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APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL 12 MONTH PERIOD OF POST COMPLETION OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

1. APPLICATION FILING PERIOD: Applications can be filed up to 90 days before the program end date and up to 60 days after the program end date. Applications must be mailed within 30 days of processing by OGE.

2.


ACADEMIC LETTER: Obtain a letter from your academic department supporting your application. The letter should provide an estimate of your date of completion and should state that a practical work experience in your field would be beneficial to you (and why).


3.
PHOTOS: Have two US Passport Style Photos taken (see attached description for photo measurements). List your name and I-94 Admission Number on the back of both of your passport photos.

4.
SIGNATURE CARD: Sign the USCIS Form I-765 Signature Card in black ink. The signature should be within the rectangular signature block.

5.
I-765: Complete the USCIS Form I-765 items 1-15

6.
FEE: Prepare a check payable to “Department of Homeland Security”. Fee $340.00

7.
APPLY: Bring the following to your advisor at the Office of Global Education
1. Items 2 - 6 listed above
2. Your I-94 Departure Record
3. All previous I-20s
4. Your passport
5. Previous Employment Authorization Document (if you have one)

8.


MAIL: Your advisor at the Office of Global Education will prepare a new SEVIS I-20 for OPT, make the necessary written USCIS recommendations, sign and copy all appropriate forms, and return a packet for you to mail directly to the USCIS Service Center.

If living in California then, mail the application packet to:
USCIS California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel , CA 92607-1076

9.
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS: USCIS Service Center staff will send you a Receipt Notice by mail within 2-3 weeks. It is estimated that your application should be processed within 90-120 days of receipt. You may not begin your employment until you have received your Employment Authorization Document from the USCIS.

10.


STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES DURING AUTHORIZED 12 MONTHS OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING PERIOD:

a. OPT CARD: Mail or fax a copy of the Employment Authorization Document to OGE upon receipt - Fax no. (916) 278-7471.
b. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Inform OGE of ALL future changes of address within ten days of any move.
c. EMAIL ADDRESS: Please keep OGE informed of your preferred email address.
d. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: OPT regulations state that maintenance of F-1 OPT status is dependent on employment. During your 12 months of initial OPT you may not be unemployed for more than a total of 90 days without jeopardizing your status. It is important that you share the following information with us so that we may make the required updates to your SEVIS record.
i. Inform OGE of your employer name and address within 10 days of hire.
ii. Inform OGE if you terminate your employment within 10 days of termination.
iii. Inform OGE of new employer name and address within 10 days of resuming employment.

I understand my reporting responsibilities during my 12 months period of Post Completion Optional Practical training.

Name: ___________________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________

Date Signed: ______________________________________

*Students in the following majors may be eligible for a one time 17 months extension of their OPT. Please contact OGE for details at least 90 days before the expiration of your approved 12 month period of OPT.

Majors include: Computer Science, Engineering (Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Software), Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Math and Statistics, Physical Science, Geology, and Physics.

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