1. F-1 Students Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Office of International Education
920 Grant Street
Delaney Hall, B25
Indiana, PA

2. Note: Apply Early! Applications can be submitted to USCIS 90 days before the program end date and as late as 60 days after you graduate
OPT Process

3. Requirements to apply for OPT
Must have completed 2 semesters of coursework in U.S. – or be in second semester when applying
Must be in a degree program
Post-Completion OPT – Students most often use a 12 month full-time OPT after they graduate
Pre-Completion OPT – Students can split the 12 months of OPT over 2-3 different periods. Each time OPT is used, a new application must be filed. Full-time (during breaks) or part-time (when taking classes) before you graduate. ** Note: PhD/Masters students can use full-time or part-time OPT after coursework is completed.

5. Step 1: Complete IUP OPT Application
How to Apply
Step 1: Complete IUP OPT Application
Choose start and end dates – remember your 60-day window
Start Date:
If complete program on December 15, 2015, then OPT can begin anytime between December 20 and February 18
End Date:
OPT lasts for one year.
If you begin on December 20, 2015 then you end on December 19, 2016
Read and sign the Student Responsibility Statement
IUP OPT Application found here and in the OIE

6. Step 2: Complete I-765 www.uscis.gov (Forms/I-765)
Use PDF (download to computer and complete with latest version of Adobe - do not submit online)
Check: permission to accept employment
#3: address for all correspondence with USCIS
If you do not have a social security number and would like to apply for one – complete #11-13
#14: I-94 number
#16/#17: from I-94
#18/#19: F1 STUDENT
#20: (c)(3)(B)

7. Step 3: Complete form G-1145
(forms>all USCIS forms>G-1145)
Complete and print as .pdf file
Include this in your application documentation

8. Step 4: Gather other documentation
Obtain a letter from academic department (example in OPT application packet)
Print IUP transcript from MYIUP
Make copies of ALL I-20s, current passport, I94, visa, and EAD card if previously had OPT card
Money order or personal check for $410 made payable to Department of Homeland Security
Two color passport photographs (U.S. style passport photo 2 in. x 2 in.) – (Walmart, CVS, or Rite-Aid recommended in Indiana) white background only. Write last name in CAPS and SEVIS number on back of both photos. Put photos in envelope to mail.

9. Step 5: Submit OPT application
How to submit in Indiana, PA
Make an appointment with International Student Advisor at the OIE
Bring all documents to appointment
Mail packet to designated processing center within 30 days
How to submit outside of Indiana, PA
Scan all documents (except money order and photos) and
Documents will be reviewed for accuracy and then your OPT request I-20 will be printed
You will need to pay for express shipping so that we can mail your application documents back to you so you can mail them to USCIS. See here for express mail information
Please allow the OIE staff one week to process your OPT request I-20. You will receive an with mailing or pick up instructions after your OPT I-20 is ready.
USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of print date of OPT request I-20

10. Step 6: Get receipt from USCIS
If student receives a BLUE Request for Evidence (RFE)
Scan and send to Jessica or Chad
Usually missing documents or photos
90 days processing time from last document submitted to USCIS
If 75 days and NO receipt, Jessica or Chad to contact Service Center

11. Check status of case online – www.uscis.gov

12. When do you get the EAD card?
USCIS processing is estimated at days – could be longer
Keep with passport – don’t carry with you
$410 to replace

13. How to maintain F1 status during OPT
F1 status continues after you submit an OPT application
To the OIE:
a scanned copy of the EAD card (front and back) when approved
Update any employer name and address (must be submitted electronically by submitting the Reporting OPT Employment for SEVIS Record form | iup.edu/international/students/current/forms)
(CPT employment information does not carry over, even if employed by the same company – you must submit the above form to report your OPT employment)
Update all address changes using above listed form – addresses must be updated within 10 days of moving
Use 90 days of unemployment only
Work during OPT period only
**Students must submit employer name and address to the OIE using the above linked form. Failure to do this will result in unemployment being used. After 90 days of unemployment or failure to submit employer address information, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may automatically terminate the student’s F1 status.

14. Travel Information www.ice.gov/sevis/travel
Regulations state: “must be returning to work” once OPT begins and you must have these documents for travel outside of the U.S.
Valid visa
Valid passport
Signed I-20 (within past 6 months)
EAD card/EAD receipt if prior to OPT card
Employment letter
**Visa renewal on OPT is risky

15. IUP Office of International Education
IUP Office of International Education Indiana University of Pennsylvania Office of International Education 920 Grant Street Delaney Hall, B25 Indiana, PA
For additional questions regarding employment authorization, please feel free to contact the IUP Office of International Education and make an appointment with an International Student and Scholar Advisor.