Instructions for OPT Application

1. Instructions for OPT Application For more OPT information and other presentations, visit www.ualr.edu/international/opt

2. Documents needed for OPT Application • OPT Student Request for OPT • Program End Date Verification • I-765 Form • G-1145 • $380 Money Order or Check • 2 Travel Sized Photos • Copies of Immigration Documents • Job offer letter, if applicable

3. Student Request for OPT • Complete form to the best of your ability • See Understanding OPT for advice on choosing an OPT Start Date.

4. Page 2 of Student Request for OPT • Read each statement and initial showing you understand your requirements. • Initials are the first letter of your first and last name • Example for Sara Parrott: SP

5. Check or Money Order • Method of payment is your preference • You pay ahead of time with a money order • The money is withdrawn from your account later if you write a check • Make payable to: • Department of Homeland Security • Current fee: • $380

6. 2 Passport Sized Photos • Must be two identical pictures • 2X2, or 2 inches by 2 inches • Eyes must be 1 1/8 inches from the bottom of the picture • Background must be white to off-white • Photos must be identical • Head height should measure 1 inch to 1 3/8 from top of hairline to chin • Head must be bare unless you are wearing a religious headdress or covering

7. I-765 Application for Employment Authorization • This is the official application you’ll send to USCIS.

8. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Follow directions on Name • PARROTT Sara Bethany • Write name according to I-20 • Skip 2. if no other names have been used

9. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Use a permanent address • Use the ISS address if you may move in the next 6 months • Using our address will slow down the process by 2-3 days

10. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Complete 4-8 easily • Dating or engaged/betrothed = Single

11. Instructions for Completing I-765 • If you have no SSN, leave blank • Use I-94 number • Available at www.cbp.gov/i94

12. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Check yes only if you have had an EAD in the past. • CPT is not in mind here • If no, skip to question 12 in the second column

13. Instructions for Completing I-765 • If yes, complete the second part of question 11. • Find information on previous approval notice • A DSO where you applied for the EAD can look this up in your SEVIS record

14. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Check your I-94 for entry data • www.cbp.gov/i-94 • Or check passport entry stamp

15. Instructions for Completing I-765 • 14. Latest Entry Visa • Will only be different from status (F-1) if you did a change of status within the U.S. • Otherwise: F-1 Students • 15. Student

16. Instructions for Completing I-765 • 16. For Standard Post-Completion OPT: (C) (3) (B) • For pre-completion: (C) (3) (A) • For STEM Extension: (C) (3) (C) • Not for STEM graduates filing first OPT

17. Instructions for Completing I-765 • 17. Only when filing STEM Extension • Not for STEM graduates filing first OPT • Degree = Major according to I-20 • Ask your employer E-Verify Information • Must match the database

18. Instructions for Completing I-765 • Be sure to Sign and Date • Applications without a signature will get denied • Sign between the solid lines SIGN HERE

19. G-1145 • Optional but recommended • You will receive an electronic receipt and email notifications on the status of your case

20. End of Program Verification • Completed by Academic Advisor • Graduate students need additional signatures