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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Eligibility

F-1 students are eligible to apply for the post-completion OPT if:

  • They have been approved for graduation from any non-ESL program at IAU.
  • Have not previously been approved for OPT at the same or a higher educational level.
  • Have not engaged in 12 or more months of full-time CPT.

Process

1

Speak With An Academic Advisor

If this is your last semester, please speak with your academic advisor to petition for graduation.

In order to apply for OPT, the student must first petition for graduation and receive a Notice of Graduation Eligibility. OPT eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply about 60-90 days prior to their graduation date to ensure timely filing.

Fill out the correct graduation petition:

ASBA Grad Petition and Evaluation
BBA Grad Petition and Evaluation
BBA-Acc Grad Petition and Evaluation
MBA Grad Petition and Evaluation
MBA-BAn Grad Petition and Evaluation
MBA-MIS Grad Petition and Evaluation
DBA Grad Petition and Evaluation
DM Grad Petition and Evaluation

2

Notice of Graduation Eligibility

Receive your Notice of Graduation Eligibility from the Office of the Registrar following your graduation petition submission.

3

Contact Career Services

Contact Career Services at [email protected] to learn what documents must be collected, and send them back for review.

4

One-on-One Appointment

Once your documents are reviewed, Career Services will schedule a one-on-one appointment with you to help you submit your I-765 Application for Employment Authorization on your USCIS portal.

5

Wait for a Decision from USCIS

Wait for a decision from USCIS on your I-765 application and keep Career Services updated.

OPT Application Assistance

Be advised that while IAU offers guidance on applying for the Optional Practical Training (OPT), this assistance does not constitute legal advice, and F-1 students bear sole responsibility for submitting accurate and complete application documents to USCIS. IAU cannot guarantee the outcome of any OPT application or be held responsible for any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS. F-1 students acknowledge and accept that they hold ultimate responsibility for their OPT application and must ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

After OPT Approval

Students on OPT must report any employment or employment changes to the International Student Services [email protected] within 90 days from the approved OPT start date (as noted on your EAD card). Please submit the following:

  • OPT Job Offer Letter – must contain Employment Identification Number (EIN); Your employment must be related to the field of your study.
  • Copy of EAD card.

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