International Student Services WVU Tech

Basic Process to Follow When Applying for Optional Practical Training       

1.      Review your documents

·        Is your passport still current?

·        Has the program date under section 5 of the Form I-20 expired?

·        Has information related to your major, as shown on the Form I-20, changed?

 1.      Organize your papers

·        Pictures (2) with name printed on the back in pencil

·        Check or money order payable to Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services for $120.

·        Completed Form I-765 and signature card (available in 314 Old Main or from http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/index.htm)

·        Letter from Mr. Scholl (or advisor where applicable) confirming your major and the expected date of graduation

·        Two copies of each of the following:*

Pages from passport showing passport number, expiration date, visa page and  facing page with stamps of entry into the United States

          Form I-94, front and back, on one sheet with date stamp as clear as possible

          Original Form I-20

          Copy, front and back, of any previous work permit authorizations

          Current transcripts (working copy)

·        Letter from employer where applicable (pre-completion OPT only)

 2.      Items to consider

·        You must apply prior to completion of your program

·        Full 12 months of practical training or less than 12 months?

You can request a smaller amount than 12 months, but you can't come back later and request more months

·        A student authorized to engage in OPT after graduation who begins studying in another educational level will have his/her OPT terminated

·        The Foreign Student Advisor is required to report address changes of the student while the student is on Optional Practical Training

·        Training is limited to a maximum of 12 months within the 14-month period following the completion of study.

·         You don't get back what you don't use

·        You do get another 12 months after graduate or post-graduate school The specific rule says:  "A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level."  The law does not say that you are eligible for another 12 months after a second degree at the same level.  

·        You must still report changes of address while on optional practical training.

·        If you terminate optional practical training to begin a new program or to go home, you must notify your foreign student advisor.

    *Note:  I prefer to make the copies myself from your originals

Note: Sample document DO NOT print.