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F-1 Initial 12-month OPT Packet
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
OPT is practical work experience in your field of study (typically after completion of a degree) and Initial OPT can last up
to 12 months. Students on OPT are still considered to be F-1 students at EMU even if working elsewhere in the U.S. The
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is not a working permit; it is an extension of your F1 status for the purposes
of practical training.
Who is Eligible?




F-1 students who are legally maintaining their status; and
Who have been enrolled full-time for at least 8 months at EMU; and
Who will be completing a course of study this term; and
Whose proposed OPT employment will be directly related to their course of study.
What should you do before applying for OPT?
You are required to attend an OPT seminar before submitting your OPT processing packet; NO exceptions!! Plan early to
avoid the delay of your OPT application.
When should you apply for OPT?
Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before, and 60 days after, the program completion date on their I-20.
Program completion is the last day of the term during which you’re registered for all the necessary credits for your
program. It does not mean graduation nor does it mean that you can delay your OPT application until fulfilling
incomplete credits. It is currently taking 2 -3 months for USCIS to process applications and you must have your EAD card
in-hand in order to start work. Your OPT may end no later than 14 months after your program completion date.
What should you know when applying for OPT?
 The OPT packet contains detailed instructions for preparing your OPT application; please follow these
instructions to avoid delay of your application. The packet includes:
o The OPT application procedure
o List of required documents
o A final checklist to review prior to mailing your application
o Information for tracking your application status
o Detailed photo specifications
 Once your application for OPT has been approved, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be
mailed to the address on the I-765 form. The post office WILL NOT FORWARD mail from USCIS, if you change
your address after you apply. USCIS will also not deliver your EAD to a PO Box.
 It is impossible to cancel your practical training once you have received your EAD; the time granted on your EAD
card will be counted regardless of your actual employment. You will not receive a refund of the fee paid and you
are unable to apply for OPT again, based on that degree.
What should you know during OPT?
 While on OPT you are still an EMU F-1 student! Read “Important OPT information” below to learn about your
responsibilities as an OPT student. Failure to maintain your immigration status can jeopardize OPT.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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OPT I-20 Processing
After completing the OPT seminar, you may begin the OPT I-20 processing application.
Step 1.
Obtain and read through this entire OPT packet
Step 2.
Register for and attend a mandatory OPT workshop – available dates are on the OISS Event
Calendar found on www.emich.edu/oiss
a. Please arrive on time; students who arrive late will need to reschedule.
Step 3.
Assemble the documents required for your application (below) and submit to the OISS front
desk. If you have questions, please speak to an advisor during walk-ins.
Step 4.
An advisor will review your packet and issue your OPT I-20 and required screenshots in
5-7 business days if all the required documents are received.
Step 5.
Mail Application – Get Receipt Notice – Track status
Step 6.
EAD – Submit photocopy to OISS
Step 7.
Report any changes to the OISS: Address, Employer Unemployment
Required Documents for OPT I-20 Processing
The following documents must be given to the OISS front desk (IN THIS ORDER- NO STAPLES):
 Completed OISS OPT request form
 Completed OPT Expressing Processing request form
 Completed G-1145 Form E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. Must be typed! Form can be
found at: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-1145.pdf
 2 full, frontal passport size photos – gently print your name & SEVIS number on the back of each photo
 Check for $380 made payable to the US Department of Homeland Security (do not abbreviate) and
include your SEVIS N# in the memo field.
 Completed I-765—reference sample. Must be typed! Form can be found at:
http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765.pdf.
 Academic Advisor Letter – on EMU departmental letterhead
 Photocopy of any previous EAD cards and I-20 with previous OPT authorization
 Photocopy of Initial, stamped I-20
 Photocopy previous Transfer Pending I-20s from other U.S. schools (for transfer students only)
 Photocopy of original Passport with I-94. If your last entry into the U.S. was processed electronically and
you don’t have a paper I-94 card, bring an printout from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94
 Photocopy of U.S. visa stamp
 Photo copy of passport with expiration date
 Photo Identification (driver’s license or student ID)
 A copy of a job offer letter, if applicable
o 3-5 sentence statement on how the job is related to degree program
Within 5-7 business days after you submit all completed documents, an OISS advisor will:
 Issue you a new I-20 with OPT authorization
 Issue you SEVIS screen shots of your OPT and CPT authorizations
 Return all your application documents from the checklist above
 Provide you with a final mailing checklist, mailing address, and mailing tips
 Provide an envelope for mailing your application
You will receive an email (to your university email) when your new I-20 and application documents are ready for
pick up. The U.S. government MUST receive your OPT application within 30 days of the OISS issuing you an
OPT I-20. DO NOT DELAY in picking up your OPT I-20 and mailing it!
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Important Information
While on the Initial OPT period, you are still considered an EMU F-1 student, you are required to READ
and FOLLOW these instructions. Please keep this information and visit www.emich.edu/oiss for the latest
information.
During OPT, You MUST keep the OISS informed:



Submit a copy of your EAD card to the OISS upon receipt
Report all address changes, employment information, and unemployment periods to the
OISS within 10 days of any change. Submit all changes to the OISS via the Information
Reporting Form (OPT- IR12) at http://www.emich.edu/oiss/forms.html under “OPT 12”
Submit a copy of all Change of Status application receipt and approval notices, upon receipt
Don’t forget:



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
You can’t work until you have your EAD card in-hand and the start date is valid
Your OPT will automatically terminate if you transfer to another school or begin to study at
another educational level
You may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month OPT
period
If eligible for the 17-month STEM OPT extension, your application must be receipted
before the end date of your initial OPT (see OISS website for more information on the STEM
extension)
You have another 60-day grace period after your OPT ends
Travel during OPT:
Traveling during OPT can be risky; we suggest you email an OISS advisor prior to
purchasing an airline ticket. If you travel, you will definitely need:

I-20 which includes current employment information and an OISS travel signature dated
within the past 6 months
 Passport, valid at least 6 months into the future
 Visa stamp that will be valid upon re-entering the U.S.; If your visa is expired please speak to
an OISS advisor
 Valid EAD card
 Proof of employment. Carry copies of recent pay checks AND a letter from your employer
indicating you will have a job upon your return.
Dependent Travel – Since OPT is not noted on dependent I-20s, an F2 dependent must carry copies of the F1
student’s I-20 with OPT recommendation, EAD card, and proof of employment, in addition to their own F-2 I-20
when traveling.
If you are unemployed or your OPT application is pending, talk to an OISS advisor before buying an airline
ticket.
Other information you may need to know:


Taxes – Generally, if you’ve been in the United States less than 5 years, you should be exempt from
Social Security Tax & Medicare Tax (FICA) (See Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, “US Tax Guide
for Aliens”). However, earnings are subject to applicable federal, state & local taxes unless your country
has a tax treaty with the USA exempting you from payment. Tax returns must be filed on or before April
15th each year, for the previous calendar year.
Health Insurance – It is extremely important that you have health insurance while living in the U.S. If
your employer doesn’t provide health insurance, you may be eligible to continue your student policy,
provided you inform the Snow Health Center within 30 days of your last term of class registration;
contact the Snow Health Center for more information.
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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While on OPT, you are still an EMU F-1 student
I understand that I cannot begin working until I receive my EAD card and that I may only work during the dates
that are on my EAD card.
You must submit a copy of your EAD card to OISS upon receipt
Name, Address, or Employer changes- You must report all name, U.S. address, and employer name/address
changes to OISS within 10 days. This is done via the OPT Reporting Form (called IR-12) on the OISS website. Your
address must describe where you live; it cannot be a PO Box.
Periods of Unemployment- You must report to OISS all periods of unemployment. Failure to report can
jeopardize your immigration status. You cannot have more than a total of 90 days of unemployment. Keep an
accurate record of your efforts to find employment (company contacted, date, phone number, name of contact
person, etc.)
Taxes – Generally, if you’ve been in the United States less than 5 years, you should be exempt from Social Security
Tax & Medicare Tax (FICA) (See Internal Revenue Service Publication 519, “US Tax Guide for Aliens”). However,
your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes unless your country has a tax treaty with the
United States. Tax returns must be filed by April 15th each year, for the previous calendar year.
Health Insurance – It is very important that you have health insurance while in the United States. If it is not
provided by your employer, you may be eligible to continue your student policy; contact the Snow Health Center for
more information. For your own physical and financial well-being – BE INSURED at all times!!!
Travel while on OPT – Before you travel, remember to:
 Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months into the future
 Make sure your I-20 has your employer listed and has been signed for travel within the past 6 months. Request
a new I-20 and/or travel signature from OISS, if needed.
 Make sure your visa stamp is valid. If your visa is expired, you may need to renew it while overseas. If this is
the case, please speak to an OISS advisor before traveling.
 If you have an expired visa stamp but plan a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent Caribbean islands,
you may qualify for the Automatic Visa Revalidation. Please contact an OISS advisor before traveling!
 Carry your EAD card and proof of employment for the EAD time period. Proof of employment can include a
letter from your employer and recent pay stubs.
 Dependent Travel – Since OPT is not noted on dependent I-20s, an F-2 dependent must carry copies of the F1’s I-20 with OPT recommendation, EAD card and job offer letter in addition to their own F-2 documents when
traveling.
Change of Status – If you change your immigration status during OPT, you are required to send us a copy of the
approval document (i.e. H-1B) and Immigration Status Change Form. We recommend you begin the Change of
Status process before your OPT is expired.
Your OPT will automatically terminate if you transfer to another school or begin study at another educational
level at EMU. Please contact OISS if you plan to apply for another degree program or transfer to another school.
Remember to depart the United States within the 60 day grace period that follows your last day of OPT as noted
on your EAD card.
I know I should have health insurance coverage for the duration of my F1 status, including the OPT period
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Color Photograph Specifications
You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within
30 days of the filing your OPT application.
The passport-style photos must be:
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
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2" x 2"
full face, frontal view
have a white to off-white background
printed on thin paper with a glossy finish
be un-mounted and un-retouched
Your head must be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a
religious order of which you are a member
Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and SEVIS Number on the back of the
photo.
7 Steps to Successful Photos
Frame subject with full face, front view, eyes open
Make sure photo presents full head from top of hair to bottom of chin; height of head should
measure 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
Center head within frame (see Figure 2 below)
Make sure eye height is between 1-1/8 inches to 1-3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from
bottom of photo
Photograph subject against a plain white or off-white background
Position subject and lighting so that there are no distracting shadows on the face or
background
Encourage subject to have a natural expression
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Sample Check & Academic Advisor’s Letter
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Excerpts from the IRS
Alien Liability for Social Security and Medicare Taxes
The full text can be found at: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129427,00.html)
In general aliens performing services in the United States as employees are liable for U.S. social security and Medicare taxes.
However, certain classes of alien employees are exempt from U.S. social security and Medicare taxes as follows.
Nonresident aliens, in general, are also liable for Social Security/Medicare Taxes on wages paid to them for services performed
by them in the United States, with certain exceptions based on their nonimmigrant status. The following classes of
nonimmigrant’s and nonresident aliens are exempt from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes:
F-visas, J-visas, M-visas, Q-visas. Nonresident Alien students, scholars, professors, teachers, trainees, researchers, physicians, au
pairs, summer camp workers, and other aliens temporarily present in the United States in F-1, J-1, M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant
status are exempt on wages paid to them for services performed within the United States as long as such services are allowed by
USCIS for these nonimmigrant statuses, and such services are performed to carry out the purposes for which such visas were
issued to them.
Exempt Employment includes:
On-campus student employment up to 20 hours a week (40 hrs during summer vacations)
Off-campus student employment allowed by USCIS.
Practical Training student employment on or off campus.
Employment as professor, teacher or researcher.
Employment as a physician, au pair, or summer camp worker





Limitations on exemption:




The exemption does not apply to spouses and children in F-2, J-2, M-2, or Q-3 nonimmigrant status.
The exemption does not apply to employment not allowed by USCIS or to employment not closely connected to the
purpose for which the visa was issued.
The exemption does not apply to F-1,J-1,M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant’s who change to an immigration status which is
not exempt or to a special protected status.
The exemption does not apply to F-1,J-1,M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 nonimmigrant’s who become resident aliens.
The IRS has published regulations which stipulate that aliens who arrive in the United States on F,J,M, or Q visas will be assumed
to be "NONRESIDENT ALIENS" but only to the extent that the assumption is consistent with the residency rules of section 7701(b)
of the Code. Since the social security/Medicare tax exemption for foreign students, scholars, teachers, researchers, and trainees
under the Code requires that the payee be a "NONRESIDENT ALIEN", then the social security/Medicare tax exemption ceases to
exist at the point the payee becomes a "RESIDENT ALIEN" under the residency rules of section 7701(b) of the Code.
Thus, to summarize, both the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act allow an exemption from social
security/Medicare taxes to alien students, scholars, teachers, researchers, trainees, physicians, au pairs, summer camp workers,
and other nonimmigrants who have entered the United States on F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1, or Q-2 visas and who are still classified as
NONRESIDENT ALIENS under the residency rules of the Internal Revenue Code. As discussed above, this means that foreign
students in F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States less than 5 calendar years
are still NONRESIDENT ALIENS and are still exempt from social security/medicare taxes. This exemption also applies to any
period in which the foreign student is in "practical training" allowed by USCIS, as long as the foreign student is still a
NONRESIDENT ALIEN under the Code. Foreign students in F-1, J-1, M-1, Q-1 or Q-2 nonimmigrant status who have been in
the United States more than 5 calendar years are RESIDENT ALIENS and are liable for social security/Medicare taxes
(unless they are exempt from FICA under the "student FICA exemption" ).
For more info see: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=129427,00.html
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Filing out the I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Step-by-Step Instructions
Go to http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765.pdf
Type the information directly on the form.
Please save the form on your computer or flash drive in case the OISS has any suggested
changes after reviewing your OPT Express Processing application.
Please carefully follow the detailed Instructions for completing the form:
- Check the box “Permission to accept employment”
1. Name
 Write your name as it appears on your I-20 and passport. If there is a difference between what is written
on your I-20 and passport, please inform an OISS advisor before proceeding.
 Write your last name (family name) in all capital letters
2. Other Names Used- Write any other names you have previously used
3. Address in the United States
 This is where your OPT mail will be delivered, for example your Receipt Notice, your EAD card, and any
requests for more information if the U.S. government has questions about your application. You must be
able to accept mail at this location from the day of mailing your application until receipt of your EAD card
(can be up to 4 months until you receive your EAD card).
 If you would like to use the OISS mailing address, write: c/o EMU OISS, 1215 N Huron River Dr,
Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Please note the OISS is not liable for any mailing issues.
 This address determines which U.S. government office processes your application. If you are using a nonMichigan address, please inform the OISS advisors so they can provide you with the correct U.S.
government mailing address.
 Mail from the U.S. government cannot be forwarded. Be sure your address is correct!
4. Country of Citizenship/Nationality- Write the country as noted on your I-20 and passport
5. Place of Birth- Write your city and country of birth
6. Date of Birth- Write in the U.S. style (month/day/year)
7. Gender- Check the relevant box
8. Marital Status- Check the relevant box
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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9. Social Security Number
 Write your U.S. Social Security Number (for example 123-45-6789), if you have one
 Write ‘none’ if you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number
10. I-94 Number
 This is the 11-digit number either on your I-94 card (white paper stapled in your passport) or I-94 electronic
printout which can be found at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html
Initial 12-Month OPT Request Form
__________________________________________
_______________________________________________
E________________________________________
11. Have
youFirst
ever Name
before applied for employment
authorization
Student
Student
Last Name from USCIS?
Student E ID #

If you have never applied for an EAD before, mark “No” and move to question #12
_____________________________@emich.edu
_______________________________________________
 If you have applied for an EAD
before, mark “Yes” and complete the rest1 (______)________________________________
of the questions under #11
Emich E-mail Address
Personal E-mail Address
(Area Code)Telephone Number
o
Which USCIS Office?- write the office that adjudicated your previous I-765 application (this is
indicated by the first_______________________________________________
3 letters of your previous EAD card number__________________________________________
(example: LIN0000000))
__________________________________________
o Address
Date(s)- write the start date
of your
previous EAD card
Current
Current
City
Statein the U.S. style (month/day/year)
Zip code
o Results- If your EAD was granted, write “granted” and submit a copy of your previous EAD. If
this EAD was based _______________________________________________
on a previous OPT, please also submit a copy
of the OPT I-20. If your EAD
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Student Major orwas
Field
of
Study
Degree
Level
(Bachelor,
Master,
Ph.D.)
denied, write “denied” and submit a copy of the denial notice. Expected Graduation Date
12. Date of Last Entry into the U.S.
Optional Practical Training is intended to provide hands-on, practical work experience that is complimentary to your
 Write the date of your last entry into the United States (month/day/year).
academic program. An F-1 student may be eligible for 12 months OPT, provided this practical training is directly related
 Use the date on your I-94 to guide you. If you traveled via a land border, the date on your I-94 may or may
to your field of study, is commensurate with your educational level, and is recommended by your academic advisor.
not reflect the actual date of re-entry; if the date on your I-94 is not correct, please put the actual date of
Desired
your last entry
OPT
intostart
the United
date:
States.
______________ and end date: _________________
Winter 2016
Summer 2016
Fall 2016
13. Place Program
of Last Entry
Endinto
Datethe U.S.
4/26/2016
8/16/2016
12/20/2016
 Write the name of the city where you last entered the United States from question #12
Application
14. Manner of First
Last Date
Entry (Visitor, Student, etc.)
1/27/2016
09/21/2016
for
USCIS
to
receive
application
 Write the immigration
status you had
when you last entered5/18/2016
the United States from questions
#12 and 13
(90 days before program end date)
 Write “F-1 student” if you were an F-1 student the last time you entered the United States
Last Date
06/25/2016
10/15/2016
02/18/2017
for USCIS to receive application
15. Current
Status
(Visitor, Student, etc.)
(60 days Immigration
after program end
date)
 Write “F-1 student”
Employment
Earliest Employment Start
4/27/2016
8/17/2016
16. Eligibility Category
Date
Latest
Write
(c) (3) (B), which
is the eligibility category for post-completion OPT
Employment
Start Date
(60 days after program end date)
06/25/2016
10/15/2016
12/21/2016
02/18/2017
17. (c)(3)(C) Eligibility Category, 18. (c)(26) Eligibility Category
 Leave these section blank
In making this request I understand and agree to abide by all requirements, including
report
all changes
in my and
US orsign
overseas
address
to OISSthe
within
10 Your
days of
such change
Read theI will
“Your
Certification”
section
your name
between
lines.
signature
cannot touch the top and
I will provide
OISStelephone
with a copy
of my Employment
Document
(EAD) upon
receipt
bottom lines.
Write your
number
and date ofAuthorization
signature. The
U.S. government
MUST
receive your OPT
I understand
thatdays
I cannot
begin
workingdate.
until I have my EAD card in-hand
application
within 30
of this
signature
I will report the name & address of my employer to OISS within 10 days of starting work
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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I-765 Sample
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
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Initial 12-Month OPT Request Form
__________________________________________
Student First Name
_______________________________________________
Student Last Name
E________________________________________
_____________________________@emich.edu
Emich E-mail Address
_______________________________________________
Personal E-mail Address
1 (______)________________________________
(Area Code)Telephone Number
__________________________________________
Current Address
_______________________________________________
Current City
State
__________________________________________
Zip code
__________________________________________
Student Major or Field of Study
_______________________________________________
Degree Level (Bachelor, Master, Ph.D.)
__________________________________________
Expected Graduation Date
Student E ID #
Optional Practical Training is intended to provide hands-on, practical work experience that is complimentary to your
academic program. An F-1 student may be eligible for 12 months OPT, provided this practical training is directly related
to your field of study, is commensurate with your educational level, and is recommended by your academic advisor.
Desired OPT start date: ______________ and end date: _________________
Program End Dated Date
First Date
for USCIS to receive application
Winter 2016
Summer 2016
4/26/2016
8/16/2016
Application
Fall 2016
12/20/2016
1/27/2016
5/18/2016
9/21/2016
6/25/2016
10/15/2016
2/15/2017
Employment
4/27/2016
8/17/2016
12/21/2016
6/25/2016
10/15/2016
2/18/2017
6/26/2017
10/16/2017
2/20/2018
(90 days before the program end date)
Last Date
for USCIS to receive application
(60 days after the program end date)
Earliest Employment Start Date
Latest Employment Start Date
(60 days after the program end date)
Date OPT Must be Completed
(14 months from program end date)
In making this request I understand and agree to abide by all requirements, including
I will report all changes in my US or overseas address to OISS within 10 days of such change
I will provide OISS with a copy of my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon receipt
I understand that I cannot begin working until I have my EAD card in-hand
I will report the name & address of my employer to OISS within 10 days of starting work
I know I should have health insurance coverage for the duration of my F1 status, including the OPT period
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________________________________________________________
Date
OPT Workshop attended on: ____________________ OISS advisor signature___________________________________________
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Last Updated 3/3/2016
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\OPT\12 Month\OPT Packet WI16\OPT & I-20 Instructions Complete.docx
The Home for International Advising, Activities, and Assistance
OPT I-20 Processing Request Form
__________________________________________
Student First Name
_______________________________________________
Student Last Name
E________________________________________
_____________________________@emich.edu
Emich E-mail Address
_______________________________________________
Personal E-mail Address
1 (______)________________________________
(Area Code)Telephone Number
Student E ID #
In making this OPT Express Processing request I understand and agree to do the following
(please check):
I understand compiling and mailing my OPT application is my responsibility. I do not hold
the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) liable for the outcome of my OPT
application, even in the case of a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial.
I will mail my OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of OISS advisor’s signature date on
the I-20. I understand the USCIS MUST receive my application within 30 days of the advisor’s
signature date.
I understand that USCIS will deny my OPT application if they receive it more than 90 days
before my program completion date and 60 days after my program completion date.
I understand that the address on the I-765 must be valid from the time I send my OPT
application until my EAD card is received (up to 4 months after mailing). I understand it
is difficult to change the mailing address of my EAD card and that I am liable for any mailing
issues should my address change. I understand USCIS mail (like my EAD card) cannot be
forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service.
Please choose what U.S. Postal Service mailing option you would like. The OISS will give
you the mailing slip (which includes the USCIS mailing address) and envelope with your
OPT I-20. After return of my application materials and I-20, I am responsible to take the
OPT application to the U.S. Postal Service for mailing.
 Express Mail/overnight mailing (general costs of $19.99)
 Priority Mail/2-4 shipping time (general costs of $5.75)
I have read the “While on OPT, I am still an F-1 student” flier and I understand my
responsibilities.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
____________________________________________________________________________
Date
EMU Office for International Students and Scholars
240 Student Center
www.emich.edu/oiss
Tel: 1(734)487-3116
Fax: 1(734)487-0303
Last Updated 3/3/2016
Z:\Student_Affairs\sa-ois\Documents\MASTER\OPT\12 Month\OPT Packet WI16\OPT & I-20 Instructions Complete.docx