procedure for

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR
POST-COMPLETION OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING
FOR F-1 VISA STUDENTS
To qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), employment must be temporary and directly related to
your degree program. In anticipation of completing a degree program, F-1 students may apply for OPT
employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) This request must
be received at the USCIS California Service Center by the end of the quarter in which student is
graduating and no sooner than 120 days from the employment start date. You must apply for graduation
evaluation at the records office and satisfy your Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) prior to
requesting OPT. OPT work must be completed within 14 months of completion of studies. You may not
begin work until the start date specified on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card.)
Follow the procedures below to apply for OPT.
Procedure-Step I:
Call or stop in during office hours at the IEP Office (Building 38 Room 107) and see the IEP advisor, Dr.
Andre (805-756-5837) who will give further detailed instructions to complete the application, and answer
any questions. At this meeting, IEP will create a new I-20 with OPT authorization on page three. After
this meeting, it is your responsibility to make copies and get the appropriate photos to send with the
application. It is important to remember that any mistakes in the application procedure can delay the
authorization by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) California Service Center for
many months. Once a delay has occurred it is very difficult to bring the process back on track. If you
would like assistance in completing forms, see Susan Tripp in 38-210. Bring the items listed below along
with the proposed dates you want to request for OPT.
1) Current I-20 and passport with latest U.S. visa stamp
2) Completed Form I-538 (page 7 of this packet)
Or download form at http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-538.pdf
3) Completed Form I-765 (page 5 of this packet) - Susan Tripp can help you with this.
or download form at http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/i-765.pdf
For complete instructions for the form download the above form. If you download this OPT
packet from the iep web page: http://iep.calpoly.edu/International/workauth.htm, then you
can fill it out the I-765 form electronically, save it, and print it out.
¾ Check the box indicating that you are applying for permission to accept employment, and
complete items 1-16. The address on line 3 should be your current U.S. residence.
¾ (See page 3 of these instructions for important information about your address.)
¾ On line 16, fill in (c) (3) (i)
4)
Completed Health Insurance Advisory (page 8 of this packet)
5) Two Photos – (instructions on page 4 of this packet)
Download instructions at http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/guide.pdf
Revised 10/18/05 st/IEP
6) Letter from Academic Advisor stating that practical training will enhance your educational
experience and your date of graduation. See sample letter below:
(Note: Please use advisor’s departmental letterhead stationery)
Date: ____________
To:
Dr. Barbara Andre, International Education and Programs
From: ____________(Name and Dept. of Academic Advisor) (Advisor's original signature)
Re:
Optional Practical Training Recommendation for ____________(student name)
Mr./Ms. _______________(student name), a ________ major, will complete his/her program of
study at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, on _______(Month/Day/Year.)
I have evaluated this student’s academic standing and can verify that he/she has _____ units left to
graduate. I recommend that this student be allowed to obtain Optional Practical Training work
permission in order to enhance his/her educational experience and secure a position in his/her field
of study.
Procedure Step II (Filing Instructions):
Mail the completed application to the DHS address as described in the instructions below. You must mail
the application to DHS within 30 days of the I-20 authorization date and it must be received at the
California Service Center no later than your program completion date. After processing and approving
the application, the DHS will mail the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) directly to you. You
need to apply for and receive the EAD before you begin employment.
1. Copy all documents you mail to DHS and keep them for your records.
2. Gather and prepare the items listed below:
a. A personal check for U.S. $180.00 payable to "Department of Homeland Security.”
b. The original of the completed and signed Form I-765.
c. Form I-765 Signature Card. Sign your name within the lines of the blue box marked
"signature."
d. A photocopy of your SEVIS I-20 with the IEP Advisor’s Practical Training recommendation
endorsement on page 3. Be sure to sign your I-20 before you copy it.
e. A photocopy of both sides of your I-94 card.
f. A photocopy of your passport pages showing: photo, current passport date, latest visa stamp.
g. A photocopy of your last EAD if you are applying for an extension.
h. Two (2) photographs. Place the photos in an envelope marked "PHOTOS." (Remember:
These photos must follow regulations; see the attached sheet for specifications.) Write name
and I-94 admission number on the back of each photo, lightly, in pencil; ink can ruin
photograph. Do NOT cut photos.
3. Mail the packet to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Citizenship and Immigration Services
California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1076
Send by certified mail and you will receive a green postcard showing proof of delivery. It is not
necessary to request proof of delivery. Keep your postal record.
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4. Expect to receive the EAD three to four months after you have mailed the application to DHS. If you
do not receive it within 90 days, you can make an appointment to appear in person at a local DHS
office to request a temporary EAD. Go to http://infopass.uscis.gov to make the appointment. You
need to have copies of all the documents you submitted to DHS in Laguna Niguel and bring a new
I-765 form. Do NOT go to the Laguna Niguel office. You will be notified via e-mail where and
when to report.
5. You can follow-up on the status of your application after you receive your receipt notice. The receipt
notice has a case number on it and a phone number. You can call the phone number or check the web
site: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp.
6. The EAD, along with your I-20 authorizes your stay in the U.S. and authorizes you to work. You
must show it to your employer prior to beginning employment.
7. When you receive your EAD card, please send a photocopy or fax of it showing the approved dates of
authorization to work to the IEP office.
8. If you change your status out of F-1 before your OPT expires, please let us know. Please send a copy
of your change of status notice to the IEP office.
IEP fax number is:
(805) 756-5484
IEP mailing address is:
International Education and Programs
Cal Poly State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Attn: Dr. Barbara Andre
Travel During Practical Training:
All Post-Completion Practical Training applications must be made and the EAD received by the
student before leaving the United States. Students leaving and then re-entering the U.S. while on
Practical Training must have an endorsed SEVIS I-20, the EAD card, and a valid passport with a valid
F-1 visa (entry permit.) The I-20 must be endorsed by the Designated School Official within the past six
months (lower portion of page 3.) Visa extensions are usually not granted for the purposes of
participating in OPT.
Remember:
¾ If you move while your OPT application is still pending, notify the IEP office immediately so
we can send your new mailing address to the DHS.
¾ If the EAD card is mailed to an old address, the post office will not forward it to you. It will
be returned to the DHS and you will have to apply again. If you think you will move before
you receive your EAD, please talk to Susan Tripp about this when you fill out the I-765.
¾ You may not begin employment until you have received your EAD from the DHS.
¾ If you move any time during your stay in the U.S. under F-1 status (this includes time on
OPT) while on a Cal Poly I-20, you must notify the Cal Poly IEP office within 10 days.
NOTE: Once you are hired, it is advisable to obtain an employment contract from your employer. This
should state the terms of employment such as salary, review schedule, length of employment, and job
requirements.
For further information, please contact International Education and Programs: (805) 756-1477
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Composition Checklist
7 Steps to Successful Photos
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 13⁄8 inch (25 mm to 35 mm)
Center head within frame (see Figure 2. below)
Make sure eye level is between 11⁄8 inch to 13⁄8 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
2 inch
1 inch to 13⁄8 inch
11⁄8 inch to 13⁄8 inch
Figure 2. Head Position & Placement
Well-Composed Photos
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OMB No. 1615-0040; Exires 04/30/05
I-765, Application for
Employment Authorization
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Do Not Write in This Block.
Action Stamp
Remarks
Fee Stamp
A#
Applicant is filing under §274a.12
Application Approved. Employment Authorized / Extended (Circle One)
until
(Date).
(Date).
Subject to the following conditions:
Application Denied.
Failed to establish eligibility under 8 CFR 274a.12 (a) or (c).
Failed to establish economic necessity as required in 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(14), (18) and 8 CFR 214.2(f)
I am applying for:
Permission to accept employment.
Replacement (of lost employment authorization document).
Renewal of my permission to accept employment (attach previous employment authorization document).
1. Name (Family Name in CAPS) (First)
11. Have you ever before applied for employment authorization from USCIS?
(Middle)
Yes (If yes, complete below)
Which USCIS Office?
2. Other Names Used (Include Maiden Name)
3. Address in the United States (Number and Street)
(Town or City)
(ZIP Code)
12. Date of Last Entry into the U.S. (Month/Day/Year)
4. Country of Citizenship/Nationality
5. Place of Birth (Town or City)
6. Date of Birth
Results (Granted or Denied - attach all documentation)
(Apt. Number)
(State/Country)
No
Date(s)
13. Place of Last Entry into the U.S.
(Country)
(State/Province)
14. Manner of Last Entry (Visitor, Student, etc.)
15. Current Immigration Status (Visitor, Student, etc.)
7. Gender
Male
Female
8. Marital Status
Single
Married
Widowed
Divorced
9. Social Security Number (Include all Numbers you have ever used) (if any)
16. Go to Part 2 of the Instructions, Eligibility Categories. In the space below, place
the letter and number of the category you selected from the instructions (For
example, (a)(8), (c)(17)(iii), etc.).
Eligibility under 8 CFR 274a.12
10. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or I-94 Number (if any)
)
(
(
)
(
)
Certification.
Your Certification: I certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America, that the foregoing is true and
correct. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services needs to determine
eligibility for the benefit I am seeking. I have read the Instructions in Part 2 and have identified the appropriate eligibility category in
Block 16.
Signature
Telephone Number
(
Date
)
Signature of Person Preparing Form, If Other Than Above: I declare that this document was prepared by me at the
request of the applicant and is based on all information of which I have any knowledge.
Print Name
Signature
Address
Initial Receipt
Resubmitted
5
Relocated
Rec'd
Sent
Date
Approved
Completed
Denied
Returned
Form I-765 (Rev. 01/31/05)N Prior editions may be used until 09/30/05)
This page intentionally left blank
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OMB Approval No. 1115-0060
U.S. Department of Justice
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Certification by Designated School
SECTION A. This section must be completed by the student, as appropriate. (Please print or type):
1. Name:
(Family in CAPS)
(First)
(Middle)
2. Date of birth:
3. Student admission number:
4. Date first granted F-1 or M-1 status:
5. Level of education being sought:
6. Student's major field of study:
7. Describe the proposed employment for practical training:
Beginning date:
Number of hours per week:
Ending date:
8. List all periods of previously authorized employment for practical training:
A. Curricular or work/study:
B. Post completion of studies
Signature of student:
Date:
SECTION B. This section must be completed by the designated school official (DSO) of the school the student is
attending or was last authorized to attend:
9. I hereby certify that:
The student named above:
Is taking a full course of study at this school, and the expected date of completion is:
Is taking less than a full course of study at this school because:
Completed the course of study at this school on (date):
Did not complete the course of study. Terminated attendance on (date):
Check one:
A. The employment is for practical training in the student's field of study. The student has been in the educational program for at
least nine (9) months, is in good academic standing, and is eligible for the requested practical training in accordance with INS
regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10). The training that the student will participate in is an integral part of an established curriculum.
B. The employment is for an internship with a recognized international organization and is within the scope of the organization's
sponsorship. The student is in good academic standing.
10. Name and title of DSO:
Signature:
Date:
11. Name of school:
School file number:
Telephone Number:
For Official Use Only
Microfilm Index Number:
(See instructions on reverse)
7
Form I-538 (Rev. 08/12/02)Y
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Health Insurance Advisory
After you have completed your degree at Cal Poly, you are no longer bound by the International Student
Health Insurance Requirements. Although having health insurance is an option, you are strongly advised
to maintain your health insurance due to the high cost of health care in the United States. Somerton
Student Insurance will allow their clients to continue their coverage at the student rate throughout the
term of their student visa status and they will also accept new clients who have graduated.
By signing below, I certify that I have been advised to continue my health insurance coverage.
Last Name _______________________ First Name ___________________ Middle _______________
Cal Poly SID Number ___________________________ Date of Birth___________________________
__________________________________________
Student Signature
8
_____________________
Date