 30 days, or your application for OPT will be denied.
Once you receive your OPT I-20, please make sure to follow the instructions provided with your I-20 to submit your application to USCIS.
You do not need a job offer to apply for post-completion OPT.
You cannot have an active hold in my.newpaltz.edu. You can view any active holds by going to my.newpaltz.edu > General > Holds
Must have applied for graduation: my.newpaltz.edu > Graduation > Degree Application.
Premium Processing: In addition to the $410 USCIS application fee, USCIS does offer Premium Processing which provides students with an opportunity to expedite their application with USCIS. Students may apply for Premium Processing (I-907) concurrently or separately when filing for OPT. (Students are not required to file an OPT application with Premium Processing, it is an option.)
To begin this request, login here: My ISS Profile.
International Student Services:
E-mail: international@newpaltz.edu
Phone: +1-845-257-3595
