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)
New Rules [April 2008]
- Opportunity for Extension of OPT to 29 months (pdf handout)
I-765 Forms to apply for OPT (pdf form). Use the correct form!!
- Pre-completion OPT I-765: apply for OPT prior to graduation
- Post-completion OPT I-765: apply for OPT to start work after your graduation
- 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.

All scheduled OPT sessions are announced under the "Student Activities" tab under 'Upcoming Events'.

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.

For a limited period of time you can still use the OPT Change reporting Form

Use the pdf form: open, fill in OnLine, print and mail, OR
Use the pdf form: open, fill in OnLine, save the file, attach to an email back to isao@umkc.edu with as subject line "OPT Change Form"
Use the pdf file: print, type (or write legibly) and mail to the address on the form.