Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Application Procedures
- Complete all sections of the application packet, which include the following:
- Student Optional Practical Training Form
- Completion of Academic Program Form
- Original, signed Form I-765
- Original, signed Form G-1145
- Copies of current and all previous forms I-20 (pages 1 & 3)
- Two (2) U.S. style passport style photos
(for information on passport style photos click here)
- Write your I-94 card number on the back
- Photos must be taken within 30 days of filing your application
- Please submit the photos in the envelope/folder from where they were taken
- Please submit the receipt of purchase (if possible)
- Copies of current I-94 card (front and back)
- COLOR Copy of valid passport (biographical and extension pages)
- Application fee: $380 (cost subject to change without notice)
- Money order is recommended, but you may use a personal check.
- Make payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
- COLOR Copies of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (front and back, if applicable)
- The student should drop off or mail their application packet to the Center for International Studies for review.
Center for International Studies
Lawrence Hall 101
720 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301
- An advisor at the Center for International Studies will:
- Review the application packet
- Request employment authorization in SEVIS
- Email the student to notify them that their application packet has been processed
- The student should return to the Center for International Studies to:
- Sign (in blue ink) two sets of their new I-20 (one original to keep and one original to submit to USCIS)
- The Center for International Studies will mail the application packet to USCIS
- If the student cannot return to the Center for International Studies:
- The Center for International Studies will mail the application packet to the student
- The student must then:
- Sign (in blue ink)two sets of their new I-20 (one original to keep and one original to submit to USCIS)
- Mail the entire application packet to USCIS
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
USCIS
P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
For Express mail and courier service deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 850
*Please allow 5 business days for processing*
Instructions for filling out FORM I-765 (must complete all items and read, sign, and date the certification section):
Item |
Important Information |
I am applying for… |
Select “Permission to accept employment” |
#1 “Name” |
Print family name in capital letters and then print first/given and middle names. |
#3 “Local Address” |
Should use CIS address because USCIS will not forward mail if a student’s address changes: Center for Int’l Studies, 720 4th Ave South, LH 101 St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
#9 “Social Security Number” |
The number appearing on your social security card |
#10 “Alien Registration Number (I-94 number)” |
Use eleven-digit number on I-94 card (upper left corner of card) |
#11 “Previous employment authorization from USCIS” |
Check “No” unless you have previously applied for employment authorization through a USCIS Service Center Office. If so, enter the dates of employment as listed on your previous EAD card. |
#12-15 “Last entry and current status” |
Obtain this information from current I-94 card |
#16 “Eligibility” |
The eligibility code for OPT is “(C)(3)(B)” |
