Begin by attending a mandatory OPT workshop. The workshop provides critical information about eligibility, timelines, and the application process. For a list of upcoming workshops, take a look at the Calendar of Events.

After attending the workshop, log into the International Student Portal and complete the OPT Request Form. To successfully submit your request through the ISP, you will need the following:

• A completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) PDF version. Do not complete payment for the online I-765 until after you receive an I-20 with the OPT recommendation from a DSO. If you do, the USCIS will deny your application.
• Copy of most recent Form I-94.
• Your academic advisor’s name, email address, and phone number

Your requested start and end date of Post-Completion OPT.

NOTE: In October 2024, Saint Peter’s University instituted a Maintenance of Status fee of $115 for students applying for Post-Completion OPT. You will be asked to pay the fee after you submit the OPT request through the International Student Portal.

A copy of your payment receipt is required for your application to move forward. To submit a copy of the receipt complete the Maintenance of Status Payment Receipt through the International Student Portal.

Once your OPT request is approved, you will be issued a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation and you will receive an email with instructions. The I-20 will be available for you to download from the International Student Portal. Ensure the information on your I-20 is accurate and notify the International Office immediately, if any changes are needed.

File your OPT application online through the USCIS website. If you do not already have one, create a myUSCIS account. You will need a myUSCIS account to submit your OPT application online to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date. Otherwise, you must request a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. Failure to submit the application to the USCIS within 30 days of receiving the recommendation will result in denial of your application.

Premium processing is expedited processing offered by the USCIS and is available for optional practical training. Premium processing is available for optional practical training by filing the I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service and guarantees processing within thirty days.  This is optional and not necessary for most students.

Submitting the Application through USCIS

1. Create a USCIS Account: Visit the Visit the USCIS website and create an account. Select ‘File a Form Online’. Select I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
2. Complete the Form I-765: Fill out the online application for Employment Authorization. Be sure to enter the correct code for the type of authorization you are requesting:
   • Pre-completion OPT: (c) (3) (A)
   • Post-completion OPT: (c) (3) (B)
3. Upload Supporting Documents:
   • • Two recent passport-sized photos (2” x 2”) on a white background.
     • Copy of your new OPT I-20 signed by a DSO.
     • Copy of your passport biographical page and copy of F-1 visa.
     • Copy of your I-94 record (available online).
     • Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), if applicable.
4. Pay the USCIS I-765 Application Fee: Use the secure payment portal.
5. Submit the Application: Review and confirm your submission. Save the receipt notice (Form I-797) for your records.

Providing a copy of the EAD via the International Student Portal is optional, but highly recommended. To upload a copy of the EAD follow these steps:

1. Log into the International Student Portal
2. Go to the Student Request Center
3. Select the Employment Authorization Document form
4. Upload file
5. Click “Submit”

Students on Post completion OPT are required by the U.S. government to report their employment status and employer information. While you are on post-completion OPT, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment. If you fail to report your job information or if you are unemployed for an aggregate of 90 days or more while on OPT, the government could end your F-1 status and terminate your SEVIS record. You can report your employment in one of two ways:

1. Submit information directly through your SEVIS Portal Account.
2. Submit information through the SPU International Student Portal by completing the OPT Employer Update request. A DSO at the CGL will then update your information in SEVIS.

NOTE: It is not necessary to update your employment through the SEVIS portal and the SPU International Student Portal. You should do one or the other, not both. If you update your employment information directly through the SEVIS portal and you would like to receive an updated form I-20, simply submit an I-20 Reprint Request through the International Student Portal and choose “Updated” as the reason for the request.

In addition, you must continue to report any changes to your U.S. residential address by using the International Student Portal within ten days of any change. To update your address follow these steps:

1. Log into the ISP.
2. Go to the Student Request Center.
3. Click on the Contact Information Update form.
4. Click “Submit”.

You can submit your request through the ISP as early as 100 days prior to completion of your program.

You can submit your application for OPT to the USCIS as early as 90 days prior to completion of your program.

Your program completion date is the last day of finals if you are an undergraduate student. If you are a graduate student, your program completion date is the last day of classes. Please consult the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Contact Information Technology at servicedesk@saintpeters.edu for assistance.

Contact Information Technology at servicedesk@saintpeters.edu for assistance.

You can begin working only after receiving your EAD and on or after the start date listed on the card.

Travel is not recommended while your OPT application is pending. If you must travel, consult the International Office for guidance.

If your application is denied, be sure to notify the International Office immediately and provide a copy of the denial notice. Remember that you cannot work unless you have received the necessary authorization from the USCIS. If the denial is issued while you are still within 60 days of completion of your program, we can guide you through the process of re-submitting your application to the USCIS. If the denial is issued outside of the 60 days of completion of your program, the USCIS will automatically complete your SEVIS record. In this case your options are to:

1. leave the U.S., or
2. Be admitted to a new program of studies and apply for Reinstatement.

Use the SEVP Portal or the International Student Portal to report changes such as change in employer, end of employment, change of address.

As per federal regulations, your Post-Completion OPT is automatically cancelled if you start a new program of study or if your SEVIS record is released to another college or university.