F1 Students can apply for 12-29 months work permit period called Optional Practical Training (OPT). This article talks about When to apply for OPT and How to apply for OPT?. Procedure to apply for OPT. Steps and process involved in applying for OPT at the end of the Graduation.

How to apply for OPT?

Applying to OPT involves 3 steps

1) Getting clearance from your department about your graduation or no-probation is the initial step to apply to OPT
2) Fill the form I-765 from USCIS website.
3) Take these documents to University International Office. They will issue a new I-20 singed by the international admission officer to apply for OPT.
3) Send the list of documents given below to USCIS address.

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If you are sending documents though U.S.P.S. express mail use the below address.
USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266

For (non-USPS) courier service deliveries (FedEx, UPS,DHL etc) postal address is
USCIS
Attn: AOS, 2501 S. State Hwy. 121
Business Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Documents required to apply for OPT

Following are the documents you need to collect to apply for 12 months Optional Practical Training(OPT) or OPT extension.

1. Form I-765
2. New I-20 issued by the university.
3. I-94 card xerox (both sides)
4. Passport Xerox (All pages and All passports)
6. All previous form I-20s.
7. Copy of Previous OPT card (If you are applying for OPT extension).
8. Degree Copies and Certificates.
9. Two Passport size photos. Print I-94 card number on the back of photos.
10. Check of $380 payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Alternatively money order will be accepted.

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When to apply for OPT?

You can apply to Optional Practical Training(OPT).
before 90 days of degree end date.
With 60 days of course completion date.