ISAO webpages - Optional Practical Training information

UMKC - International Student Affairs
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR CURRENT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS on F-1 visa

Optional Practical Training offers temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Students must have been in status for at least two full semesters to apply.

Application materials must be received by the Service Center before a program of study ends or the student loses this opportunity.
It generally takes at least 90 days before a Work Permit/Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is received, so students need to plan accordingly.

Please read the following items:

Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students (pdf handout)
Academic Advisor Recommendation Form (pdf form)
I-765 Forms to apply for OPT (pdf form). Use the correct form!! Instructions for the I-765 Form.
- Pre-completion OPT I-765: OPT that begins before you graduate
- Post-completion OPT I-765: OPT that begins after you graduate
- OPT Extension I-765: apply for 17 month extension of OPT 90 days prior to the completion of your standard OPT if you meet the degree and employment requirements specified.
G-1145 - "E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance" is an optional form that you can ADD to your OPT application (see the information image and link below): USCIS will send you an email when your application (send to the 'Phoenix Lockbox' mailing address) has been accepted.

Required reporting of changes in your OPT

If changes occur in your address, your employer, end of (un)employment or changes in visa status like filing an H1B petition, you are required to report this within 10 days.

You can now report any OPT changes using ISAO On-Line Services.

G-1145: select the On-Line 'G-1145' form from the USCIS Forms page at www.uscis.gov/forms
Brief Instructions: