International Student Services

Pre-completion OPT allows students who have not yet completed a degree program to be authorized for off-campus employment.

General Info

• USCIS processing is 2-3 months
• Only part-time employment OK during fall and spring, full-time OK during official school breaks
• Full-time enrollment required fall and spring semesters
• OPT must end by the student’s program completion date
• No unemployment limit
• No reporting requirements (other than changes of address)
• Time on pre-completion OPT replaces OPT after graduation
• Splitting OPT between pre- and post-completion requires two USCIS applications and fees
• Most UT Dallas students prefer Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Eligibility

To be eligible for pre-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 planning to complete your degree.

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.

 

Dallas Lockbox U.S. Post Office - USCIS P.O. Box 660867 Dallas, TX 75266   Courier deliveries - USCIS Attn: AOS 2501 S. State Hwy 21 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067

Phoenix Lockbox U.S Post Office - USCIS P.O Box 21281 Phoenix, AZ 85036   Courier deliveries - USCIS Attn: AOS 1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S Suite 100 Phoenix, AZ 85034

Reporting Requirements

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.