What is OPT for M-1 Students?
Practical training is the only type of work permission available to M-1 students. It allows students to get on-the-job training that is not available in their home country.
Eligible M-1 students may have up to six months of practical training after they complete their program.
Students on M-1 visa must work in the field related to their area of study, gaining practical experience in that line of work.
You will need to file your documents at the office.
It is your responsibility to complete the required application and submit it in a timely manner to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services – USCIS.
M-1 Students must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), using the Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). If the practical training is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must have the EAD before starting work.
When Can I Apply for OPT (Form I-765)?
The earliest date for M-1 students to apply for the I-765 is 90 days before the Program End Date marked on their I-20. The latest date to apply is on the Program End Date marked on their I-20. We recommend M-1 students to apply as soon as the window opens due to USCIS filing processing times.
What Documents do I need to apply for OPT (Form I-765)?
To file your OPT forms with USCIS, you must read this guide entirely and once you have all the documents needed (see list below), call the office to set up a time to meet so we can help you arrange the documents correctly.
To make sure your request is approved by USCIS, do not attempt to file on your own. You must come to the office and we will provide the documents you need to get your work permit.
To file a request for OPT/I-765, you must send the documents below by mail.
- Form G-1145: Typed, not handwritten (www.uscis.gov/g-1145)
- Original, signed Form I-765: Typed, not handwritten (www.uscis.gov/i-765)
At top, mark Permission to Accept Employment
Signature: Use black ink to sign inside the signature box. The signature must not touch any of the lines. - Photocopy of passport page with photo, passport number, and expiration date (must be valid for at least 6 months from the application date)
- Printout of I-94 document (www.cbp.gov/i94)
- Two (2) U.S.Style Passport Photos: Write full name on the back of each photo
Passport photos must be 2×2 with proper facial dimensions of U.S. Style passport photos (see example) - $410 check, money order or cashier’s check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Write: Four hundred ten dollars
Check must have name and address imprinted or handwritten in upper left corner – IF YOU ARE NOT SURE HOW TO FILL OUT THE CHECK/MONEY ORDER, BRING IT BLANK AND WE WILL HELP YOU AT THE OFFICE
Check must be a U.S. check drawn from a U.S. bank, but does not need to be from your own account.
* We will provide you with the OPT I-20 that must be submitted with your application
Important: If your I-94 “Admit Until” date falls before or during your planned OPT time, you must file an extension (Form I-539) in addition to the Form I-765 to mantain valid status. To check when your I-94 expires, visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
M-1 students, who need an extension of their Form I-20 to engage in practical training, may need to file two applications with USCIS:
- An Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
- Filing fee
- Form I-20 with practical training recommendation
- Supporting documentation specified by USCIS
- An Application to Extend Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539)
- Filing fee
- Form I-20 with practical training recommendation
- Supporting documentation specified by USCIS
Do I need to file Form I-765 as well as Form I-539?
Each student’s case is different. To check if you must file both I-765 and I-539 form, or just the I-765 Form, first get your I-94 here https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home and check the chart below:
(Note: In most cases, all M-1 students must file both I-765 and I-539)
| If… | The Student Files |
|---|---|
| The student’s “Admit until date” (shown on the Form I-94) is:Later than the student’s program end date AND Allows enough time for the student to finish the requested practical training | Form I-765, filing fee, and supporting documents |
| The student’s “Admit until date” (shown on the Form I-94) does not cover the requested period of practical training | Form I-765, filing fee, and supporting documentsForm I-539, filing fee, and supporting documents |
What is the Length of Practical Training Available for an M-1 Student?
M-1 students are eligible for one month of post-completion practical training for every four months of full-time study, up to a maximum of six months of practical training.
| Months of Study | Months of PRACTICAL TRAINING Available |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1 |
| 8 | 2 |
| 12 | 3 |
| 16 | 4 |
| 20 | 5 |
| 24 through 30 | 6 |
What happens after I send my application documents to USCIS?
You will receive a letter from USCIS in the mail with a Receipt Notice within two weeks. This means USCIS received your case and they are working on it. You need to be alert for any more correspondence or e-mails USCIS sends such as a Biometrics Appointment, Requests for Additional Evidence, and most importantly, an Approval Notice if they approve your case.
Your request might be resolved in a few weeks, or it can take up to a couple of months. Check USCIS’ processing times here:
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).
NOTE: Travel outside the U.S. with a pending, unreceipted application could be very risky.
OPT Application Next Steps:
You are responsible for checking your mailbox, as well as your email every day to see if there are any letters from USCIS. 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.
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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