Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Points to Remember
- All required documents and forms mentioned in the checklist must be completed prior to your appointment with the advisor. If the documents are incomplete or copies are not to the stated specifications, the advisor may reschedule your appointment.
- Although we will help you assemble your application, you will be responsible for mailing the completed application packet to the USCIS service center. The OPT application must reach the service center within 30 days of the Designated School Official (DSO) entering the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
- Important information for thesis/project graduate students: In order for the DSO to make a recommendation for OPT in SEVIS, regulations require the program end date on the I-20 be shortened even though the terminal activity may not yet be complete.
- USCIS correspondence will be sent to OIE if you chose to list our mailing address on the Form I-765. We will open and make copies of OPT-related documents from USCIS and will email you with instructions on how you can receive your mail. If you did not use our mailing address on the Form I-765, we recommend that you scan and email a copy of all USCIS correspondence to iss@wichita.edu so that we can ensure your SEVIS record has been properly updated.
- Keep in mind that OPT processing time can vary greatly (6 weeks to 4 months). We recommend that you apply as early as possible to ensure your EAD arrives in a timely manner.
- You must have the EAD in your possession and must have reached your OPT start date to begin working.
- While on OPT, you are still in F-1 status and must report address changes and employment information to WSU within 10 days. Information about how to report these changes after your OPT authorization begins is available at OPT Resources.
- Once your OPT has been approved and the start date on printed on the card has passed, you will receive an email from do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov inviting you to create an optional SEVP Portal account. If you choose to create one, it will allow you to electronically report changes to your address and employment information. We strongly recommend reporting your employment information directly to our office and using the SEVP Portal as a tool to ensure the accuracy of the information recorded in SEVIS. Please note: use of the portal does not eliminate the requirement to send evidence of the relationship between your employment and major area of study to OIE.
- Students with certain STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) may qualify for an extension of OPT. To learn more about the STEM OPT extension, please visit the separate STEM OPT Extension Tutorial. The tutorial includes a link to a list of eligible majors.
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