Optional Practical Training Workshop Schedule - Spring 2012

If you are an F-1 student graduating this semester and you plan to apply for your OPT employment benefit, you will need to register for and attend one of these sessions. Pre-registration is required.

The information session will cover how to file the application for OPT as well as the rules and regulations that apply to F-1 students on OPT. Each session includes time for questions and answers and will last approximately an hour to an hour and thirty minutes.

There will be four sessions offered this semester. Individual appointments to discuss OPT are only available on a very limited basis so be sure to attend one of the sessions below. Additional sessions will be scheduled for summer graduates. If you have previously applied for pre-completion OPT you are still required to attend an OPT information session in your last semester if you plan to apply for post-completion OPT since the information covered specifically addresses the federal requirements for students on post-completion OPT.

Please arrive on time. All sessions will start promptly. Students who arrive late will miss vital information. You will receive all application materials at the session and do not need to bring your immigration documents with you. You should plan to bring a pen and paper for notes.

Application Processing
Once you file your application for OPT with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services they can take up to 90 days to process your application. Students who will graduate at the end of this semester are strongly encouraged to attend the sessions in February or March. Do not assume that you will be able to get your authorization in less than 90 days and wait to apply! Spring graduates who wait to file their applications in May or later risk losing some of their work authorization time. If you have developing job offers, it is important to apply early to avoid delays.

Session Registration
Please register online by selecting a session from the schedule below.

Register	Session Date	Session Details
Click here to register	Friday 02/03/2012	Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Location: 131 SSB Contact: burrisa@umsl.edu
Click here to register	Tuesday 03/06/2012	Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Location: TBA Contact: burrisa@umsl.edu
Click here to register	Friday 04/06/2012	Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Location: 131 SSB Contact: burrisa@umsl.edu
Click here to register	Thursday 05/17/2012	Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am Location: 449 SSB Contact: burrisa@umsl.edu

Current USCIS Processing Times: 50-70 days*
*This is an estimate based on approvals of recent applications received by our office. This is not a guarantee that your application will be processed within this time frame.

Important Dates/Times for Spring Graduates

Earliest date USCIS can accept applications: February 12, 2012
Last day to submit OPT applications to ISSS: June 25, 2012
Latest date your application can arrive at USCIS: July 11, 2012

Important Dates/Times for Summer Graduates

Earliest date USCIS can accept applications: May 6, 2012
Last day to submit OPT applications to ISSS: September 17, 2012
Latest date your application can arrive at USCIS: October 3, 2012

Be aware that due to time limits on OPT eligibility, applications processed at the end of the semester may not receive a full 12 months of post-completion OPT. It's in your best interest to apply early. You also need to be aware that we do not recommend travel outside of the U.S. while your post-completion OPT request is pending.

For students seeking pre-completion OPT (OPT during your academic program), remember the 3 month processing time while deciding when to file your OPT application. You would not be able to begin employment until you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and the start date printed on it has arrived. If you are interested in applying for pre-completion OPT please contact the ISSS front desk at 314-516-5229 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Please also see the OPT information pages on our website.