Center for International Education (CIE)
Husky Hall 1212
Phone: 425-352-3876; Fax: 425-352-5455
Email:uwbintl@uw.edu Website: www.uwb.edu/cie
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Frequently Asked Questions & Application Packet
(Revised April 2016)
How Do I Apply for OPT?
Step 1:
Attend an OPT Workshop
Each quarter CIE presents OPT workshops as an opportunity for you to learn about the OPT
application process, meet other international students, and answer your questions. Visit
www.uwb.edu/cie/employment/ to see the current workshop schedule.
Step 2:
Compile OPT Application Materials and Meet with CIE to Receive a New I-20
CIE will review all of your application documents to ensure your application is complete. You will
receive a new I-20 that includes an OPT endorsement, which will be your final document for your
application. CIE will make a copy of your complete OPT application to keep in your immigration file.
Step 3:
Submit your OPT application to USCIS
Regulations require that your OPT application is received by USCIS within 30 days from the
date your OPT I-20 is issued; otherwise your application will be automatically denied.
Incomplete applications will delay processing and can shorten your time for work authorization. If the
mailing address used on your I-765 form is in Washington state, mail your application to:
Send your application visa Express/Courier Mail (FedEx, DHL, USPS, etc.) to:
USCIS, Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S., Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Step 4:
Track your OPT application
Within 2-4 weeks, USCIS will send a notice of receipt called Form I-797 to CIE. This notice will
state your receipt number and provide information on how to check the status of your application. If
your application is missing information or USCIS would like additional information, you will receive
a “Request for Evidence (RFE)” letter. CIE will notify you immediately if you receive an RFE, and
begin to work with you on what is required.
Step 5:
Meet with UW Bothell Career Services
Career Services provides students with valuable resources and guidance ranging from preparing your
resume/cover letter, to how to find job openings through HuskyJobs. Visit www.uwb.edu/careers and
www.uwb.edu/careers/international to utilize the resources and attend their upcoming workshops and
career events! Career Services is located in UW1-160.
Step 6:
Receive Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card
If your OPT application is approved, you will receive an EAD card. You cannot begin employment
until your application is approved and you received your EAD card.
Step 7:
Notify CIE once you begin your OPT employment, so that CIE can inform USCIS that you are
working. The online OPT Employment Update Form is at www.uwb.edu/cie/employment.
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply for OPT?
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet all of the following requirements:
1) You are currently in F-1 status.
2) You have been enrolled in a full course of study for at least one academic year (9 months) or will
complete one academic year the proposed OPT start date. Time spent as a full-time student in another
visa status (i.e. H4 visa) can count towards this requirement.
3) You have not exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
Part-time CPT does not affect your eligibility for OPT.
4) You are not in an English Language Program.
When should I apply?
You should apply at the start of your graduation quarter. You may submit your application to USCIS up to
90 days before your program end date (this is the last official day of your graduation quarter). Although
regulations allow you to apply up to 60 days after your program end date, CIE strongly discourages you to do so.
The OPT approval may not be granted before your 60-day grace period ends. If this happens, you will lose
eligible days to work during your OPT period while you wait for your EAD card.
Do I need to have a job when I apply for OPT?
No. The OPT application is a request for work authorization in your major field of study rather than for a specific
employer or job position.
How long does it take to receive a decision on my OPT application?
Students can expect to receive mail from USCIS 90 days after immigration receives the OPT application.
When can I start working?
Any employment before the following are met is considered illegal employment. You can begin work after:
1) your application is approved, and
2) you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, and
3) you have reached the authorized start date (as shown on the EAD card)
When does my OPT start?
You should use our OPT Planning Worksheet in this packet to help understand the important timeline. You must
choose the start date when you apply for OPT, and it cannot be changed after your application is submitted to
USCIS. You should take into consideration the following when choosing the OPT start date:







The earliest start date CIE recommends is at least 90 days from the time you apply for your OPT. If this
date is past the 60-day grace period, then you must chose the date before your grace period expires.
Even if you get a job offer, you cannot begin employment until you receive your EAD card and reach the
OPT start date.
After submitting the application to USCIS, you will receive a decision in approx. 90 days.
Students typically choose a start date closer to the end of their grace period, so they can maximize the
amount of time they have for job searching.
Keep in mind that it is OK (and common) to not have a job offer by the time OPT starts. However, you
will start to accumulate days of unemployment (you have up to 90 days total to be unemployed).
Take into consideration how your job search is going at the time you apply for OPT. Have you started
applying and/or interviewing? Do you have your resume prepared yet? Do you know how to search for
jobs and what kinds of jobs to look for? CIE encourages all students visit Career Services and utilize
their online resources, as well as the helpful information in the “Employment” tab at www.uwb.edu/cie.
Make sure that you do not choose a start date that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
2
Am I required to find a job that is related to my major?
Yes. Employment while on OPT must be directly related to your major field of study. For each job that a student
has while on OPT, SEVP recommends that you maintain evidence of the position held, proof of the duration of
that position, the job title, the supervisor or manager’s contact information, and a description of the work.
If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to your degree, SEVP highly recommends that
you obtain a signed letter from your supervisor or manager stating how your degree is related to the work
performed. Employment based on an OPT EAD that is not directly related to the major area of study would be
considered a status violation.
Can I be unemployed while on OPT?
Yes, but for a limited number of days. It is expected that you are actively pursuing employment opportunities
during your OPT. The regulations allow you to be unemployed for no more than a total of 90 days during the
entire OPT authorization period. After 90 days are accrued, immigration will automatically terminate your
OPT authorization, and you must depart the U.S. **You must contact CIE once you receive a job offer,
because we must inform immigration for you (see page 4)**.
What are the minimum requirements for my employment while on OPT?
Your employment must be: 1) related to your degree AND 2) at least 20 hours per week (part-time). OPT
employment can be paid or unpaid/volunteer.
What Types of Employment are Acceptable for OPT?
The following are acceptable forms of employment as long as the work is related to your major:

Regular paid employment.
The work must be directly related to your major and must be for at least 20 hours per week. You may
work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to your major.

Volunteers or unpaid interns.
You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The
work should be at least 20 hours per week. You need be able to provide evidence about your volunteer
work, such as how it is related to your major and that you worked at least part-time.

Internships.
As long as the internship is at least 20 hours per week and related to your degree. Sometimes internships
are a great way for you to obtain a full-time job with that company.

Payment by multiple short-term multiple employers.
You should keep a list of all short-term employment, dates, and duration.

Work for hire.
Employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an
employment relationship. If requested by DHS, you should be prepared to provide evidence showing the
duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.

Self-employed business owner.
While on OPT, you may start a business and be self-employed. You should be able to prove that you
have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to your major.

Employment through an agency.
You must be able to provide evidence showing that you worked an average of at least 20 hours per week
while employed by the agency.
3
How can I purchase health insurance while on OPT?
CIE strongly encourages you to have health insurance coverage while on OPT. Health insurance may or may not
be offered through your employer. The insurance offered through UW is not an option available to alumni. There
are many insurance companies that you can choose from. One option is special insurance for students on OPT,
which is offered by ISO (isoa.org).
How Can I Find a Job?
Career Services provides students with valuable resources and guidance ranging from preparing your
resume/cover letter, to how to find job openings through HuskyJobs. Visit www.uwb.edu/careers and
www.uwb.edu/careers/international to utilize the resources and attend their upcoming workshops and career
events! Career Services is located in UW1-160.
Where are UWB international students working on OPT?
Students are finding amazing opportunities with local, national and global organizations! Here is just a sample of
companies where students have worked while on OPT……
4
I have received a job offer. What should I do next?



Notify immigration that you are working: This is important so that immigration doesn’t think you are
accumulating days of unemployment. You must submit your information through CIE Employment
Update Form, at www.uwb.edu/cie/employment/OPT . The information will be updated in your
immigration record by CIE.
Apply for your Social Security Number: If you already have a SSN, you do not need to apply again. If
you do not have a SSN, you can use our helpful SSN Application guide at
www.uwb.edu/cie/employment.
Celebrate! This is a major accomplishment and a milestone – Congratulations!
What are my reporting requirements to CIE while on OPT?
You must submit your information through CIE’s online Employment Update Form, which is available at
www.uwb.edu/cie/employment/OPT. While on OPT, you continue to be on your F-1 visa and use the I-20
through UW Bothell. Immigration regulations require you to notify CIE within 10 days after there is a:



Change in your residential address (include apartment number, if applicable)
Change in employment (Include the employer’s name, mailing address & start date)
Loss of employment (Report your employment end date)
When Can I Travel Outside the U.S.?
Students should not travel outside and re-enter the U.S. during their 60-day grace period if they have not
yet received an approval notice for their OPT application. The best travel guidance is that a student who has
both an EAD card and a letter from their employer should not experience difficulty re-entering the U.S. If either
of these two conditions is missing, then you are assuming risk of having difficulty re-entering the U.S.
Anytime you are traveling outside of the U.S., you must carry the following with you:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Evidence of employment in your field of study (letter of employment, written job offer)
Valid EAD card
I-20 signed for travel by CIE within the last six months
Valid, unexpired passport
Unexpired F-1 visa (unless you are returning from a trip (30 days or less) from Canada, Mexico, or the
Caribbean)
Can I Study While on OPT?
Yes, but you may only take recreational courses. If you begin a new degree program, your current OPT
authorization is automatically terminated when the I-20 is updated and/or transferred to the new school.
What Happens After OPT?
After you complete your OPT, you have a 60-day grace period which begins from your OPT end date. The OPT
end date is indicated on your EAD card. You must take one of the following actions during your grace period:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Depart the United States.
Initiate the SEVIS transfer to another school.
Initiate the change of level to begin a new educational program at UWB.
Change non-immigration status to remain lawfully in the United States.
If you are majoring in STEM fields (Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics), you may be
eligible for an OPT extension, called STEM OPT. You can apply for an additional 17 months of OPT.
5
OPT Application Checklist
1. Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
The form and instructions is available at www.uscis.gov and search for “I-765” . DO NOT SUBMIT THE
ONLINE I-765. CIE Office has heard of many troubles with the online I-765, including denied applications.
 Type or print on the I-765 Form in black ink only.
 Check the “I am applying for…permission to accept employment” box at the top of the form.
 Item #1: Provide your name as shown in your passport & I-20. Type your last name in all capital letters.
 Item #3: We strongly recommend that you use our address. You must use the CIE mailing address
exactly as follows: c/o CIE, 18115 Campus Way NE, Box 358500, Bothell, WA, 98011
 Item #9: If you do not have a SSN, write “None”.
 Item #10: This is the 11-digit number on your current I-94 record. You can access your I-94 record at
www.cbp.gov/I94. If you have had OPT or Severe Economic Hardship approval before, you will have an
A#, which can be found on your EAD card. An A# and USCIS# are the same.
 Item #11: Answer “No” unless you have previously applied for OPT and/or Severe Economic Hardship.
 Item #12 & #13: Enter the information that is listed on your current I-94 record. The place of entry is the
city you entered in the U.S., such as “Seattle”. The date of your entry should be listed MM/DD/YYYY.
 Item #14: Enter “F-1 Student”
 Item #15: Enter “Student”
 Item #16: Enter (c)(3)(B) since you are applying for Post-Completion OPT
 Item #17: Leave blank as this is only for students apply for the 17-month OPT extension
 Item “Your Certification”: Make sure to sign and date the form.
2. OPT Request Form Signed by your Academic Advisor (included in this packet)
 You can decide on the OPT start and end dates when you meet with CIE to review your application
documents before submission; dates cannot be changed once your OPT application is sent to USCIS.
3. One photocopy of your:
 Photo ID page in your passport (including extension page, if applicable)
 Most recent F-1 visa (even if it is expired)
 Your current I-94 Record (you can access your I-94 card online at: www.cbp.gov/I94)
 All UWB I-20s issued to you (page 1 & 3 only)
 Previous EAD card(s); front and back (if applicable)
4. Two passport size photographs that meet USCIS requirements
 Print your name and I-94 card number lightly in pencil on the back of each photo.
 Photo cannot be the same photo used for your passport or visa (USCIS will notice and request you to
resubmit photos, which can delay your application). Photo requirements are in the I-765 instructions.
5. Application Fee ($380)
 Attach the payment to the top of your application. Payment must be made by check or money order and
payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.
6. Form G-1145: E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Optional)
 If you would like to receive an email or text message when USCIS receives your application, you can
complete this form (available at www.uscis.gov). Attach this form to the top of your application.
Once you have compiled items #1-6, meet with CIE for your application to be reviewed and receive a
new I-20 reflecting your OPT request. The I-20 won’t be issued until your application ready.
7. One photocopy of your updated I-20 with OPT Endorsement on page 3
 This I-20 will include an endorsement from CIE for your OPT application, including your requested
OPT start and end dates; you can wait to choose your OPT dates when you meet with CIE.
6
7
8
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form
Student must submit this form and required supporting OPT applications documents to:
Center for International Education, Husky Hall 1212
425-352-3876 * uwbintl@uw.edu * www.uwb.edu/cie
To Be Completed by Student’s Academic Advisor:
Dear Advisor: The student named below is interested to apply to USCIS for post-graduation work
authorization, called OPT. Our office will assist the student in this application process; however, we
need your assistance to confirm if the student is on track to graduate. Your help in completing the
following is greatly appreciated! Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you!
~ Center for International Education
Student’s Educational Level is:
Undergraduate (including Post-Bac)
Graduate
Student’s Program of Study is:
Does the student have a graduation application on file yet?
Yes
No
The below named student is making normal academic progress toward his/her UW Bothell degree,
and I anticipate the student to meet all degree requirements by the end of:
Year: ___________
Quarter:
Autumn
Winter
Spring
Summer
Academic Advisor’s Signature: As the student’s academic advisor, I have met with the student, reviewed his/her
degree plan and can confirm that the information is accurate as of today’s date.
Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________________________
Name (Please Print): _________________________________ Department: _____________________________
Email: _____________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________
To Be Completed by the Student:
Name:
Student ID:
U.S. Phone #:
SEVIS #:
__ __ __ __ __ __ __
N00
Email (Don’t use your UW email): __________________________________________________________
Have you previously been authorized for full-time CPT or OPT?
No
Yes*
*If yes, what were the authorization dates? (mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy):
________________________________________________________________________________
I request to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) from:
Start date: ______/_______/______ to End date: ______/_______/______
Student’s Signature: By signing, I confirm that I have read and I understand the instructions, regulations, and
what is expected of me while on OPT.
Signature: _______________________________________ Date: __________________
9