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Optional Practical Training Before Completion of Studies

This information is designed for Bryant University student in F-1 status.

Who is Eligible?

Optional practical training provides you with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience in your field of study. As an F-1 student, you are eligible for a total of twelve months of full-time optional practical training at each educational level. You may apply for periods of practical training before completion of studies, save the total twelve-month period to be used after completion of studies, or use a combination of both. You do not have to have a job or a job offer to be eligible to apply for optional practical training. Remember that as an F-1 student, you may be eligible to use other categories of F-1 work authorization before the completion of studies that would not affect your twelve months of optional practical training. The only category of F-1 work authorization available to you after completion of studies is optional practical training. For more information, go to: F-1 Employment Guidelines.

To be eligible to apply for F-1 optional practical training before completion of studies you must:

• Have been in lawful full-time F-1 student status for at least one academic year
• Be in good academic standing and carrying a course load equivalent to full-time

When Can an F-1 Student Use Practical Training?

You may use optional practical training before completion of studies during any of the following periods:

• Full-time during annual summer vacation periods
• Part-time while school is in session (see description in next section)
• Full-time after completion of all courses

Special considerations:

Any periods of optional practical training used before completion of studies at a particular education level will be deducted from the total twelve-month period available. Part-time practical training, which is defined as twenty hours per week or less, will be deducted from your total available practical training at one-half the full-time rate. In other words, four months of part-time practical training will result in two months deducted from your total of twelve months available.

What are the Steps to Apply for Practical Training?

The application involves several steps: obtaining a recommendation from the Intercultural Center for International Education and Multicultural Affairs (ICC), preparing materials for the application, mailing the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and finally, receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The USCIS, depending on how busy they are, may take two to three months to issue your EAD and approval of your practical training application. The EAD will be mailed to your home address as listed in your application.

NOTE: Once you apply to the USCIS for a period of optional practical training, that authorization may not be rescinded or canceled. This means that after practical training is authorized by the USCIS, the inability to obtain an appropriate job, or the loss of a job, will result in the forfeiture of optional practical training time.

Can I Travel Outside the U.S. with Practical Training?

You can travel outside of the U. S. while on optional practical training before completion if you continue to be a full-time registered student.

Employment Authorization

It is important to note that even if you have applied for practical training, employment prior to USCIS issuing your EAD may be considered illegal employment and seriously impact your future status with the USCIS. When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (USCIS form I-9), and you may need to show your employer a U.S. social security card, your passport and a valid EAD. You may change employers after you have been issued the EAD, provided the new job qualifies for optional practical training.

Application Process

School recommendation:
Contact the ICC to obtain the practical training recommendation. Please be sure to bring the following materials to your appointment:

• Your current SEVIS I-20 form
• All previously issued forms I-20
• Your passport (except for Canadian citizens) and I-94 card (small white card attached to your passport or I-20)

At the appointment, you will be asked to complete USCIS forms I-765. Note: You must provide a U.S. return mailing address on form I-765. The USCIS will contact you regarding the EAD approval at this address. It is advisable to use an address at which you will be able to receive mail for up to three months from the date of application.

Photographs:
You are required to submit two color photographs of specific format with your application. For more information, go to travel.state.gov. If you submit a photograph that does not meet these specifications, the practical training application will not be processed by USCIS. It is advisable to put your name on the back of the photographs.

Application:
Your F-1 Optional Practical Training application to the USCIS should include the following documents:

• A completed form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• A personal check of $180 made out to the "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ." (do not acronymize, but spell out)
• Photocopy of SEVIS I-20 with OPT recommendation on page 3.
• Photocopy of all previously issued I-20 forms, if any
• Photocopy of the front and back of your I-94 card
• Photocopy (must be readable) of the identification page from your passport
• Photocopy of most recent visa
• Two color photographs according to the USCIS specifications
• NSEERS (National Security Entry-Exit Registration System) registrants must include proof of registration

It is advisable to mail the application from a U.S. post office by "certified mail/return receipt", and to make a copy of the entire application for your own records. The USCIS must receive your application no later than 30 days from the date signed on SEVIS I-20 employment page. Mail completed application materials to:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: I-765
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Social Security Number

You will be required to show a Social Security number to your employer in addition to the EAD. It may take several weeks to obtain a new Social Security number. For more information on obtaining a Social Security number, go to Social Security Number.