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OPT: I-20 Request (before OPT application)

 Please note: This page does not allow you to apply for OPT.  This page allows you to apply for an I-20 with the OPT recommendation.  In order to apply for OPT you must submit all required documents address listed in the instructions.   You can apply for OPT electronically.  Online application for OPT is a new feature.

Update: Please ensure you watch the USCIS website for fee changes.
Students must have been enrolled on a full-time basis at UWW for 1 full academic year before being eligible for OPT. 
Prior use of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for a cumulative of 1 year or more eliminates eligibility for OPT.

Students on a J visas are not eligible for OPT - please contact ISSS about academic training.

OPT applications should be properly filed with USCIS before the student’s program end date.

Training must be directly related to the student's major area of study; training should be commensurate with the level of the student's study. 

The student is responsible for maintaining status while on OPT.

Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's program of study:

     -The training must be for at least 20 hours per week.  Students may work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to the student's program of study.
     - Payment by multiple short-term multiple employers. SEVP guidance:  "Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration."
     - Work for hire. SEVP guidance: "This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company."
     - Self-employed business owner. SEVP guidance: "Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program."
Employment through an agency. SEVP guidance:  "Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency."
     - Volunteers or unpaid interns: Standard OPT. SEVP OPT Policy Guidance states that, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment."
  • Students must have been enrolled on a full-time basis at UWW for 1 full academic year before being eligible for OPT. 
  • Prior use of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for a cumulative of 1 year or more eliminates eligibility for OPT.
  • OPT applications should be properly filed with USCIS before the student’s program end date.
  • Training must be directly related to the student's major area of study; training should be commensurate with the level of the student's study. More information can be found at:   https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/optDirectlyRelatedGuidance.pdf 
  • The student is responsible for maintaining status while on OPT.

  • OPT APPLICATION INFORMATION
    • Students should begin application procedures at least 3-4 months before the program end date. OPT usually takes approximately 75 days to adjudicate after submission to USCIS.
    • An offer of training is not required at the time of OPT application submission to USCIS for adjudication. 
    • Form I-765 for standard post-completion OPT can be filed up to 90 days before the program end date, provided that it is filed within 30 days of the date an ISSS staff member enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS and signs the OPT recommendation I-20. Students must begin application paperwork early to allow the ISSS staff time to update the SEVIS record with the recommendation (expect 2 weeks).   Form I-765 and instructions for the form can be found at:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-765   For those interested in applying online, further information can be found at:  Online OPT application information
    • Training cannot begin until the student has received both the approval notice from USCIS and the start date has arrived. 
    • Training may consist of both paid and unpaid training.  Students on OPT must report via the SEVIS portal.
    • Students are expected to work or be actively seeking training after the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is issued. Students on post-completion OPT are limited to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during OPT. Volunteer work that meets OPT standards may be reported as employment. 
    • Students must be participating in more than 20 hours of training per week to be considered employed full time. Less than 20 hours per week is considered unemployed (and counts against the 90 days of unemployment allotment.   The DHS tracks training through SEVIS reporting, which is why it is essential that students report all training to the SEVIS portal.  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal
    • Students may meet the full-time requirement through multiple training positions concurrently that total more than 20 hours per week. All training must be in the student’s major field of study. 
    • Students may have a cumulative maximum of 12 months of OPT per educational level. A one-time extension of 24 months (for a total of 36 months) may be available to certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) degree recipients. This is based on the CIP code of major (not UWW’s definition of STEM). STEM OPT has an entirely different set of rules. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub See OPT extension in WISP
    • Students on OPT must report training and address in the OPT SEVIS portal. More information on the SEVIS portal can be found at: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal
    • Student must upload I-797s receipt and approval notices, EAD (Employment Authorization Document) , 6 month and 12 month updates in WISP.
USCIS TIP SHEET- https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/How%20F-1%20Students%20Seeking%20OPT%20Can%20Avoid%20Form%20I-765%20Delays.pdf

STEP 1: OPT Workshop: Attend an OPT Workshop
Watch your e-mails and ISSS Canvas page for dates and times.
 
STEP 2: Submit your application for "OPT Recommendation I-20" via WISP.
Follow the OPT Instructions and Application Checklist to help you compile and complete OPT application and supporting documents.  
 
The ISS staff member will evaluate your eligibility for OPT and may issue an I-20 providing the OPT “recommendation”.  A photocopy of this OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application packet. .  Keep all your I-20s forever and never ever throw them away.  ISSS staff members do not serve as your attorney and cannot review your documents legal review or accuracy.
 
STEP 3: Submit OPT application packet to USCIS via online, post, or courier
We recommend using a mail service that requires delivery confirmation. Before sending your completed application, make photocopies of all your application materials and keep them with your other important papers. Note: if sending a paper application, the I-765 must have all pages and must have the "wet" original signature from you (unless due to COVID19 exception).  The Form I-765 must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date an ISSS staff member made the OPT recommendation in SEVIS (see page 2 of the I-20 for the date).
 
Mailing Address: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses?fbclid=IwAR26-ryhLHAs6LCxFet8PzSSXmiEzERalDUJLGVMj00YJBbK9Tf2JL_OgPU  

Tips for Online filing: From the USCIS webinar regarding the online submission of I765.pdf         

STEP 4: Track your Application

STEP 5: Submit a copy of your I-797s (receipt notice and approval notice), RFE, EAD, etc. via WISP regardless of whether you receive a paper version or electronic version 

USCIS will send a receipt notice, approval notice, EAD card, Requests for Evidence, and/or other documents - please upload to WISP

STEP 6: Complete all required reporting in the SEVP portal within 5 days of any employment, change of employment, change of address, addition or removal of employment.  You will receive an email from SEVP when you are approved.  This is your reporting to the US government.  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal 

Complete 6 and 12 month update in WISP.  
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO UPDATE ICE WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION VIA THE SEVP PORTAL 
Information on updating essential information can be found at:  https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub/student-records/fm-student-employment/sevis-and-the-sevp-portal

Within 5 days:
Report any change of address where you are living (physical address)
Report any new employer
Report any end of employment through the SEVIS portal. 

You will receive an email from SEVP to set up your portal once your OPT starts

Reporting to UW - Whitewater
  - Complete the OPT update every 6 months  (Think New Year and 4th of July)


          - Every day without noted employer information, the student will be considered unemployed.
GRACE PERIOD
You may remain in the United States for up to 60 days following the expiration date of your EAD (called your “grace period”). During your grace period, you are allowed to either depart from the United States or change to another status. Employment is not permitted during this 60-day period. If you depart the country during this grace period, you may not reenter under your UWW I-20.
 
SEVIS TRANSFER
If you would like to begin a new full-time program of study at any point during or following OPT, you must follow the proper procedures to transfer to the new institution (for example, graduate school). Your OPT ends when the SEVIS transfer takes place. Contact a UWW ISSS staff member for guidance.
 
TRAVEL
  • ISSS does not recommend travel outside of the U.S. while waiting for OPT approval, as traveling outside of the U.S. before or after you receive your EAD card may create problems/risks for successful re-entry to the U.S. 
  • The general guidance is that a student who has both an EAD for post-completion OPT and a letter from the training organization (stating specific return date) should not experience difficulty re-entering the U.S. If either of these two conditions is missing, then the student is assuming risk.  The risk is that you may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S.  Remember, you also need a valid travel signature from a DSO (Designated School Official) for reentry.
INSURANCE
You are not covered by the UWW insurance policy after you graduate. You are strongly encouraged to continue to have health insurance coverage while on OPT. Insurance may or may not be offered through the employer.  You may enrolled in and pay for the UW System International Student policy while on OPT at:  www.gallagherstudent.com/UWW
      - Click on Student Login on the upper right hand corner
      - Click need Help Logging in or Creating an account?
      - Scroll down and complete the Create account Form.
      - After your account is created, click on the ‘Direct Pay Enroll’ link on the left toolbar 6- Complete the form with your payment instructions.
 
STARTING EMPLOYMENT
Your employer will need your Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have an SSN, you may apply on the I-765. 

TAXES
Employers are required by law to withhold certain taxes from your paychecks. By April 15th of each year, you must file a federal income tax return and a Form 8843, "Statement for Exempt Individuals," covering the prior calendar year--whether you owe more taxes or not.  ISSS staff are not able to answer tax questions. You are required and responsible for tax filing.  Sprintax is a company that provides for non-resident tax filing for a fee: www.sprintax.com   Check CANVAS for a discount code.
You may use this helpful checklist to guide you as you prepare to compile your OPT application,  YOU MUST INCLUDE THE "OPT RECOMMENDATION I-20" in your ONLINE APPLICATION