Monday, May 23, 2011

Summer OPT Sessions

Are you a student in F-1 status planning to complete your program this summer?  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.  If you are planning to apply for OPT this summer, 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).

Summer 2011 OPT sessions will be held from 12 noon to 1:30 pm on the following dates:

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 card to the session. 

You should also complete the I-765 form and bring that to the session. 

Slides for the powerpoint presentation to accompany the OPT session can also be reviewed in advance.