Practical Training


The regulations which affect all students on OPT change very frequently. These include: Reporting requirements, unemployment restrictions, and extension benefits.

It is very important that you stay up-to-date on all of the requirements and guidelines that could affect your immigration status. Please contact the ISS office for information regarding these new regulations.


WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

 

  • Form I-765 (Note: It is recommended that this form be typed in order to avoid any mistakes) 
  • Current I-20
  • I-94 copied front and back
  • Copies of any previous work authorization documents (EAD Cards)
  • 2 identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of the filing of your application. The photos must have a white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. The photos must be 2" X 2" and contain a full face frontal view. Head height should measure 1" to 1 3/8" from top of photo to bottom of chin, and eye height between 1 1/8" to 1 3/8" from bottom of photo. Your head should be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order to which you belong. Lightly print your name and Alien Receipt Number on the back of each photo with a pencil.
  • $340 fee payable by check or money order to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
  • IMPORTANT--Applications must be submitted PRIOR to graduation to allow time for the EAD card to be processed.
  • Your application and all forms will be sent to the USCIS by the ISS office. Please see the guides below for more information about the application process. 

    OPT Application Instructions (pdf) 
    OPT Reporting Requirements (pdf)
    OPT STEM Extension Application Procedure (pdf)
    Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application guide (pdf) 
    J-1 Academic Training Request (pdf)

*Practical training forms and documents are to be sent to USCIS by ISS office