Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers international students
the opportunity to obtain work experience in their fields of study.
This type of practical training is available during the following
times: during the student's annual vacation and at other times when
school is not in session; while school is in session, provided OPT
does not exceed 20 hours per week; after completion of all course
requirements for a degree (excluding thesis or the equivalent); or
after completion of study in which OPT must begin at least 60 days
after completion or graduation. Students are eligible to work full
time while they are working on their thesis and/or after they have
completed their studies. **Full-time employment is defined in terms
of working 21 hours or more per week.
For immigration purposes, an international graduate student's date
of graduation is considered the date they submit their thesis to
the graduate school after they have already defended and made
corrections.
Authorization for OPT is granted by the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Service (USCIS); therefore, it is essential for the
student to allow approximately 90 days for materials to be
processed. Once authorization is granted by the USCIS, the student
will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD
card looks like a driver's license. It has the student's picture,
dates he/she is eligible to work, and the student's
signature.
Included in the application packet is a form called the Degree
Program Verification Form that must be signed by the student's
adviser in order to process the student's request for OPT.
Step 1: Fill out the I-765 form. Please note: Click here for the I-765 instructions, and keep for your records.
Step 2: Fill out the NDSU OPT application documents
Step 3: Submit paperwork from Steps 1 and 2 to the OIP for processing.
Please note: As of August 1, 2007 the filing fee for Optional Practical Training increased to $340.00
The 17 month OPT extension is available only to F-1 students currently authorized for and actively participating in an initial period of 12-month OPT who meet the criteria as listed in the OPT extension packet. Please download application for more information or to apply for the 17-month STEM extension.
Are you currently on OPT and have applied for an H-1B? Click here to find information on the cap-gap extension process.
Practical Training is a type of employment authorization granted
by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for F-1
students that would like to attain practical work experience in
their field of study.
Several Practical Training seminars are presented throughout the
year to assist students in taking advantage of this practical
training opportunity. The seminars are approximately one hour and
cover the procedures of how to apply for the two types of Practical
Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Optional
Practical Training (OPT). Students are encouraged to attend one of
the seminars in which they can have their questions answered. If
students are unable to attend the seminar then they must make an
appointment with an adviser in the OIP.
International students in the J-1 immigration status are
eligible for study-related employment under Academic Training. J-1
students normally are able to be authorized for 18 months for this
type of employment. Doctoral degree students, however, are able to
receive 36 months if they have a postdoctoral position. Before
beginning employment, a J-1 student must obtain work authorization
in advance from the designated "responsible officer." A responsible
officer is a person on-campus designated to handle the J-1 exchange
visitor program.
To obtain authorization, a J-1 student must submit to the
responsible officer a job offer related to the student's field of
study and a completed Application for Academic Training form. This
form is available in the Office of International Programs, Memorial
Union 116.
A J-1 student is eligible for academic training during vacation
periods, upon completion of all coursework except for the thesis,
when the student is done with the degree program, or at other times
during the student's degree program under certain circumstances and
only when specific criteria have been met.
Please note that some J-1 students are not eligible for academic
training due to the terms of their sponsorship. Any student unsure
of the requirements established by their sponsoring agency should
make an appointment with a responsible officer in the Office of
International Programs.
In some instances, students in the F-1 immigration status are
able to apply for off-campus work based on severe economic
hardship. To be eligible, students must be able to demonstrate
economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. For example,
death of a student's sponsor, the devaluation of the country's
currency or a substantial unexpected increase in tuition. Students
must also provide evidence that they are in good academic standing,
are maintaining their immigration status by being registered as
full-time students and have been in F-1 immigration status for at
least one academic year. Proof must also be shown that on-campus
employment is either not available or inadequate to meet the
student's needs.
Severe economic hardship applications are determined by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service. If the application is
approved, the INS issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD
card) to the student. Students are limited to working 20 hours per
week during the academic year on economic hardship. During summers
and school vacations, students are able to work 40 hours per
week.
F-1 students interested in this employment option will need to make
an appointment with an International Student Adviser at the Office
of International Programs.