International Student Services

Coursework completion OPT allows students in their final semester to use a thesis or dissertation defense date as their program completion date. For students whose defense date is considerably earlier than their graduation date, this allows for a much earlier OPT employment start date.

General Info

• USCIS processing is 2-3 months
• Not suitable for most TA/RAs because students cannot work beyond the defense date
• Full-time employment required
• Unemployment is limited to 90 days
• Students must report periods of employment and unemployment

Eligibility

To be eligible for coursework completion OPT, you must meet the following criteria:

• You have been full-time enrolled at least one full academic year (two long semesters). 
• You are currently in valid F-1 status.
• You are a Master’s (thesis option) or Doctoral student.
• You have completed all coursework and have only a thesis or dissertation to complete.

Application Process

• Attend an OPT Workshop (advisable but not mandatory). The workshop provides detailed information regarding a number of topics, such as completing the application, employment reporting requirements and travel issues.
• Pay the $100 Practical Training Fee* through the UT Dallas Online Store at: https://ezpay.utdallas.edu/C20239_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=241
• Submit to the ISS Office: 
  • OPT I-20 Request Form
  • Copy of completed USCIS Form I-765
  • If you have not yet applied for graduation, a OPT Recommendation Form
  • If you had a previous USCIS work authorization (not CPT), a copy of previous EAD or H-1B approval notice
• Within three business days you will be sent an email that the OPT I-20 is ready for pickup.
• Compile the application, make a copy for your personal file and mail the application to USCIS.

*Due to the additional Practical Training requirements instituted by Homeland Security on April 8, 2008, UT Dallas students are required to pay a $100 Practical Training fee.  This fee is separate from the USCIS application fee.

The application packet you mail to the USCIS Service Center must include the following:

• 2 passport photos
• Check for $380, made payable to Department of Homeland Security (Print I-94 number at top. Staple your check in the middle; keep the photos at the left hand top corner.)
• Original I-765 form
• Copy of OPT I-20, pages 1 and 3
• Copy of passport ID page showing picture and expiration date
• Copy of I-94, front and back
• Copy of visa showing expiry date (F-1)
• G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Optional)

Mailing the Application

According to the USCIS website, the application mailing address is determined by the address listed on the I-765.

Dallas Lockbox address:  Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S Virgin Islands or West Virginia

Phoenix Lockbox address: All other U.S. states.

Limits on Unemployment

To maintain F-1 status, students on post-completion OPT must limit unemployment to 90 days or less during the year of OPT. The U.S Department of Homeland Security may terminate a student’s status if that limit is exceeded.

Reporting Requirements

Students on post-completion OPT must report changes in employment and all periods of unemployment to the UT Dallas ISSO. The information is then forwarded to Homeland Security. Email, fax or mail the UT Dallas OPT Employment Report Form to meet this requirement. You will be sent an email when the report is complete, within three business days.

NOTE: Changes of address reported on the OPT Employment Report Form affect only the SEVIS immigration system. To update your address in the school information system (Orion) do so through Galaxy (current students) or the Registrar’s Office (alumni).

For more information regarding this type of OPT, please contact an international student advisor .