Optional Practical Training: PostCompletion of Study

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Optional Practical Training Post-Completion
of Study
International Student Advisement Office

• University of Texas-Pan American PowerPoint
  Workshop

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Post-Completion Optional Practical Training
Defined

• Temporary employment for practical training
  directly related to the students major area of
  study (8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(10)(ii)

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Limits and Duration

• Full-time maximum of 12 months
• After completion of all course requirements
  excluding thesis or dissertation
• Can only apply within 90 days
• before completion of course requirements
• Cannot apply after completion of course
  requirements
• Must be approved by USCIS
• No work may begin until approval
• Cannot leave U.S. until approval granted

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Step One

• Download the OPT application package from the
  ISAO website under Forms

http//www.panam.edu/dept/isa/
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Step Two

• Read through the application packet carefully,
  making sure that you fully understand
  regulations, procedures and
• limits

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Step Three

• Complete on-line Form I-765 and Form I-538 from
  the USCIS Website.
• Print and submit to ISAO.
• Electronic submission is a new
• process and we do
• not recommend it as
• of this time.

I-765 http//uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/
i-765.htm I-538 http//uscis.gov/graphics/forms
fee/forms/i-538.htm
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Step Four
Photos to submit with I-765 application
USCIS Is Making Photos Simpler

• As of August 2, 2004. a change has been made in
  the photo requirements for all applicants from a
  three-quarter face position to a standard, full
  frontal face position for all immigration
  applications
• The application process of customers who have
  already submitted materials that include color
  photos with the three-quarter standard will not
  be affected by this change.
• See Instructions next slide

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• All photos must be of just the person.
• For the I-765 application two photos are required
  must be identical.
• All photos must meet the specifications for full
  frontal/passport photos and must not be more than
  30 days old when an application is filed.
• For more information on photo standards visit the
  Department of State
• website at
• http//www.travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/ind
  ex.html
• or
• contact the USCIS National Customer Service
  Center at 1 800 375 5283.

• Where can I get passport photos taken?
• Wal-Mart
• Walgreens

2 photos are required for the I-765
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Step Five

• 175 application fee payable to the Bureau of
  Citizenship Immigration Services
• personal check or money order a personal check
  is best
• please write very neatly. immigration will
  return the checks if they are not legible.

• DO NOT SEND CASH!!

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Step Six

• Bring to the ISAO
• I-765 I-538 completed
• Restrictions Notification Form
• Academic Program Verification Form

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Step Seven
Wait . . . for ISAO to do paperwork (allow two
weeks)
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Step Eight
The Designated School Official will review all
documents
?makes certain that all documents are complete
and correct ? DSO after review will then
recommend the practical training authorization in
SEVIS ? a new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
will be printed for the student
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Step Nine
ISAO will notify you by e-mail when documents are
ready and you will need to come in and get your
new I-20
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Step Ten
Sit back, relax and wait. You cannot begin
work, volunteer or leave the U.S. Adjudication
time for the OPT applications is approximate
90-150 days.
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Completing the I-765

• Only a few spaces require explanation
• Space 3 use 1201 W. University, UC 113,
  Edinburg, TX 78541
• Space 10 on I-94 card
• Space 12 use the date on your I-94 card
  (stamped in red)
• Space 16 (C) (3) (i)

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Completing the I-538

• Only a few spaces require explanation
• 3 I-94 number on I-94 card
• 4 date stamped on I-94 card
• 7 will seek employment in the field of
  __________ to gain experience related to the
  field of my major (put your major in the blank)
• Beginning date (when you want to start work must
  be within 60 days after graduation)

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Checking the Status of your Application

• When USCIS receives your application they will
  send you a receipt usually about one month later
• The receipt will have an SRC number listed
• With this SRC number you can go to the USCIS Case
  Status Service On-Line
• https//egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
• Once you enter your SRC number this service will
  tell you the status of your application

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If you have any questions do not hesitate to
contact the ISAO.
The ISAO is Here to Support You

• 381-2922
• intladvise_at_panam.edu