Post-Completion Optional Practical Training, or more commonly, “OPT”, is off-campus work authorization in your field of study after you have graduated from MCC with your Associate's Degree. If granted by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), the authorization is for 12 months and 40 hours per week (full time).
Eligibility
If you are looking to apply for OPT, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Maintained F-1 status
- In the final semester of your associate's degree
- Not have any outstanding charges on your account
- Intend to apply for a job directly related to your field of study
NOTE: You do not need to have a job offer when you apply for OPT.
Recommended dates to apply for OPT
OPT authorization processing time might take 3 months or more. Therefore, we suggest you start your application on time! The following dates are recommended for you to submit the online application on Terra Dotta:
- As early as February 1 and no later than April 1 for Spring Semester Graduation
- As early as April 1 and no later than July 1 for Summer Semester Graduation
- As early as September 1 and no later that November 1 for Fall Semester Graduation
How to apply for OPT
OPT documents will be directly submitted to the USCIS by you. However, the International Education Office must review them first. Below are the steps for applying for OPT:
Gather the necessary documents
Students interested in applying for OPT will need to gather the following documents:
- Graduation application confirmation.
- ID page of your current passport – it must be valid at least six months into the future.
- Current I-94 record – you may retrieve your I-94 records at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
- Scanned or digital copy of passport photo taken within 60 days before request date.
- Photocopy of prior work permit card - if any.
- $470 - you can pay online when completing the USCIS application.
Complete the online application
Once you have gathered the required documentation log into your TerraDotta account. Complete the Optional Practical Training I-20 Request application.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
- Please answer all items as accurately as possible, read instructions carefully and submit all the required documentation. Any incorrect information or documentation that is submitted without following the guidelines correctly will result in your application being delayed.
- Complete all items. If you do not complete all items, your request will not be processed. If you have a question regarding an item, please email us at [email protected].
Meet with an advisor
To schedule an appointment with an international student advisor to go over your USCIS OPT application, you may give the office a call at 480-461-7756, send an email to [email protected], or stop by our front office in building 36N on the MCC Dobson campus.
Complete I-765 form ONLINE
The IE adviser will walk you through the OPT online application process and review the final documentation before you submit your online application. This will eliminate potential error, delay, and request for further evidence. You may create an account using this link https://myaccount.uscis.gov/.
Application processing times
After the documents have been sent, the processing times usually take between 90-100 days. If you applied at a later date than the one suggested, you might run the risk of receiving your EAD card after your OPT start date. If that happens, the time that you wait for your EAD card to arrive after the start date cannot be recovered.
After USCIS has received your application, they will send a receipt to the mailing address you have provided. You can use the receipt number to check your OPT application status by going to http://www.uscis.gov/ (click on the Check your Case Status icon).
It is highly recommended that you do NOT move to a new address until you receive the EAD in your hands. It will help to avoid potential mailing delays.
Once you get your EAD card
Once your OPT has been approved, you will:
1- Use the OPT Portal to update employer information. You will receive an email from SEVIS about creating your account in the Portal after your Post-OPT is approved. You will self-report to the OPT Portal any Changes of address, Change of employer, and Change of job
2- Need to email the international advisors the following:
- A photocopy of your EAD card as soon as you receive it.
- If your OPT employer offers medical insurance, you must submit an insurance waiver request prior to the start of both fall and spring semesters.
The international advisors’ email address is [email protected]
Things to keep in mind
After your OPT has been approved, you are allowed to have up to 90 days of unemployment. If you are unemployed for more than 90 days, your OPT will automatically end.
A legitimate volunteer position counts as employment!
Applying for a Social Security Number
The I-765 online form will include a simultaneous SSN application process. No separate SSN application is necessary.
Traveling
F-1 students can still travel while on OPT, but they need to also provide proof of employment. If you are waiting on your OPT authorization or are on OPT, but unemployed, we recommend that you do not travel!
For more information on traveling while on OPT, please visit this page.
Notify the advisors of the following
You must notify the advisors if any of the following occurs:
- Change of status
- Leaving the country
- Starting a new academic program/transferring to a new school