OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (F-1)

General Information

Optional Practical Training is the opportunity for work experience in your field of study off-campus. Optional practical training is recommended by the ISSS Office, but it is authorized by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the office of Bureau of Citizens and Immigration Services. It could take INS 90 days to process your application. You are eligible for up to 12 months total before, during or after graduation.

Practical training is defined as paid employment directly related to your major area of study.

The following are some of the conditions the student must follow when he or she is applying for optional practical training:

If you are travelling outside of the US while on practical training you will need your EAD Card and a letter from your employer PRIOR to reentering the US.

Do not work without Immigration authorization (EAD card).

Once you apply, if you change your mind Immigration does not have to cancel the application. (Be certain of the dates you are applying for).

If you have any questions, please contact the ISSS Office.

Requirements

A student in F-1 status may apply for optional practical training if he has met the following requirements:

Must be lawfully enrolled for nine consecutive months of full-time study before participating.

Requires ISSS Office recommendation

Requires the authorization of Immigration.

Requires a fee of $180.

Can apply when you have completed all the course requirements for the degree listed on the I-20, but are working on your research or thesis.

Your bursar's account must be paid.

You will need a recommendation letter from your advisor.

The job must be for the degree and major listed on your I-20.

When to Apply

A student in F-1 status may apply for optional practical training:

During annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session and if the student is currently enrolled and eligible, and intends to register for the next semester. The practical training may be full or part-time.
When school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours per week.
After completion of all requirements for the degree (excluding thesis if the student is in a degree program. The practical training may be full or part-time.
Must apply before graduation date

Optional practical training is limited to a total of 12 months. Part-time optional practical training, 20 hours per week or less, shall be deducted from the available optional practical training at one-half the full-time rate.

Any optional practical training granted prior to completion of studies shall be deducted from the amount of practical training available upon graduation. Therefore, you must carefully consider your goals before applying for optional practical training.

Authorization for optional practical training is automatically terminated when you transfer to another school.

Optional practical training is recommended by the ISSS Office and authorized by the Immigration.

If the optional practical training is to begin following completion of a degree, the application must be made at least 90 days before employment or graduation.. Remember it takes Immigration at least 90 days to process your application.

An offer of employment is NOT required to obtain approval for optional practical training.

Documents Required

The following documents are needed to process an application for optional practical training at the International Office:

1. Have your complete recommendation form in packet.
2. Complete "Optional Practical Training request form" in packet
3. Your Form I-20ID (original).
4. Completed Form I-765.
5. Photocopy of I-94 (both sides)
6. Photocopy of identifying pages in passport.
   1. Visa stamp page.
   2. Picture page with personal information.
7. Photocopy of previous EAD card (both sides).
8. Two photo's (see instructions).

The student should stop by the ISSS Office to pick up an application package.

The ISSS Office will instruct the student when he/she should return to the ISSS Office to pick up the documents to send to Immigration.

The application is to be mailed to:

It is suggested that you mail your application via certified mail, return receipt requested.

Immigration in Vermont will send your EAD card to you at the address you provide on the I-765 form, if you think you might move before you receive your EAD card put the ISSS Office as your address.

If you are traveling outside the U.S. while on practical training to re-enter the U.S. you must have had your I-20 signed within the past 6 months your EAD card and a valid letter of employment prior to departure.

Specifications for photographs

Please see the specifications here

Employment may not commence until you have obtained your EAD card.

Places that take Immigration Photographs

• Picture People
  1 Crossgates Mall Rd.
  Albany, NY
  Phone: 464-0702

• Studio 59
  59 113th St.
  Troy (by appointment only)
  Phone: 237-444

• Hot Shots Photo
  893 New Loudon Rd.
  Latham, NY 12110
  Phone: 783-1215

Be sure to bring the photo specifications sheet with you to be sure you get the required type of photo for Optional Practical Training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions about Optional Practical Training.

Forms can be obtained online or at the ISSS Office