Actuarial Science at Illinois
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Resources

OPT

 

Basics:

  • OPT is a work authorization for F-1 student after graduation

  • Up to 12 months of work authorization commonly used after graduation. STEM majors have a 24 months extension, totalling to 36 months. (Actuarial Science is a STEM major)

  • Available once per educational level

  • NOT a new visa category or status as you will remain in F-1 status

  • Granted by USCIS

Eligibility:

  • F-1 student who is completing the degree

  • Enrolled as full-time student for one full academic year (Spring & Fall) immediately prior to requested OPT start date

    • Approved underload semesters accepted 

  • Complied with past CPT registration requirements (No more than 364 days of combined CPT period)

  • [Special Note] Offer is not required for OPT application

Application Window:

  • USCIS will accept OPT applications that are:

    • 90 days before program end date

    • until 60 days after program end date

  • Program end date is 

    • Non-thesis student (undergrad and non-thesis master)

      • Last day of the last semester for 

    • Thesis track graduate students

      • Once all required coursework is complete, choose any date up to and including the last day of final registered semester

Requested OPT start date:

  • Unlike CPT, whose granted period is exactly over the course of the associated employment, OPT applicants can choose when the OPT starts

  • Requested start date must be within 60 days of program end date 

    • But beware that USCIS processing time is approximately 90 to 100 days

  • If already holding an offer, talk to your employer if they have a start date in mind

Application Materials:

  • OPT I-20 e-Form:

    • Access iStart → F-1 Student Services → Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request

    • Submit OPT e-form/Pay SEVIS OPT Management Fee → Department contact approves e-form → ISSS creates I-20 in five business days → Student receives I-20 and sign in blue ink 

    • USCIS must receive OPT application within 30 days of I-20 issue date

  • Photocopy of pages 1 & 2 of your new OPT I-20.

    • Make sure you have signed your I-20

    • If applicable, you must also include evidence of:

      • All previously used SEVIS numbers;

      • Any previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level and which it was authorized

  • Form I-765

    • Download from USCIS website & type answers, if filing by mail or complete online via online application: http://www.uscis.gov/i-765

    • Save a copy for your completed I-765 for your own records

    • Follow guidelines provided by USCIS

  • Two identical immigration-style photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765.

    • If filing by mail, lightly print your NAME and SEVIS ID on the back of the photos. Place photos in a clear Ziploc-type bag. 

    • If filing online, follow the instructions to upload

    • ISSS recommends photos be taken professionally/locally to comply with photo regulations

  • Print most recent I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov 

    • If you have an I-94 card, photocopy the front/back of your I-94 card

  • Photocopy of passport identity AND most recent F-1 entry visa page

  • Optional G-1145 form: include to receive e-mail/text message updates about your case (available on uscis.gov)

  • Personal check, money order OR credit card payment with use of form G-1450 for $410.00 payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”

Choosing a Mailing Address for OPT Application:

  • Once OPT is approved, USCIS will mail you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. EAD is mailed to the address you provided on your application

  • Choose a stable mailing address valid for at least 4 months while OPT is pending

  • Avoid changing the mailing address during the OPT pending period. If you need to change this, do so as early as possible

  • Mailing address does NOT need to be the same as your current address

  • Form I-765 will allow you to designate a friend or relative to accept OPT mail. Use ‘In Care Of’ option to list alternate address for OPT purposes

Application:

  • Once you assemble all materials, application is filed through mailing all materials to USCIS lockbox 

  • For UIUC students, mail to USCIS Chicago lockbox. Check USCIS website for mailing address.