Optional Practical Training If you feel that you are eligible for OPT and would benefit from practical training in your field of study, request a recommendation from the I.S.S.S. Director. A Wilson College DSO has to recommend you for OPT in SEVIS and provide you with an updated I-20 showing the recommendation. You will submit the updated I-20 with the application for employment authorization. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. However, the approval time for OPT may be months, and you must pay a fee to Department of Homeland Security when applying for authorization. What do I need for OPT? You must supply the following items in order to apply for OPT: A completed Wilson College OPT recommendation form available on the Wilson web site Copies of all your I-20's A completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, available online Photocopy of your I-94 (front and back) Photocopies of EAD (front and back), if you had prior EAD(s) Photocopies of passport (photo page, renewal page, amendments pages) Photocopy of visa page Two new passport photos with your I-94 number and your name written lightly on the back in pencil $380 as a check or money order made payable to U. S. Department of Homeland Security (check this amount because it may change) Bring your completed packet to the International Student & Scholar Services office for review. A recommendation will be made in SEVIS and a new I-20 issued. You may then mail the application packet for processing. You may not participate in OPT until you receive authorization from USCIS. Again, this process can take months!
