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 in the Fall 2009 semester. If you are planning to apply for OPT this semester, it is mandatory that you attend one of the following application sessions. We cannot schedule individual advising appointments to provide this information, so please 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).
Fall 2009 OPT sessions will be held from 12 noon to 1:30 pm on the following dates:
DATE
LOCATION
September 1
McKenna
September 15
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
September 21
CCR West, First Floor, Warner Hall
September 30
CCR West, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 7
CCR West, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 12
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 13
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 19
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 20
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
October 28
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
November 3
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
November 18
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
November 23
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
November 30
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
December 9
CCR East, First Floor, Warner Hall
Students must register for a session in advance by calling 412-268-5231. Please arrive on time to the 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 have your academic advisor complete the OPT recommendation form. Bring this completed form, along with your I-20, passport and I-94 to the session.
You should also complete the I-765 form and bring that to the session. The I-765 form is available online at: www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf
Graduate students in Tepper, SCS-MSIT and the Heinz-MISM programs may choose to attend a session held in their school. Details about the school-based OPT sessions will be announced separately.
