Optional Practical Training (OPT) FACT SHEET
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS MERCER University
DEFINITION

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is off-campus work authorization in a student’s field of study for 12 months after completion of the academic program. Students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) may also be eligible for an additional 17-month extension for OPT (talk to advisor for more details).
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Student must have been enrolled at Mercer University for at least one full academic year (9 months or 4 consecutive sessions) before applying for OPT. Student must be in valid F-1 status at the time of the application Student must have no HOLDS on their academic or financial record. Student must NOT have been previously approved for OPT for the same or higher level.
HOW TO APPLY FOR OPT

Complete the OPT Application (see reverse side) and submit the following documents to Office of International Programs during office hours: o o o o o o o o o o o Completed F-1 OPT Application (see reverse side) Original completed USCIS Form I-765 (see: www.uscis.gov for online PDF application) Two (2) U.S. passport-style photos with I-94# and full name printed lightly in pencil on back of photos Personal check or U.S. money order for $380 Department of Homeland Security Photocoy of Passport Biography Page Photocopy of F-1 Visa Photocopy of Change of Status I-797A Notice of Action (Approval Notice) if you changed status to F-1 Status in the U.S. (if applicable) Photocopy of I-94 (front and back): dark enough to show the red stamp on front Photocopy of I-20s for Full-Time CPTs (you do not need part-time CPT I-20s) Photocopy of previous EAD/OPT cards (if applicable) Job offer letter (optional)

Immigration advisor will review your materials, issue two new I-20s (one for student, one for OPT application), and notify you when your application is complete for pick up. Mail all application materials with newly signed I-20 with OPT recommendation to USCIS
WHEN TO APPLY & PROCCESSING TIMES

Earliest: 90 days before completion of studies. Latest: 60 days after completion of studies. We recommend applying 60-90 days before completion to ensure timely processing. You DO NOT have to have a job to apply. USCIS Processing times can be 30-90 days from receipt. USCIS will mail your application receipt in 2-3 weeks and you may check the status of it online at www.uscis.gov. If your card does not arrive within 90 days, contact the Office of International Programs immediately.
Office of International Programs, Atlanta Phone: (678) 547-6151, FAX: (678) 547-6196 leech_jm@mercer.edu Mercer University 3001 Mercer University Dr Atlanta, GA 30341

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS MERCER University
STUDENT INFORMATION
(Section to be completed by student)

Name: _____________________________ Mercer Email: _______________________ Cell Phone: __________________________ I-20 Expiration Date: __________________

Mercer ID: ________________________________ Personal Email: ____________________________ Major: ___________________________________ Passport Expiration Date: ____________________ ___No ___No ___ Yes ___ Yes

Have you been authorized for full-time CPT before? Have you been authorized for OPT before?

If yes, what were the dates on the EAD Card: Start ________End___________ If yes, on which degree level was it based? _____________________________ OPT START DATE: I want my OPT to start on __________________ (MM/DD/YYYY). I certify the above information is true and understand the requirements for maintaining F-1 status during my period of OPT authorization: Signature _______________________Date ____________
DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZATION
(Section to be completed by Advisor, Dean, or Chair)

To apply for OPT, a F-1 international student must be within 90 days of program completion. For immigration purposes, program completion is defined as the last day finals of the session/semester the student will complete his or her final degree requirement(s). For thesis/dissertation students, a student’s program completion date may either be the tentative defense date, or the last day of finals of the final session/semester. Please complete the information below regarding the student’s program completion and eligibility for OPT. Student’s expected program completion date: _____________________ (MM/DD/YYYY). I verify that __________________________will complete his or her degree program by the date listed above pending the successful completion of all necessary degree requirements. Name: ___________________________ ___Signature ______________________ Date__________ Position (Dean, Chair, Advisor, etc): _________________Email: _____________________________
Office of International Programs, Atlanta Phone: (678) 547-6151, FAX: (678) 547-6196 leech_jm@mercer.edu Mercer University 3001 Mercer University Dr Atlanta, GA 30341