• have been in full time student status for at least one academic year.
• be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application.
• intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.

Violations of the F-1 status make you ineligible to apply for OPT. Violations include, but are not limited to: failure to maintain full-time enrollment while you are in the U.S. (unless you are authorized for a "reduced course load), unauthorized withdrawal from class during your program of study, failure to extend our Form I-20, and unauthorized employment

When to Apply

You may apply for post-completion OPT no more than 120 days before you complete your program of study, and you may not apply after you complete the program.
Note: "completion of study" is not the same as "graduation." USCIS distinguishes between the date you complete your studies, and the date of graduation (which is routinely a later date).

How to Apply

Step 1

• Fill out the "F-1 Optional Practical Training Request Form" and obtain a signature from your Department Chair. (Business Dept. -> Mr. Powell, Computer Dept. -> Dr. Mutlu)
• Fill out Form I-765    (found at www.uscis.gov). Click here for instructions on completing the documents.
• Get the most current transcript of your academic history.  Transcript Request Form is available at the Registrar’s Office. The transcript fee is $10 and you can pay at the Accounting Department.

Step 2

• Bring the Form I-765, copies of all your previous I-20s, a copy of your passport, a copy of your I-94 card, an official transcript from VIU, and TWO photographs to the International Student Affairs (the ISA). Click here for a checklist of the necessary documents for OPT submission.

Step 3

• The ISA will submit a recommendation for OPT in the USCIS SEVIS system and prepare a new I-20 for you as part of your application. This may take approximately one week.

Step 4

• Mail the following documents to:
  
  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
  Vermont Service Center
  ATTN: I-765
  75 Lower Welden Street
  St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Employment Authorization

You will receive a small photo identification card from USCIS called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card will state the type and length of time for the authorized employment. When you receive this card, check to make sure the information is correct. If any of the information is incorrect, contact the Admissions Office at VIU immediately to see if it needs to be returned to USCIS for corrections.

When you may begin working

You may NOT begin employment before you receive your EAD from USCIS. Working before practical training has been authorized by USCIS constitutes illegal employment that will jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.

Post-completion students may select an OPT start date on any day between the completion of the program up to 60 days later. This 60-day period is consistent with a student's grace period during which the visa status remains valid.

If you receive your EAD before the employment authorization validity dates, you may NOT begin working until the employment start date listed on the EAD.

If you receive your EAD after your employment start date, you may NOT begin working until you receive the EAD card. For example, if your OPT start date is February 1, 2008, and you do not receive your EAD until February 28, 2008, you are not authorized to start working until you receive the EAD card. If that happens, you will lose that portion of your OPT time allotment. If you do not hear from USCIS within 90 days of your OPT application submission, contact the ISA office at VIU. In order for the ISA office to track your application, you will need to retain a postal receipt that verifies the date your application was received by USCIS in Vermont. Please send your OPT package by certified with a return receipt.

Travel Outside the US

Note: You must NOT travel outside the U.S. while waiting for the EAD. If you leave the U.S., you will loose your F-1 status and your OPT application will be canceled.

You may travel while on OPT. However, please keep in mind that you are still in F-1 status and that you will need the following documents in order to re-enter the U.S.:
1. Your I-20 signed for travel within the past 6 months
2. Your EAD card
3. A letter from your employer indicating you have a job or a job offer in your field of study and are returning to or starting employment
4. Your valid passport with a valid F-1 visa

During OPT

USCIS regulations require VIU to report to the USCIS student tracking system (SEVIS) any change in your address during the OPT period. Students on OPT can log in ‘VIU Student Account’ and notify VIU of any changes or come to the Admissions Office to fill out a change of address form.  Note: you must inform VIU when you get a job.

After OPT

You will be allowed a sixty-day grace period beyond the last day of training as indicated on the EAD card. You may not work during this time. You must notify VIU if you plan on leaving the U.S. or transferring to another program after your OPT.