International Students - Working In The U.S. - Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Module 2: How do I prepare for OPT?

Module 2: How do I prepare for OPT?

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Module 2: How do I prepare for OPT?

The objectives of this module are to help you identify the steps you must take to complete an OPT application, demonstrate critical thinking skills as they relate to the OPT and job application process, and submit an accurate and complete application for OPT. This module should be completed by the beginning of your last term of enrollment in classes. If you will be graduating at the end of Winter term, complete this module by January. If you will be graduating at the end of Summer term, complete this module by April. If you will be graduating at the end of Fall term, complete this module by August.

Contact OISP

Contact Information

Phone: 614.797.4700
Email: oisp@franklin.edu

Address:
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Office of International Students and Programs
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
USA

Office Hours

Available virtually and by phone:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Available in person by appointment only:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

Schedule An Appointment

Prospective Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with a member of the international admissions team.

Current Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with an international advising coordinator.

For in-person appointments, free parking is available in lot adjacent to the Paul J. Otte Center for Student Services. Notify the Welcome Center staff when you have arrived.

When scheduling a phone appointment, provide a U.S. phone number, and we will call you at the scheduled time. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, please schedule a virtual appointment.

When scheduling a virtual appointment, provide an email address you check regularly, and we will send you a link to a Microsoft Teams meeting. .

Step 1: Application Instructions

Overview

When applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, carefully review the application instructions and your documents. If information is missing or incomplete, USCIS will contact you to request what is needed, which will cause delays in receiving their decision.

Preparing Your Application Materials

Complete the I-765 form at . In line 20 enter (c)(3)(A) for pre-completion OPT, (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT, or (c)(3)(C) for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. If applying electronically, create your online account at .
Complete the G-1145 form at to receive email and/or text notification when application is received by USCIS.
Print new passport photos. You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself that have been taken within 30 days of the filing of this application. The photos must be 2”x 2”, in color with full face, frontal view, on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1” to 1 3/8” from top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8” to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing a head dress as required by a religious order of which you are a member. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo. If submitting an online application, follow the U.S. Department of State's carefully.
Make copies of the following documents: picture page of passport, most recent visa, and all I-20s for your current degree. Color copies are recommended.
Retrieve your I-94: Save a copy of your I-94 record from. . If you changed your immigration status within the US and have not traveled outside the US since the change, make a copy of your most recent I-797 instead.
Verify you have sufficient funds in your bank account for the . As of April 1, 2024, there is a different amount depending on whether the application is filed online (currently $470) or by paper ($520). Paper submissions should include a check or money order paid to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security".
If you have had an EAD card before, make copies of any previous EAD cards and copies of relevant diplomas if the EAD was for post-completion OPT.

Verify this information using the USCIS's suggested of required initial evidence and the for Form I-765.

Request OPT I-20

When your OPT application is ready, request an I-20 recommending OPT from OISP. Indicate your requested OPT start date, which can be as early as your program end date (graduation) or as late as the end of your 60-day grace period. A copy of the new I-20 must be mailed with your application packet and received by USCIS no more than 30 days after being printed by OISP.

Helpful Resources

General OPT information:
I-765 instructions:
Information about retrieving your I-94:
Calculate OPT Dates:
USCIS Processing Times:
Write a check:
Write a money order:

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Module 2: How do I prepare for OPT?

Contact OISP

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