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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
is defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations
as "temporary employment for practical training directly related
to the student's major area of study." It must be at a level that
is commensurate with the student's degree level.
OPT can be used before and/or after
a student completes a program of study. A student must be in legal
F-1 status in order to be eligible to apply. In addition, a student
must also have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic
year. No offer of employment is required to apply. In fact, students
are strongly advised to apply early, preferably at the beginning
of the last term of enrollment.
Students have a total of 12 months
of OPT. As permitted by DHS, students may use these 12 months either
before and/or after completion of studies. Full-time OPT is defined
as more than 20 hours per week while part-time OPT is defined as
20 hours or less per week.
Students must apply to DHS for the
work permission through the International Student Affairs Office.
You must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your
hands before you can begin working.
When Can Students Use OPT?
A. During a regular term. A student
is limited to 20 hours per week and must be enrolled full-time.
B. During summer vacation. A student
who enrolled full-time during the spring semester and intends to
enroll full-time during the fall semester is eligible to apply.
The employment can be full-time or part-time. The student does
not have to be enrolled during the summer session.
C. After completion of all required
coursework with only thesis or dissertation hours left to complete
(This category is for graduate students only)
D. After completion of the course
of study. OPT in this category will be granted for full-time use
only. The student must submit the application PRIOR to
completing his/her studies.
Definition of Completion of a Course
of Study
-
For undergraduate and graduate non-thesis
track students, completion of a course of study is the TTU
commencement (graduation) day.
-
For all other graduate students, completion
of a course of study is when students have successfully defended
and turned in the completed thesis/dissertation. This date
is established between the student and the academic advisor/chair.
When to Apply?
- Since OPT must be approved and granted
by USCIS, planning is essential. Students should plan to
apply 3-4 months in advance.
- Students who wish to apply for one of
the first three categories may do so at anytime, but keep
in mind that it takes 3-4 months for the actual approval
to be granted by USCIS.
- Students who wish to apply for the 4th
category may do so up to 120 days before the completion of
studies. The application must be filed before the completion
of study.
- OPT done after completion of studies must be
completed within a 14-month period following the completion
of study.
What Is Needed To Apply?
You must
meet with the Director, time permitting, to get a packet of information
and forms.
Bring the following to your appointment:
Checklist of Required OPT Documents:
- Completed I-765 Form* (See Important Note Below) Personal Data Page
- Photocopy of Passport & Expiration Page
- Completed OPT Application (attached)
- Offer letter (if available) Optional!
- Photocopy of any Work authorization (COOP, OPT etc)
- 2 Photos (INS specifications, attached)
- Photocopy of I-94 (both sides)
- $340 Check or Money Order (payable to USCIS)
- Photocopy of Visa
The OPT application fee is $340.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Form I-765, line 3. Use the following address:
TTU Box 5093
Cookeville, TN 38505
Form I-765, line 16. Enter: (c) (3) (i)
www.uscis.gov to find the original I-765 form under Immigration forms.
Students are required to complete the Online
Sexual Harassment Training.
Please turn in all these
materials to ISA in the purple OPT packet.
Some Points to Remember
- Students may interview and even accept
a job offer before the OPT is approved. However, you CANNOT
begin working until you have the Employment Authorization
Document (EAD) in your hand.
- Planning ahead is essential. Please check
with ISA for the latest processing times and consult an international
student advisor if you have questions.
- All eligible international students have
the option of purchasing the TTU Health Insurance plan for
the duration of their OPT period.
- When planning to travel outside the U.S., you
must contact the ISA either for a travel signature or a new
I-20 to obtain a new F-1 visa. Please allow sufficient time
for processing your requests.
In order to re-enter the U.S. after a trip abroad,
you must have a valid passport, valid I-20, valid F-1 visa, valid
EAD and an employment letter to present to DHS.
OPT Seminars are held on a regular
basis in the Office of International Student Affairs. Pre-registration
is required.
The Director will contact your advisor
via e-mail to confirm your completion date. |
