Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

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Current USCIS Processing Times for OPT Applications: 
Click here (link is external) to view USCIS’s estimated case processing times. 
USCIS is currently experiencing serious delays in issuing I-765 receipt notices (link is external).
Travel outside the U.S. with a pending, unreceipted application could be very risky.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students is work authorization available to international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study. 

If you are completing your program and have maintained your F-1 visa status, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training – OPT for 12 months.

You will need to file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).

F-1 Students may file I-765 ONLINE for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training – OPT.

How do I file my OPT Request (Form I-765)?

First, you must read this guide entirely, then, you must call the school office to set up a time to meet with us to go over the details and the questions you might have after reviewing this page.

F-1 students may begin to apply for OPT as soon as 90 days before the Program End Date on their I-20.

We recommend applying ONLINE as soon as the 90 day time window opens, due to USCIS processing times. Do not do this process on your own. You must come to the school office so we can do the process with you in order to file everything correctly.

To file ONLINE, you will need to bring your personal laptop and the following documents:

– Your Passport.
– Form I-94. You can get it here: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
– Payment Method (Credit or Debit Card) for Filing Fee – SEE BELOW.

IMPORTANT: There is a Filing Fee of $410.
At the time you finish filing online, the system will guide you through the process of paying your fees with a credit, debit, or pre-paid card. Please be prepared to make the payment and have your payment method ready.

We will issue the rest of the documents needed at the school such as your I-20 with OPT Recommendation at the time you come to do the filing process.

What are the next steps after I file my OPT Application Online?

KEEP IN MIND: When you file Form I-765 online, you’ll create a MyUSCIS account that you will need to access every single day to check on any updates on your application status.

OPT Application Next Steps:

You are responsible for checking your MyUSCIS Online Account every day to see if there are any updates. You will get a Receipt Notice shortly after you finish filing. Please email or bring this notice to the office.
We will need a copy for your file.

You may also receive mail from USCIS. You must report any updates you receive to the school.

If your I-765 Application is Approved:
Your Employment Authorization Document – EAD card – Will arrive in about 90 days. Please bring or email this card to the office. We will need a copy for your file. The Social Security Card will arrive approximately 1-2 weeks aPer the EAD card. Update the office with your SSN once received.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WHILE ON OPT

All students on OPT are required to report any change of the following within 10 days:

  • Legal name
  • Residential or mailing address
  • Employer name
  • Employer address
  • Loss of employment
  • Any interruption of employment

You may not begin your OPT employment until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the effective date on the card has been reached. 

*Student may report initial employment and changes to existing employment using the SEVP Portal. An email with instructions on how to create an account will be sent after OPT is approved and the start date has arrived.

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Is filmmaking and conveying stories through film your passion? Get ready to conquer Hollywood and make your dreams come true!

Study in one of the best film and acting schools in California. We are considered one of the top film colleges in LA. Learn Filmmaking and how to create films in a class. Come study Filmmaking at the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory film school department. To sign up and receive more information about our filmmaking classes, please CONTACT the film school. 

Sign up and start your film making career in Hollywood. Email us to find the next intake for our filmmaking workshop in Los Angeles to Learn how to create films in a class, take a digital film workshop, attend digital film classes and learn  filmmaking.

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Though each acting program boasts a distinct acting curriculum, Actors enrolling at a performing arts academy in Los Angeles can expect to take at least some if not all of the following acting courses in LA: Acting for Film, Acting for Film: Scripted TV, Movement, Improvisation, Business of Acting, Scene Study, Building a demo Reel, acting Technique and Scene Study, Singing for Actors, Voice and Speech, Stunt Workshop and accent reduction. We use acting techniques that other performing arts academy and acting colleges in Los Angeles lack.  There are many acting schools in California come and see why we are considered one of the best acting schools in LA 

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