Northern Michigan University

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

As an F1 student, you may only work off campus in the U.S. if you have received written work authorization approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Conditions and Limitations

1. The work you do must be directly related to your major field of study and it must be appropriate for someone having your level of education. However, you do not need to have a specific job offer at the time of application.

2. You must have been enrolled as a full-time student in legal immigration status for at least one academic year (two semesters) before your OPT begins.

3. YOU MUST APPLY FOR POST-COMPLETION OPT BEFORE YOU COMPLETE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR DEGREE!

4. OPT must begin no later than 60 days after completion date indicated in Item 5 on the I-20 and end no later than 14 months after the completion date.

5. Optional Practical Training authorization is limited to a total of 12 months per each higher degree level (Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D.)

6. There are restrictions on when students may utilize part or full-time OPT.
Students can take OPT:
a. Part-time for Full-time: during the annual vacation period
b. Part-time: during the course of study provided the training and other employment, on and off campus, does not exceed 20 hours per week total.
c. Full-time: after completion of all requires for a degree or course of study.

7. You cannot work off-campus under any circumstances until you have been authorized by a DSO at the Office of International Programs and USCIS.

Application Process

Your application must be approved by the USCIS before you can begin employment. The process is estimated to take anywhere from 45-90 days from the date of receipt by USCIS (note that 90 days for processing is the norm during busy times of the year). Approval from USCIS comes in the form of a photo ID card called an "Employment Authorization Document" or "EAD" card.

1. Complete Form I-765 online and print

2. Make photcopies of all prior I-20 forms

3. Submit documentation from your academic advisor indicating the current academic status and the expected date of completion of studies.

4. Write a check to the order of "USCIS" in the amount of the fee required for Form I-765 (currently $340 as of 1-17-2008) Check for current rate

5. Two passport photos

6. Copy of I-94 card (front and back)

Once you have all information together call the Office of International Programs at 227-2510 to schedule an appointment with John Mallo or Angela Maki.