Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) Work Permit In United States By Online
Graduate and undergraduate students who have F-1 status may request 12 months’ OPT for each educational level (i.e. you could receive the benefit of 12 months’ OPT in the bachelors level and 12-month OPT for masters students).
- Apply for work authorization electronically submitting a FormI-765 or Application for Employment Authorization and submitting it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),
- Make sure you pay the fee for filing.
- USCIS will mail you the Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) once you have received approval for the Form I-765.
- It is essential to first get your EAD prior to starting work. When classes are in session you are allowed to just work for 20 minutes a week.
Office Locations and Contacts
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
For questions related to immigration services and benefits offered by USCIS, contact the National Customer Service Center:1-800-375-5283 (toll-free)
1-800-767-1833 (TDD for those with hearing impairments)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Postal Address
The Student Exchange and Visitor program
Contact: (Branch Name or Job Title)
DHS/ICE
500 12th Street, SW Stop 5600
Washington, D.C. 20536-5600
E-mail: sevp@ice.dhs.gov
SeVP Response Center (703) 603-3400
Calls can be made between the hours between 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET during weekdays with the exception of weekends.
Eligibility
You could be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) when you are an F-1-student within the United States and you seek to start a company that is directly connected to your area of study. Students who are enrolled in English language programs are, however, not eligible for OPT.
Fees
You must be able to pay for the fee of filing Form I-765, that is $380. If you’re requesting consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) then you’ll also need to pay the biometrics fee, for an overall total of $465. There is no biometrics fee for any other category. Certain individuals are exempt from having to pay fees. Check out the instructions on the form for more details.
Validity
Maximum work authorization that can be granted The F-1 student can be granted up to twelve months OPT and then is eligible for another 12-month OPT if the student seeks a postsecondary degree at a greater academic level. A F-1 student who has the qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree can apply for a 17-month extended post-fulfillment OPT.
Documents to Utilize
I-765 Demand to Apply for Employment Authorization – Link
The link contains forms along with instructions on how the forms are to be completed.
Instructions
In order to apply for an OTP working permit
- You should ensure your work be doing is related to the subject you are studying. If you’re starting an enterprise, the bulk of your work should be directly connected to your primary field of study.
- It is up to you to decide if you want to take part in OPT while still in schools (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT) or a combination of both.
Note: Do not start working in the U.S. on your new business venture until you’ve received the employment authorization document (EAD). Working without an EAD could negatively impact your immigration status both now as well in the near future.
The Document is required
Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits for work are granted to students in the undergraduate and graduate levels with F-1 status who have graduated or pursued their degree for more than nine months. The permit permits the holder to work up to one year under a student visa in the hope of getting practical training in addition to their studies.
External Links
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website:
- http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/f-1-opt-optional-practical-training/understanding-f-1-opt-requirements
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Website:
- OPT Policy Guideline: