Optional Practical Training for
Students in F-1 Status

Definition of Optional Practical Training

Recent changes to Immigration regulations now allow such training after each degree level.  This means after a bachelors, after a masters and after a doctoral degree you may have 12 months of training.  It does NOT mean 12 months after each masters degree, if you do multiple masters degrees.

Once authorization to engage in practical training after completion of studies is granted, it may not be changed or stopped.  Be very sure of the dates you want.  An unexpected delay in completing degree requirements, the inability to find an appropriate job or the loss of a job will not change the dates that you are allowed to work.  Once permission to work begins, it continues until the expiration date and cannot be changed.

You may not begin work until all three of the following requirements are satisfied:

• You have obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from BCIS
• The date is reached when the EAD authorizes employment to begin
• You have actually completed all requirements for your program of study.

Eligibility Requirements

The work must be directly related to your major field of study and it must be appropriate for someone having your level of education.  The work may be full time or part time, and may occur anywhere in the United States.  In order for you to be eligible to apply for optional practical training, you (1) must have been in lawful student status for at least one academic year and (2) must submit your application before you complete all program requirements.  Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for practical training after completion of their English studies.

Change of Employer After Optional Practical Training Has Been Authorized

You may change employers after you have begun authorized employment provided the new job is directly related to your major field of study and appropriate for someone having your level of education.

Travel Outside of the U.S.

If you want to travel outside the US once you begin practical training, you must take with you:

• An I-20, endorsed for travel by the Center for International Programs within the last 12 months
• The "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD card)
• A valid passport and visa

Application Deadline

You must first submit an application to the Center for International Programs before you complete your program of study.  That application for an "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD) is then sent to the BCIS office in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Due to long BCIS processing times, we are recommending that you apply 90 days before you expect to complete your program
 

Importance of the Actual Date You Complete Your Program of Study

BCIS regulations refer to the date you complete all requirements for a program of study, not to the date you participate in graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate or diploma.  The Service ignores your graduation date because it realizes that many students, especially graduate students in thesis or dissertation programs, may complete requirements for a degree any day during the year.  This means that the last day of an academic term may not be the date you complete program requirements. 

Application and Authorization Process

Pick up an Optional Practical Training application packet:

• Have your academic advisor complete the attached Academic Advisor Recommendation Form and return it to you.
• Connect here to these links for the   I-765 Form and  I-538 Form.  Be sure to use an address on the form where you are very sure you will be for at least 6 months.  You may wish to use the Center for International Programs address and keep us aware of your real address anytime it changes.  We can forward any mail from BCIS to you.
• Prepare two photographs according to the attached information sheet.

Make an appointment to see Marty Bennett or Deb Goens.

• Bring with you the completed forms from the packet, along with photographs, a check or money order for the application fee ($180) made out to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, the completed Academic Advisor's Recommendation Form, your passport, I-94, I-538, I-765 and I-20.
• Marty or Deb will review all the forms, make copies, and enter data into the BCIS SEVIS system recommending the training.

Authorization by the Immigration Service

• Marty or Deb will give you a mailing label.  Using the mailing label Marty or Deb gives to you, send the I-765, 2 photographs, I-20 and passport copy, I-94 copy, and the check or money order to the BCIS office in Lincoln, Nebraska.  You should probably mail the forms using "Certified Mail" in order to have a receipt for delivery to BCIS.
•   If you use a courier service, the address is:  850 S. Street, Lincoln, NE  68508-1225.
  Your permission to begin optional practical training is not finalized until you have received an "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD card) from BCIS.  Work permission of the EAD will begin either on the date requested on the recommendation, on your I-20, or the date the EAD is issued, whichever occurs later.
  
  The BCIS office in Lincoln Nebraska will send you a receipt form that indicates the date on which they entered your application into their computer system.  Be sure to keep that receipt form.  Eventually, BCIS will send you the EAD card and you can begin your employment.  Be aware that BCIS has been very slow to process these applications.
  
  If you do not receive the BCIS within 90 days of the late listed on the receipt form, immediately contact Marty Bennett or Deb Goens, so they may assist you in filing an application for a temporary EAD.