Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12 months of authorized off-campus employment directly related to your major field of study to be used after completion of your degree.
Note: should be submitted at least 3 months prior to the requested employment start date.
Students may apply for OPT no more than 90 days before completion of studies and 60 days after completion of studies. You cannot apply after the deadline. We recommend applying as early as possible for OPT. USCIS is taking 3-4 months to process applications which may delay your start date.
Before you apply for OPT:-DO NOT submit your OPT application to USCIS until you complete your OPT I-20 Request AND you receive your OPT I-20 from the ISS Office.
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Eligibility
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After 1 academic year in valid F-1 student status.
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After completion of the course of study.
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After completion of all course requirements for the degree excluding thesis or equivalent (for graduate students only).
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Must meet GPA requirement to graduate.
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Once per academic level.
Required Materials
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Completed PDF version of the USCIS form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Scroll to the Forms and Document Downloads Section for I-765 pdf. -
Completed USCIS form G-1145 e-Notification of Application Acceptance
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Electronic recommendation from academic advisor.
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Photocopies of the identification page of the passport, F-1 visa, and your most recent I-94 record.
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Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s.
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Photocopies of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards.
Procedure
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You must attend one OPT workshop before you can apply for OPT.
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Begin OPT I-20 Request, see link at the bottom of the page.
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You will be prompted to log into the International Student Platform. be sure to use your my.newpaltz.edu credentials.
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Once you are on your Optional Practical Training (OPT) I-20 Request, you will need to upload all required documents listed above.
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Complete OPT Student Information Sheet.
Choose your requested OPT Start Date.
Indicate if you will apply for OPT via mail or USCIS Portal -
Electronically sign the OPT Agreement.
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Once you request is submitted, an International Student Advisor will review your request and email you once your OPT I-20 has been issued.
Special Considerations
Once your OPT I-20 has been created by our office, USCIS must receive the completed application within 30 days, or your application for OPT will be denied.
Once you receive your OPT I-20, please make sure to follow the instructions provided with your I-20 to submit your application to USCIS.
You do not need a job offer to apply for post-completion OPT.
You cannot have an active hold in my.newpaltz.edu. You can view any active holds by going to my.newpaltz.edu > General > Holds
Must have applied for graduation: my.newpaltz.edu > Graduation > Degree Application.
Premium Processing: In addition to the $410 USCIS application fee, USCIS does offer Premium Processing which provides students with an opportunity to expedite their application with USCIS. Students may apply for Premium Processing (I-907) concurrently or separately when filing for OPT. (Students are not required to file an OPT application with Premium Processing, it is an option.)
If you began your OPT I-20 Request, but did not complete it all at once:
Go back the ISS Home Page and click My ISS Profile,
Log in using your my.newpaltz.edu credentials.
Click >> User >> My Home>> Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request, and continue working on your request.
Don't forget to click submit when you have completed all necessary sections.
