Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 OPT Sessions

Are you a student in F-1 status planning to complete your program this semester?  Do you want to apply for work authorization to be able to work in the United States following your graduation?

If so, sign up now for an OPT session! 

The Office of International Education (OIE) will offer OPT information and application sessions for F-1 students who will be completing their programs (please note, you may not apply for OPT more than 90 days prior to your program completion date).  If you are planning to apply for OPT this semester, it is mandatory that you attend one of the following sessions. 

We cannot schedule individual advising appointments to provide this information, so plan ahead to find a session that will fit your schedule. 

Note: OPT applications can be filed with USCIS 90 days prior to program completion or within the 60 day grace period following program completion.  OIE strongly recommends applying before completing your program since applications can take 60 to 90 days to be approved by USCIS.

Students in J-1 status who are expecting to complete their program this semester should read the handout on Academic Training and schedule an appointment with their J-1 Alternate Responsible Officer (an OIE advisor if CMU issued your DS-2019).

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION

OPT sessions will be held from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.  Students must register for a session in advance by registering online (dates and times of sessions are on the registration site).  You must arrive on time to your sessions.  Students who arrive late cannot attend the session and will need to reschedule for another day.

Prior to attending the session, you must read the OPT instructions and should have your academic advisor complete the OPT recommendation form.  Bring this form, along with your I-20, passport and I-94 card to the session.  You may also wish to view the step-by-step OPT application powerpoint from the session before you attend or later for your reference.

We also recommend that you bring the USCIS Form I-765 form to the session.