INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS OFFICE

F1 VISA

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Eligibility

  • Student must have been a full-time student for one full academic year and be in legal F-1 status.
  • Student must have a valid I-20 issued by Buffalo State College.
  • Student must have valid passport.
  • Student must meet the criteria for the category of OPT requested.

General Guidelines

  • OPT authorization must be based on the academic program reflected on the student’s current I-20.
  • A 12-month period of OPT is available per degree program as long as the subsequent degree(s) is at a higher educational level.
  • A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.
  • Post-completion OPT begin date must be within 60 days after date of completion.
  • A student loses eligibility for OPT if s/he fails to apply before completion date.
  • OPT applications must be processed for recommendation by the Office of International Student Affairs.
  • A student continues to hold F-1 status when authorized OPT.
  • A student with an application pending with INS for Post-Completion OPT should not depart the U.S. until the EAD has been received.
  • Students cannot graduate, depart the U.S. and return to apply for OPT.

Documents needed are as follows:

  • Form I-765
  • Photocopy of new SEVIS I-20 form with recommendation for Optional Practical Training on page 3
  •  $340.00 check made out to the Department of Homeland Security
  • I-94 copy
  • Copy of last E.A.D. (if applicable)
  • Photocopy of all previous I-20’s
  • Photocopy of biographical page(s) of passport
  • Photocopy of most recent visa in passport
  • 2 photos: format
  • white background
  • taken within 30 days before submission to DHS
  • un-mounted, printed on thin paper, glossy, un-retouched
  • the photo must show a ¾ front profile of the right side of face with right ear visible
  • Head should be uncovered except as required by religious order
  • Maximum photo size 1 ½ x 1 ½ inches, distance from top of head to just below chin 1 ¼ inches
  • Lightly print you’re your name and A# (if known) on back of photos with pencil
  • Letter from Academic Adviser or departmental Chair (form is attached)
  • NSEERS registrants must include proof of registration

After meeting with the Office of International Student Affairs and submitting copies of all documents in your file at the Office of International Student Affairs, you must mail the documents listed above to:

USCIS Vermont Service Center
ATTN: I-765
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT  05479

Upon receipt of your documents (if package is complete) DHS will mail you a form I-797 receipt notice. Once approved, your EAD will be mailed to you. If denied, you will receive a written notice and explanation.

Authorization

DHS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon approval of your application. A student must be in possession of the EAD before beginning employment.

Travel

Contact the Office of International Student Affairs regarding documentation required for reentry. Provide sufficient time (at least 2 weeks) for a reentry document to be processed in your behalf.