Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Those of you graduating in Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 who are interested in doing post-completion Optional practical training (OPT) must view the PowerPoint presentation IF YOU ARE NOT GRADUATING THIS SPRING AND YOU NEED AN EXTENSION ON YOUR I-20 PLEASE INFORM THE ISO. Post completion OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization after completing their academic studies.
ISO OPT Presentation

Feel free to stop by room 844 or email rbell@na.edu with any questions you may have AFTER viewing the presentation.

Those interested in applying for OPT must schedule an appointment with us so that we may give you an updated I20 and review your application documents. We will be taking appointments starting on the dates listed below. Please send an email letting us know what time and day you would like to come in and we will respond letting you know if your appointment time is approved.

It will take approximately 3 months or more for USCIS to process your EAD card so if you are interested in starting work ASAP after graduation, then you will want to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

SPRING 2020 Graduates (Program End Date: May 26, 2020)

YOU MAY APPLY FOR OPT ANYTIME BETWEEN
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 AND FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020

but please keep the 90 day or more processing time in mind.

SUMMER 2020 Graduates (Program End Date: August 13, 2020)

YOU MAY APPLY FOR OPT ANYTIME BETWEEN
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2020 AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

but please keep the 90 day or more processing time in mind.

Those who wait too soon will lose some of their allotted time since it takes approximately 90 days or more to get the card and you’re allowed 60 days of grace period after your graduation date.

*****ALSO, keep in mind. If you will have met all your graduation requirements you MUST APPLY for graduation with the registrar’s office in a timely manner.

Before you make an appointment with us make sure:

  • You bring everything required for your OPT packet
  • Check with your advisor to make sure you have all required credits in order to graduate
  • Any document that requires you to copy, please stop by the library and make copies. (If you bring the original only I will send you to the library to make copies)

The OPT packet must include the following documents:

  1. I765 application -google “form I-765”
  2. Form G-1145: E-notification of application/petition acceptance
  3. $410.00 check or money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security or G-1450 credit card authorization
  4. Copy of most recent passport
  5. Copy of most recent visa
  6. I94- google “print my I94”
  7. 2 passport pictures- must meet department of state passport picture guideline
  8. Copies of any EAD cards received in the past and any social security cards
  9. $20.00 shipping fee, paid to NAU bursars office or online on fees and deposits page “OPT mailing fee” 
  10. Copies of all I20’s you have from when you first came to the U.S.
  11. I20 updated by DSO with request for OPT—DONE IN OFFICE ONCE YOU’VE GATHERED ALL THE ABOVE PAPERWORK