Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies.

There is an exception for some STEM majors. If students earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, students might apply for a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

Student must apply no earlier than 90 days and no later than 60 days after the end of the quarter in which the student complete all degree requirements.

Student must have been a full-time degree-seeking student before completing the program of study.

Student must maintain lawful F-1 status.

Employment must be “directly related” to the student’s major.

Application Procedure:

1. Student has to complete “OPT-Request Form” on the WUST website.

2. Show the package of required documents in person or email it to [email protected].

Completed Form I-765.
Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s.
A photocopy of your passport number/photo/expiration date page(s).
A printed screenshot of the I-94 record.
A photocopy of your most current F-1 visa.
Official Transcript.

3. After all required documents submitted to ISO, you will receive OPT I-20.

4. Mail following documents to USCIS:

A personal check made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $410.
Two-color passport photos (2"x2", write the name and SEVIS number on the back of both photos; must be taken within 30 days).
The original Form I-765.
Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s.
A photocopy of your passport number/photo/expiration date page(s).
A printed screenshot of the I-94 record.
A photocopy of your most current F-1 visa.
Official Transcript.
Signed copy of OPT I-20.

Documents must be received by the USCIS within 30 days of the creation of the new i-20.

Please be aware that the official USCIS receipt will take at least a month of the mailing. If you do not receive it within 4-6 weeks, call USCIS at (800) 375-5283 to see if the application was received.