Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS)
Student Center 3rd Floor, 310
Waltham, MA 02452
T +1.781.891.2829 F +1.781.891.2845
www.bentley.edu/ciss
Application for
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
FOR F-1 STUDENTS
In this packet, you will find:
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What is Practical Training? (Overview)
OPT Processing
Optional Practical Training Application Checklist
Instructions for Completing USCIS Form I-765
OPT Acknowledgement Form
Photo Instructions Page
How to Write a Check for your OPT Application
Frequently Asked Questions about OPT
Please carefully read the instructions that follow before completing and signing all forms in blue ink.
Once you submit your application to CISS and it is reviewed, you will be given a new Form I-20, which
you will need to sign and date and include in the OPT application you submit to the US Citizenship and
Immigration Service.
If, after reading the following information, you have additional questions, please email CISS at
GA_CISS@Bentley.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications can take up to 12 weeks to process.
Applying early is encouraged!
29 October 2015
What is Optional Practical Training? (Overview)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization granted to F-1 international students, issued by the
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Students who are approved for OPT will receive
an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card that may be presented to an employer as proof of work
authorization. There are two different kinds of Optical Practical Training:
Pre-Completion OPT is temporary employment available to F-1 students prior to completion of the course of
study. The employment must be directly related to the student’s field of study and commensurate with the
student’s education level. It can only be part-time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session.
Pre-Completion OPT can be full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during annual vacations or breaks. Any
time used prior to graduating will be subtracted from the total 12 months alloted.
Post-Completion OPT is full-time employment (more than 20 hours per week) available to F-1 students after
graduation. Post-Completion OPT is granted for 12 months.
29 October 2015
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Processing:
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Determine if application is for Post-Completion or Pre-Completion OPT.
Compile the packet of documents as noted on the Optional Practical Training Application
Checklist. Remember to include TWO sets of all documents when submitting your OPT
application to CISS.
Drop off completed OPT application packet (2 sets of all documents) at CISS office in Student
Center 310.
Wait (at least 5 business days) for email from GA_CISS account to be notified to pick up your
OPT packet
When you come to the CISS office, you will be instructed as to what the final steps are in
completing and submitting your OPT application to the US Citizenship and Immigration
Service (USCIS)
Mail OPT application packet by certified mail, return receipt requested to USCIS at:
ATTN: USCIS
P O Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
NOTE: CISS will provide you with a pre-addressed, certified mail, return receipt requested
envelope.
IMPORTANT
Your OPT APPLICATION PACKET MUST be received by USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issue date. The
earliest you may apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training is 90 days before you complete all
requirements for the degree.
*If you receive your EAD (employment authorization document/card) in the mail, please submit a
copy of the front and back of the card to the Center for International Students and Scholars.
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Optional Practical Training Application Checklist
Please submit TWO sets of all documents listed below.
 Check or money order for $380 made payable to Department of Homeland Security
 Completed and signed form I-765, Application of Employment Authorization, found at:
www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf. Print out the form; but do not submit it electronically!
 Completed and signed form G-1145, E-Notification of Application, found at:
http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-1145.pdf. Print out the form; but do not
submit it electronically!
 CISS OPT Acknowledgement Form which can be found in this packet of documents.
Please be sure to indicate the OPT start and end dates on this form. The date must be within
60 days of your completion of studies date. Please also include your mailing address which
will be valid for at least 12 weeks from the date you mail your OPT application request to
USCIS.
 Request an Enrollment Verification Letter from the Office of the Registrar. You may obtain
this letter by making an on-line request or by visiting the Registrar’s Office in Rauch. If you
visit the Registrar’s Office to request the letter, typical turn-around time is 5 business days.
o An Enrollment Verification letter (found at
http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/vs_portal.php?show=2); OR
o An Enrollment/Graduation letter (obtained by completing the orange form in the
Registrar’s office). (This letter requires 5 business days.)
 2 Passport-sized photos* with your name written in pencil on the back. *Details of photo
specifications are found later in this packet of documents.
 2 Copies of your I-94 Information. To obain this information, go to:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/consent.html;jsessionid=vJpqWyQNbhQ6MPnym8r4h61h8ZbTDyZ
FWhk4dV6bvlvb7fwBrTfw!1996988461to request and print it out.
 2 Copies of all I-20s (pages 1 and 3) that were issued to you (including I-20s from all
previous schools)
 2 Copies of your F-1 Visa in your passport
 2 Copies of the Expiration and Photo page(s) of your passport
 2 Copies of any previous EAD Cards (if applicable)
 2 Copies of all previous correspondence with USCIS (if applicable)
Pre-Completion OPT Checklist (ONLY if applying for OPT before
graduation)
 In addition to submitting the above-listed items, be sure to determine the length of your work
experience with the Bentley internship coordinator and the employer and submit a letter from
the coordinator that confirms your start and end date.
29 October 2015
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING
USCIS Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
This form can be found at www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf. Please complete the form on-line print it out to
include in your OPT application and use blue ink to sign it. Please do not submit it electronically!
Top of the form-Check the box “Permission to accept employment” if this is your first application.
Questions 1-8
Complete your biographical information and local address. REMEMBER: this is the address where the USCIS
will mail your employment authorization card. It must be a US address. If you are unsure of where you will be
living when the card is issued, you should use c/o (in care of), and indicate an address of a friend who will
receive the mail on your behalf. If you choose to have your EAD card mailed to the Center for International
Students and Scholars please provide the following address on the Form:
1. Your LAST NAME (in all capital letters), First Name
2. Bentley University (typed in the block for “other names used”)
3. 175 Forest Street, Student Center, 3rd floor, 310
4. Waltham, MA 02452
Question 9
A Social Security Number is not required for Optional Practical Training approval, but if you have one, please
enter it here; otherwise type “None.”
Question 10
You do not have an Alien Registration Number. Type in your I-94 number here which can be found on the I-94
information that you printed out from the cbp.gov website.
Question 11
If you have been approved for any Optional Practical Training in the past, you must attach a copy of the front
and back of your previous employment card(s). Remember to include both the start AND end dates of any
previous employment in this section.
Questions 11-15
This information will be listed on your I-94 information. On question 13 fill in the first three letters of the name
of the city where you arrived in the U.S. as noted on the stamp in your passport which should be located
opposite your most current F-1 visa.
Question 16
The Post-completion OPT category is (c)(3)(B).
The Pre-completion OPT category is (c)(3)(A).
Questions 17, 18
Leave these blank, unless you are applying for a STEM extension OPT.
Do not forget to sign and date the form, and include your telephone number!
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OPT Acknowledgement Form
NAME
Bentley ID
For CISS use only: DROP OFF
PICK UP
Advisor
Completed
Below please find the rules you must follow while on OPT in order to comply with US immigration law. After reading and
reviewing this form and providing the requested information, please sign the form and submit it with your OPT
application.
1. Thirty-day filing deadline: I understand that my OPT application must reach the USCIS Service Center no
later than 30 days after my new Form I-20 is issued.
2. Failure to complete program requirements: I understand that if I fail to complete all the requirements of my
program, I must request an extension of my Form I-20 prior to the program end date found in item #5 of my
latest I-20. I know that this may invalidate or otherwise effect the post-completion OPT authorization, prior to
beginning post-completion OPT.
3. Submission of EAD to the CISS: I understand that I must bring my OPT Employment Authorization
Document (EAD) to the CISS as soon as it is issued by the USCIS so that it may be copied and the approval
recorded appropriately.
4. Working in my major field of study: I understand that any employment I accept must be directly related to
my major field of study. I know that I should keep records that will verify all of my employment while on OPT.
5. Reporting requirements: I understand that in order to maintain my immigration status while on PostCompletion OPT, I must:
a. Notify the CISS of my new address within ten days if I should move my residence. I can do so by
emailing the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu.
b. Report any change in OPT employment and any change of employer while on OPT. I understand I
am required to email CISS with the name, address and telephone number of my employer, job title
and start date. If I stop working, I must report that there has been an “interruption in employment.” I
can report this information by emailing the CISS at GA_CISS@bentley.edu.
6. Periods of unemployment during post-completion OPT: I understand that I may not accrue an
aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during my post-completion OPT period. I will keep
thorough and accurate records of my job search, employment or other OPT activities, and periods of
unemployment.
7. Traveling outside the U.S.: I understand that if I travel outside the U.S. during post-completion OPT I must
bring the following items:
a. Valid passport
b. F-1 visa in my passport that will be valid on the day I plan to return to the U.S. If I do not have a valid
visa for my return, I will obtain one at a U.S. consulate or embassy while outside the U.S., preferably
in my home country.
c. Travel signature on my Form I-20 that is less than six (6) months old.
d. OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD, also known as “OPT Card”)
e. Letter from my employer to prove that I have a job which I will resume when I return to the U.S., or an
offer letter to show that I will begin a job/activity upon my return to the U.S.
If I do not travel with all of these documents, I understand I may experience difficulty when returning to the
U.S and could, in fact, be prohibited from re-entering the U.S.
8. Sixty-day “grace” period after OPT: I understand that I am permitted a period of 60 days to remain in the
U.S. following the end date on my OPT EAD. I may not work during this period of time.
9. Limits on future periods of OPT: I understand that I am eligible for only one 12-month period of OPT per
education level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., etc.). I understand that in limited situations, I may be
eligible to apply for a 17 month extension of OPT and I must apply for this extension prior to the end of my
initial period of OPT.
29 October 2015
10. Cancelling my application: If extraordinary circumstances warrant it, I can attempt to cancel my OPT
application only if the application has not yet been adjudicated (approved) by the USCIS Service Center. I
will work with my CISS advisor to initiate this process.
11. Beginning employment: I know that I may not begin work until I have the OPT EAD (card) in my possession
and the start date of the EAD has been reached (or passed). To do so constitutes unauthorized employment
and a violation of my F-1 status.
12. OPT start and end dates: I am responsible for choosing the employment dates below which will be recorded
in the CISS’s recommendation on my Form I-20. An OPT start date must begin no earlier than the
completion date of all courses needed for graduation and end no later than 60 days after this
completion date.
a. Example: If I complete all courses necessary for my degree program on December 18 I may begin my
OPT as early as December 18 or as late as February16th.
b. I know that I will not be able to change the dates, should they become incompatible with a future
offer of employment. I also understand that I cannot extend OPT beyond 12 months even I have not
worked for the entire OPT period, unless I qualify for the STEM OPT extension.
13. Reminder for Pre-Completion OPT students only:
a. May not begin working until your OPT card is received; work in field of major only
b. Restricted to work between approved dates on OPT card
c. Use of Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from the 12 months of OPT allowed; any remaining
time may be used for Post-Completion OPT through a separate application process.
d. Must submit copy of OPT card to CISS for student file
This section must be completed in order to apply for OPT:
I request the following OPT dates for: (Circle one)
Start Date
Full-time Post-Completion
Full-time Pre-Completion
Part-time Pre-Completion
End Date
If you have or will have a job, please provide the name of the company and the address
below:
COMPANY NAME:________________________________________________________________
COMPANY ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________
Note: Federal Mail will not be forwarded. Please send my OPT card to the following address. I will be at
this address for 90 days in to the future. If I do not know where I will be living in 90 days, I will find an
alternative address where the card can be safely delivered.
Name (LAST) (FIRST) (MIDDLE)
Address in the United States (Number and Street) (Apt Number)
Town or city
State
Zip Code (Postal Code)
I have read and understand this form:
NAME_
NON BENTLEY EMAIL
29 October 2015
DATE
CELL PHONE NUMBER
Photo Instructions Page
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
Proper Photos
For more information please link to :
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/photos/photo-examples.html
29 October 2015
How to Write a Check for Your OPT Application
Money Order
Example 1:
Example 2:
29 October 2015
Frequently Asked Questions about OPT
How do I qualify for Optional Practical Training?
In order to apply for OPT, you must have been in F-1 status and in good academic standing at
Bentley for 9 consecutive months (2 semesters = 1 academic year).
What kind of jobs can I use Optional Practical Training for?
You can use OPT for any job opportunity, within the field of your major, that is offered to you.
How much can I work using OPT?
Post-completion OPT is full-time (more than 20 hours per week) for one year (12 months).
OPT cannot be stored up or saved. You may use your OPT for a year after graduation and then
begin a new academic program. However, you will lose any OPT you have remaining if you begin a
new academic program before the year of OPT granted has been completed. You may be granted a
new 12 month period of OPT if you pursue a new degree at a higher level.
When can I start working if I get OPT? When should I apply?
Most students select post-completion OPT, which means you may start working after you complete
all degree requirements. You may begin OPT the day after you complete or up to 60 days after your
graduation but no later. You must apply for OPT no later than one month before you complete your
studies. You are encouraged to apply three months prior to completion, since it may take USCIS
up to 12 weeks to process your application.
If you choose to apply for pre-completion OPT (OPT while you are in school), you may choose the
start date any time during the semester, but the work must end when you complete your program.
Pre-completion OPT time is deducted from your post-completion OPT at a half-time rate.
What date should I chose as my post-completion OPT start date?
Students with probabilities of finding employment right away or have been in contact with some
potential employers are encouraged to choose an early start date. Conversely, we suggest that
students doubtful about finding a job right after graduation choose a later start date.
I found a job and my OPT application has not yet been processed. How can I get my EAD card
processed faster?
Unfortunately, there is no way of speeding-up the process.
Can I cancel my work authorization after it has been approved?
No. Very few exceptions apply. Please see an international student advisor for more specific details.
I haven’t found a job yet and my unemployment time is about to expire. How can I stay in the
U.S.?
If you have not found a full-time job within the 90-days unemployment period you may engage in
volunteer or non-paid work as long as the work is related to your main field of study. You can use
this time to find a professional paid job.
29 October 2015
Can I work for more than one employer?
Yes, you can. You can change employers during the 12-month period. You can also engage in
multiple part-time jobs simultaneously. But, if you change employers, remember to inform CISS by
emailing them of any changes.
Does time between employers count towards my unemployment period?
Yes.
Is OPT a different kind of visa than my F-1 Visa?
OPT is not a visa, it is simply a work authorization that is a benefit of your F-1 visa. You will still be
an F-1 student sponsored by Bentley University, which means, you will still have to have a valid F-1
visa and an up-to-date signature on your Bentley I-20 before you plan to travel outside the U.S. You
are encouraged NOT to travel while you are waiting for your EAD card from the USCIS.
When travelling on OPT, what documents are required for re-entry into the US?
Since you remain on your F-1 student visa while on OPT you will be required to present a valid F-1
visa in your valid passport, your I-20 form with a current travel signature (within 6 months) and a
letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job location, title, start date and that
you are expected to return to that job.
Will my OPT get extended while I wait for my H-1B visa to get approved?
OPT employment authorization will automatically be extended until October 1st if you have applied
for the H-1B visa before your OPT end date. F-1 visa holders who apply for an H-1B visa during the
60-day grace period after the OPT end date will be able to stay in the U.S. until the visa petition has
been approved. However, the F-1 visa holder will not be able to engage in authorized employment
until he/she reaches the cap gap on October 1st.
29 October 2015