Eligibility:
•
Must be a fully enrolled student for at least one academic year (9 months).
•
Employment must be directly related to the student's field of study .
•
If you have used 365 days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you are not eligible .
•
If you have used 12 months of full-time OPT at the same or higher degree level, you are not eligible .
In Order to Apply:
1.
Visit the International Student Services website to learn more about Optional Practical Training: http://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/international_student_services/employment/off-campusemployment/f-1-employment-optional-practical-training/index.php
.
2.
Either watch the OPT Online Workshop (located on our website) and complete the registration form at the end of the workshop
OR
Attend an Optional Practical Training In-Person Workshop at the ISS Office
3.
Prepare your application
4.
Visit the ISS Office during walk-in hours or make an appointment with an advisor in order to submit your OPT application
5.
The day after you apply, sign and pick up your new I-20 at the ISS Office. At this point, your OPT application will be mailed.
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*Photos should be taken within 30 days of application.
Write name and I-94 number lightly on the back.*
(Cash is not acceptable.)
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES, C LOSE -H IPP , 1705 C OLLEGE S T ., S TE .
650  COLUMBIA, SC 29208
PHONE: 803-777-7461  FAX: 803-777-0462  E-MAIL: ISS@SC.EDU
 WWW.SC.EDU/INTERNATIONALSERVICES
Revised 3/28/2016

Address: 1705 College Street, Close Hipp Building, Suite 650, Columbia, SC 29208
Phone: 803-777-7461
Email: iss@sc.edu
Website: sc.edu/internationalservices
O PTIONAL P RACTICAL T RAINING – A CADEMIC A DVISOR R ECOMMENDATION F ORM
STUDENT COMPLETES THIS SECTION:
** Your new OPT I-20 will be ready for pick up 1 to 2 business days after submitting this form. You must pick up your I-20 in order for your OPT application to be mailed.
**
** USCIS must receive your complete OPT application within 30 days of the new OPT I-20 being issued.
**
First Name: Last Name:
Last 4 Numbers Of Your SEVIS ID: Date of current I-20 expiration (mm/dd/yy):
Post-graduation email address:
Have you been authorized for OPT in the past?
No Yes - From (mm/dd/yy): To:
Telephone:
If you were previously authorized for OPT, which degree level?
Bachelor’s Master’s PhD Other
When do you expect to graduate?
Semester: Year:
Are you currently employed on campus?
No Yes – Until (mm/dd/yy):
I am requesting to begin OPT:
After graduating (full-time post-completion OPT) (C)(3)(B)
After completion of all coursework except dissertation (full-time post-completion OPT (C)(3)(B)
During summer or winter break (full-time pre-completion OPT) (C)(3)(A)
While registered as a full-time student (part-time pre-completion OPT) (C)(3)(A)
Requested OPT Authorization Start Date
* Start date must be within 60 days of your program completion date.
(mm/dd/yy):
If Pre-Completion OPT, Requested End Date:
(mm/dd/yy):
I understand the responsibilities required for maintaining F-1 status during my period of OPT authorization as conveyed in the OPT Workshop and on the ISS Website. I have read and understand the stipulations at the top of this page.
Signature of Student: Date:
ACADEMIC ADVISOR COMPLETES THIS SECTION:
International students on F-1 visas are eligible for at least 12 months of off-campus employment authorization in their field of study. This work authorization, called Optional Practical Training, is granted through application to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.
We need confirmation from the academic department that this student is meeting the academic components necessary to apply for OPT.
Advisor’s Name: Advisor’s Department :
Advisor’s Email:
Student’s Major:
Second Major (if applicable):
* Minor is not applicable
Is student registered in current term? Yes No
Advisor’s Phone:
Level of Study: Bachelor’s Master's Ph.D
Will the student have completed all coursework requirements for the degree by the start date of OPT? Yes No
Graduate students only:
When is student expected to defend his/her thesis or dissertation?
(mm/dd/yy):
When is student expected to graduate?
Semester : Year:
I confirm that the information provided in this section is true and correct. I would like to recommend that this student be allowed to obtain
Optional Practical Training in order to secure a position in his/her field of study.
Signature of Advisor: Date:
Optional Comments :

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 inch (25 mm to 35 mm)
Center head within frame (see Figure 2. below)
Make sure eye level is between 1 1 ⁄
8
inch to 1 3 ⁄
8 inch (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
2 inch
1 1 ⁄
8
inch to 1 3 ⁄
8 inch
2 inch
Figure 2. Head Position & Placement
Well-Composed Photos
1 inch to 1 3 ⁄
8 inch