Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Documents Required to Obtain an OPT I-20
F-1 regulations require the student to be recommended for OPT within SEVIS by a Designated School Official (DSO) before applying for OPT. After receiving the documents listed below, a DSO will determine if you are eligible to be recommended for OPT. If yes, the recommendation will be made and the OPT I-20 will be issued. The student must apply for OPT within 30 days of issuance of the OPT I-20 and the OPT I-20 must be included with the application for OPT. Failure to be recommended for OPT by a DSO and submit the OPT I-20 to USCIS at the time of application will result in denial.
This section of the tutorial lists the items you need to submit to iss@wichita.edu to receive an OPT I-20. If you have already filed your OPT application online without
an OPT I-20, please contact us immediately (iss@wichita.edu or 316-978-3232).
- Completed OPT Recommendation Form. The purpose of this form is for your academic advisor or college advising office to confirm completion of the coursework required for your degree program. This form can be uploaded along with your submission of the OPT Memorandum of Understanding.
- Completed OPT Memorandum of Understanding. You will be asked to provide your requested OPT start date on this form. Some things to consider when selecting a start date are:
-
- For undergraduate students and coursework-only graduate students, your requested start date must be after your graduation. Remember, the latest start date you can request is 60 days after graduation.
- For graduate students completing a project, thesis, or dissertation (“terminal activity”), you may begin post-completion OPT while you are still working to complete your terminal activity. You are eligible to begin for OPT upon completing the required coursework (excluding thesis/project/dissertation hours) or you can choose a start date up to 60 days after degree completion.
- The requested start date is never guaranteed.
- After reviewing this tutorial, if you are still unsure about choosing an OPT start date, please call our office at 316-978-3232 or visit our office during open advising hours on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 1PM to 4PM to speak with an International Student Advisor.
- If there is a gap between your program end date and your OPT start date, you are still in F-1 status and legally allowed to remain in the U.S. You may look for work, but cannot begin employment until you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the start date has passed.
Upon receiving these completed forms, an International Student Advisor will update your SEVIS record to reflect our recommendation for post-completion OPT*. The OPT I-20 will be created and emailed to your WSU student email address. In addition to emailing you the new I-20, we will also send you an Employment Information page from SEVIS which will show any CPT or previous OPT. If you have had any CPT, we will also send you an OPT-CPT Calculator.
Print the I-20, sign in ink, and then upload a scanned copy into your USCIS account as explained in the next page of the tutorial. Only DSO’s are allowed to digitally sign the I-20, students must print and sign in ink.
* Important information for thesis/project graduate students: For the DSO to make a recommendation for OPT in SEVIS, regulations require the program end date on the I-20 be shortened even though the terminal activity may not yet be complete.
Please advance to the next page by clicking the Next > tab below.
< Back To OPT Resources | < Previous | Next >
Page 3 of 5