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Pre-completion OPT

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

General Information

  • Total of one year of OPT per educational level, whether pre- or post-completion.
  • USCIS processing is typically 90 days, however it may take longer.
  • Part-time employment during fall and spring, full-time during official school breaks.
  • Full-time enrollment required fall and spring semesters.
  • Pre-OPT must end by the student’s program completion date.
  • No unemployment limit.
  • No reporting requirements (other than changes of address).
  • Splitting OPT between pre- and post-completion requires two USCIS applications and fees.

Eligibility

  • Full-time enrolled at least one full academic year (two long semesters).
  • Currently in valid F-1 status.
  • Will complete your degree in a future semester.

Application Process

  1. Carefully review the information on this website and/or attend an OPT Workshop
  2. Pay the $100 Practical Training Fee*.
  3. Submit to International Student Services:
    • OPT I-20 Request Form contact International.Services@utsa.edu for more information

    • OPT Request Form: available at international.utsa.edu

    • Completed Form I-765: available at: http://www.uscis.gov/i-765

    • 2 passport-style photos taken within the past 30 days on white background. The photos must be 2 x 2 inches.
    • Your name and I-94 number must be printed with felt/Sharpie pen on the back of the photos

    • Letter from the academic advisor stating your academic standing and expected graduation date (mm/dd/yyyy format) or completion of course requirements. If you are double-majoring, please be sure to bring a letter for each major.

Copies of the following:


    •  I-94 Electronic Form   https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

    • Passport identity pages, photo page, page with passport validity dates including renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections, etc.

    •  Passport visa page, if applicable

      Current educational level I-20 forms

    • Previous Employment Authorization Card (EAD), if any

  2. Within three to four  business days (during peak times, processing may take an extra day) you will be sent an email that the OPT I-20 is ready for pickup. You will receive the mailing instructions when you pick up the I-20.
  3. 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, UTSA  students are required to pay a $100 Practical Training fee. This fee is separate from the USCIS application fee.

Reporting Requirements

Report all changes in name, address, phone and email throughout all periods of OPT.  This is necessary to maintain your F-1 status and retain your employment permission.

 NOTE:  Changes of address reported on the OPT Update Form affect only the SEVIS immigration system.