Basics:
OPT is a work authorization for F-1 student after graduation
Up to 12 months of work authorization commonly used after graduation. STEM majors have a 24 months extension, totalling to 36 months. (Actuarial Science is a STEM major)
Available once per educational level
NOT a new visa category or status as you will remain in F-1 status
Granted by USCIS
Eligibility:
F-1 student who is completing the degree
Enrolled as full-time student for one full academic year (Spring & Fall) immediately prior to requested OPT start date
Approved underload semesters accepted
Complied with past CPT registration requirements (No more than 364 days of combined CPT period)
[Special Note] Offer is not required for OPT application
Application Window:
USCIS will accept OPT applications that are:
90 days before program end date
until 60 days after program end date
Program end date is
Non-thesis student (undergrad and non-thesis master)
Last day of the last semester for
Thesis track graduate students
Once all required coursework is complete, choose any date up to and including the last day of final registered semester
Requested OPT start date:
Unlike CPT, whose granted period is exactly over the course of the associated employment, OPT applicants can choose when the OPT starts
Requested start date must be within 60 days of program end date
But beware that USCIS processing time is approximately 90 to 100 days
If already holding an offer, talk to your employer if they have a start date in mind
Application Materials:
OPT I-20 e-Form:
Access iStart → F-1 Student Services → Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request
Submit OPT e-form/Pay SEVIS OPT Management Fee → Department contact approves e-form → ISSS creates I-20 in five business days → Student receives I-20 and sign in blue ink
USCIS must receive OPT application within 30 days of I-20 issue date
Photocopy of pages 1 & 2 of your new OPT I-20.
Make sure you have signed your I-20
If applicable, you must also include evidence of:
All previously used SEVIS numbers;
Any previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level and which it was authorized
Form I-765
Download from USCIS website & type answers, if filing by mail or complete online via online application: http://www.uscis.gov/i-765
Save a copy for your completed I-765 for your own records
Follow guidelines provided by USCIS
Two identical immigration-style photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765.
If filing by mail, lightly print your NAME and SEVIS ID on the back of the photos. Place photos in a clear Ziploc-type bag.
If filing online, follow the instructions to upload
ISSS recommends photos be taken professionally/locally to comply with photo regulations
Print most recent I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
If you have an I-94 card, photocopy the front/back of your I-94 card
Photocopy of passport identity AND most recent F-1 entry visa page
Optional G-1145 form: include to receive e-mail/text message updates about your case (available on uscis.gov)
Personal check, money order OR credit card payment with use of form G-1450 for $410.00 payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
Choosing a Mailing Address for OPT Application:
Once OPT is approved, USCIS will mail you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. EAD is mailed to the address you provided on your application
Choose a stable mailing address valid for at least 4 months while OPT is pending
Avoid changing the mailing address during the OPT pending period. If you need to change this, do so as early as possible
Mailing address does NOT need to be the same as your current address
Form I-765 will allow you to designate a friend or relative to accept OPT mail. Use ‘In Care Of’ option to list alternate address for OPT purposes
Application:
Once you assemble all materials, application is filed through mailing all materials to USCIS lockbox
For UIUC students, mail to USCIS Chicago lockbox. Check USCIS website for mailing address.