29-Month OPT Rule Updates

F-1 Practical Training PowerPoint Presentation (Please read this presentation before you attend the workshop)

Information for students whose OPT application has been pending for more than 80 days...

Please attend one of the mandatory employment workshops presented at the I-Center for further clarification of Practical Training/employment-related issues.

Preliminary Information

• A new Form I-765 is now required, and is available on the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/I-765. The prior version of the form will be accepted only through May 8, 2008. The form and instructions have been changed to implement the new OPT regulations.

• I-765 filing window: An I-765 for standard post-completion OPT can be filed up to 90 days before the program end-date and up to 60 days after the program end-date, provided that it is filed within 30 days of the date the DSO enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS. Applications for the 17-month STEM extension must be filed before the current EAD expires.

• Students may apply for OPT 90 days prior to completion of one full academic year. Only students who have completed an academic year (3 consecutive quarters) are eligible to begin OPT or CPT . Students applying for Post-OPT may apply 90 days before completion of studies and no later than 60 days after completion of studies.

• A new I-20 must be made for each OPT or CPT period.

• Students who have completed a degree program and have been granted 12 months of OPT based on that degree program will be eligible for another 12 months of OPT only if they later complete a higher degree level. (The 12 month periods are not cumulative, however.)

• Students who had previously obtained either CPT or OPT, who are issued a new I-20 for a new degree level, will forfeit their work permit based on the previous degree level!