International Student and Scholar Services Office of Internationalization,
University of Denver 2200 S. Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208
Phone:303-871-4912 Email: isss@du.edu Website: www.du.edu/isss/
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Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Application Form and Instructions
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization in your field of study, which usually occurs after
you has completed your degree. This document provides instructions for applying for OPT after completion of
all degree requirements.
If you are
interested in OPT before the completion of the coursework or with just the
thesis or dissertation remaining, you should
consult an International Student Advisor. Please read the
instructions and continue to the form on page 7.
The OPT application is two major actions, which are divided into smaller steps, listed below. The first step is to
apply for a new I-20 from ISSS showing the OPT recommendation. Once ISSS has recommended the OPT for you
and issued you a new I-20, the second step is to submit your documentation to USCIS, who will make the final
determination on your OPT.
Step One Process:
Eligibility
To apply for post-completion OPT, you must:
1.
Have been a full-time student for at least one academic year;
2.
Currently be in valid F-1 status;
3.
Not have completed a higher degree level in the U.S.;
4.
Not have previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the current degree level or higher
degree level;
5.
Not have completed more than a year of full-time CPT at the current degree level or higher degree
level; and
6.
Complete ALL degree requirements in the academic program and be eligible to receive
degree prior to
requested OPT start date.
7.
Not work on-campus or on CPT after the final day of the term in which you complete all
degree requirements even if the program end date on your I-20 is later.
Time Frame
The OPT application must be received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no more than
90
days before or 60 days after the completion of your degree program. Please note that the completion
date refers to
the date that degree requirements are completed (as verified by your academic advisor) and
you are cleared by your
department to graduate. It may not be the graduation ceremony date or current
end date on your I-20, as you may
complete their degrees earlier than anticipated. ISSS recommends that
you apply for OPT at least 90 days before
your requested employment start date to ensure there is time
for USCIS to process your application.
Read Instructions
Thoroughly
Gather Required
Documents and
Complete Section A of
OPT Request
Have Academic Advisor
Complete Section B of
OPT Request
Submit OPT Request and
Copies of Required
Supplemental
Documentation to ISSS
International Student and Scholar Services Office of Internationalization,
University of Denver 2200 S. Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208
Phone:303-871-4912 Email: isss@du.edu Website: www.du.edu/isss/
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PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT USCIS PROCESSING AVERAGES NINETY DAYS
Important Notes
It is strongly recommended that you type information into the I-765 and print it. If USCIS is unable to read
your handwriting, it can cause delays in processing of your request. If you use a pen, make sure you use
black ink.
Be sure to sign any documents requiring your signature, such as the I-765.
Please note that ISSS does not “approve” your OPT. ISSS recommends OPT and USCIS will make the final
decision.
From the time that your program ends to the time that your EAD is received and the start date on the EAD
has arrived, you are not eligible to work on or off campus. This means any CPT will be shortened to match
your program end date.
Once you receive your new I-20 from ISSS with the OPT recommendation, USCIS must receive it within
thirty days of the date the International Student Advisor signed it. So don’t delay picking up the new I-
20!
It is highly recommended that you keep copies of all of your documents sent to USCIS
Documents Required to Request an OPT I-20
To Request an I-20 recommending OPT, submit the following documents at the International House front desk:
OPT Request
o Section A: You, the student, must complete sections A:
Requested OPT start date: Must be within 60 days of the day you will
complete your degree
requirements.
You cannot begin employment until you receive your Employment Authorization
Document (EAD
card) authorizing OPT and it is at least the start date indicated on the
EAD card.
o Section B: Have your Academic Advisor complete Section B.
Your advisor must indicate the term of completion and check the box indicating what this
date represents.
Form I-765 Type information into form, print, and sign in black ink
o To download the form go to: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 (Click the first link)
o Please refer to the I-765 guide for detailed instructions of how to complete this form. (insert
link once available)
Form G-1145 (Optional) http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/g-1145.pdf
o Complete this form to receive electronic notification by USCIS when your OPT application has been
received.
Copies of two color passport-style photographs taken within the last 30 days. Do not submit original
photos to ISSS!
o Department of State photo requirements:
http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/photos/photos.html
o Do not reuse old photos. If you reuse old passport or visa photos, you will receive a USCIS
request for new
photos that will delay the processing of your OPT application.
o Gently write your name and your I-94 number on the back of the photos.
o Do not cut, trim, or otherwise change the photographs
International Student and Scholar Services Office of Internationalization,
University of Denver 2200 S. Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208
Phone:303-871-4912 Email: isss@du.edu Website: www.du.edu/isss/
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o You will submit the original photos to USCIS.
Copy of a personal check or money order for $410 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. Do not submit original check to ISSS.
o Personal check is strongly recommended.
o Please review this website for information on how to correctly fill out a check:
https://www.uscis.gov/fees.
o On the memo line, write “OPT” then your I-94 number
o You will submit the original check to USCIS.
o More information on payment options, including payment via credit card can be found here:
https://www.uscis.gov/i-765, under “Filing Fee.”
Clear photocopy of your valid passport ID page and any renewal or extension pages
o Must show your full legal name, your date of birth, your photograph, and the expiration date of
your passport
Current I-94 record of admission
o Electronic I-94: Download copy from: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html
OR
o Paper I-94 Card: Include photocopies of the front and back of your I-94 card
Clear photocopy of your most recent U.S. entry visa or change of status approval notice (not required for
citizens of Canada or Bermuda)
Clear photocopies of any past I-20s from the University of Denver and/or any previous schools you
attended that show:
o CPT Authorizations
o OPT Authorizations or Recommendations
Please do NOT include copies of former I-20s that DO NOT show CPT or OPT authorizations.
Clear photocopies of any previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
Once you have all the documents needed (as listed above), submit them to the ISSS office at 2200 S. Josephine
Street. If there are any issues, or once your new I-20 is ready, you will be emailed!
Have questions? Then come speak with an advisor during Quick Question Advising or schedule an appointment:
https://www.du.edu/isss/advising.html.
International Student and Scholar Services Office of Internationalization,
University of Denver 2200 S. Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208
Phone:303-871-4912 Email: isss@du.edu Website: www.du.edu/isss/
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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Section A: Student Information (To Be Completed By The Student)
LAST (FAMILY) NAME in Passport:
FIRST NAME in Passport:
DATE OF BIRTH
(mm/dd/yyyy)
DU ID Number:
12 months of post-completion OPT
Starting (mm/dd/yy) ____/____/_____ (*must start within 60 days of degree completion)
Less than 12 moths of post-completion OPT
Starting (mm/dd/yy) ____/____/_____ to ____/____/_____ (*must start within 60 days of degree completion)
Pre-completion OPT
Starting (mm/dd/yy) ____/____/_____ to ____/____/_____
Please verify that you understand and accept the following items by initialing each item:
_____I have not engaged in more than 12 months of full-time CPT at this degree level or a higher degree level.
_____I have not engaged in more than 12 months of OPT at this degree level or a higher degree level.
_____If I do not complete all requirements for the degree as determined by my Academic Advisor, I must immediately
notify an International Student Advisor. I am also aware that a delay in completion of my degree may impact my
application for Post-Completion OPT.
_____All employment must be related to my major.
_____I cannot work before or after the dates printed on my EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
_____If I accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment while engaged in Post-Completion OPT, I will be out of status.
_____While I am engaged in the Post-Completion OPT period, I must report the following to the SEVP Portal:
-Any changes in residential local U.S. address (including telephone number and email)
-Employment start date, employer name, and my physical work address
-Any changes in employment (including unemployment, change of employers, etc.)
I hereby authorize the release of any information necessary for this request and authorize any changes needed to
complete my request.
I hereby confirm that the information I have provided in this application is accurate. I have read and understand the
Post-Completion Optional
Practical Training requirements.
Student Signature:
Date:
ISSS sends all official communications, including important information about your immigration status, to your official @du.edu email address. It is
important that you check this account regularly. For information regarding your DU e-mail, visit http://www.du.edu/uts/helpdesk/docs/email.html.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Processing Checklist:
Processing Notes
Enrollment checked by ________
GA processed ____ /____ /____
ISA processed ____ /____ /____
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International Student and Scholar Services Office of Internationalization,
University of Denver 2200 S. Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208
Phone:303-871-4912 Email: isss@du.edu Website: www.du.edu/isss/
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SECTION B: To be Completed by ACADEMIC ADVISOR
The student listed above is applying for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). Post-completion OPT is work
authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for F-1 students to work in a position related to
their major field of study upon completion of their degree program. Immigration regulations require that a student apply for
OPT no earlier than 90 days prior to finishing their degree and no later than 60 days after the completion of their degree.
Please complete the following information to help our office to determine whether the student is eligible to apply.
Contact International Student
and Scholar Services if you have any questions (isss@du.edu or 303-871-4912). Thank you
for your assistance.
Please return the completed form to the student for submission to International Student and Scholar Services.
The student will complete or has completed the following degree at the University of Denver:
Degree Level Bachelor’s Master’s PhD Other (please describe) ___________________________
Primary Major:
Secondary Major (if applicable)
Students expected term of program completion Fall Winter Spring Summer Year: _
If completing on another date, please specify / / (mm/dd/yy)
The above date represents: Completion of all requirements for degree
As the student’s Academic Advisor, I verify that the above stated academic information is accurate and understand that
it will be used to ensure that the students request for Post-completion OPT is in compliance with federal regulations
governing F-1 immigration status.
Advisor Signature:
Date:
Advisor’s Name: (Please Print)
Position or Title:
Advisor’s Signature
(Secondary Major):
Date:
Advisor’s Name (Secondary Major):
Position or Title:
Department:
Phone Number #:
Email:
Submission of dissertation/thesis
Completion of all requirements for degree except dissertation/thesis (Student MUST meet
with International Student Advisor for details)
Revised: 10.10.2019
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