Wayne State University

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F-1 Optional Practical Training

GENERAL INFORMATION

Optional Practical Training for F-1 students is intended to provide hands-on practical work experience complementary to the academic program. An F-1 student is eligible for a MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS. However, if a student begins a new academic program at a higher level (masters after bachelors degree or PhD after masters), the student is eligible for another 12 months of OPT. It is important to note, however, that part-time optional practical training (20 hours per week or less) is deducted from the available training at one-half the full-time rate. Thus, 2 months of part-time training would count as a 1 month deduction from the available 12 months.

While on optional practical training, individuals are still considered to be F-1 students at Wayne State even though they may be working elsewhere in the United States.

OPT WILL BE CANCELED UPON TRANSFER RELEASE DATE

Please note that in the recent past, a student on OPT could transfer to another school and there OPT would not be cancelled until they were registered in SEVIS. Now, a student’s OPT will automatically be cancelled once the release date has been reached. You can visit the ICE FAQs at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/f_1_transfers.htm

NOTE: Under the new SEVIS requirements, students on OPT are required to report to OISS any change in name, address, or employment (new employer or loss of employment).

This type of training is available to students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year. Optional practical training is available in the following cases:

  1. part-time or full-time during the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the next term of the session;

     

  2. part-time while school is in session;

     

  3. part-time or full-time after completion of graduate course requirements, excluding a thesis or dissertation; and

     

  4. full-time after completion of the course of study.

NOTE: It is currently taking UCIS approximately 3 months to process applications for Optional Practical Training. Thus, it is important to apply as early as possible. For options #1, #2, and #3, students can apply as early as 90 days before their intended start date for OPT. (Reminder: Students using option #3 must still be enrolled full time, excluding vacations.) Students applying based on option #4 must complete and send their application to UCIS before they complete their degree program and can apply as early as the beginning of the semester they will graduate.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
 

Part #1: Bring the following to OISS:

  1. Completed SEVIS I-20 Application Form (available at OISS);
  2. Form I-765 (available at OISS);
  3. Form I-20(s);
  4. Passport and Form I-94; and
  5. Completed OISS Form "Optional Practical Training Recommendation".

After reviewing the material listed above, an OISS adviser will prepare a SEVIS I-20 recommending OPT on the employment page.

Part #2: Since students may not legally begin working until an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been issued by UCIS, the student must then send the following documents to the UCIS Nebraska Service Center, for approval and issuance of an EAD:

  1. Completed Form I-765;
  2. Check or money order in the amount of $340 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security) ;
  3. Photocopy of Form I-20 with OISS adviser's recommendation for practical training;
  4. Photocopy of Form I-94 (front and back);
  5. Photocopy of passport and Visa (clear copy of photo page and page of expiration); and
  6. Two (2) photos as follows: (1)fullface, front view,eyes open; (2)make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin;height of head should measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches(25 mm to 35 mm); (3)center head within frame; (4)make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches(28mm and 3mm) from bottom of photo; (5)photo should be against a plain white or off-white background and there should be no distracting shadows on the face or background.Lightly print your name on the back of each photo with a pencil.

Part #3: Mail the above documents by certified mail with return receipt to the following address:

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036

For Express Mail and Courier Deliveries

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Students who provide suitable identification (i.e., photo and bio page of passport, new visa stamp with photo or previous EAD with photo) will have the EAD returned by mail to the address given on Form I-765. In cases where the UCIS is not able to make an accurate identity match, the EAD will be sent to the UCIS Port Huron or Detroit office for pick-up. A notice will be sent to the student.

Part #4: Submit a photocopy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to OISS. UCIS requires that a copy of this document be kept in your file. Please do not forget this step!


Special Note: Students making a trip outside of the United States while on practical training after graduation will need a signature from an adviser in OISS on their I-20 within the last six months for re-entry into the United States.