If you are graduating in the Fall of 2008 (undergraduates and graduate students) and would like to apply for OPT (employment authorization) with a January or February 2009 date, please read the following message:

• You must complete and submit an application to USCIS before the end of the semester. Students MUST submit their OPT request before their graduation date.
  

• A student is not permitted to submit an OPT requests after the completion of the course of study and/or graduation. This deadline must be met, USCIS will not allow the students to petition OPT even one day after the semester is over.

• You can petition your OPT 90 days in advance of the last day of the semester.

Definition of OPT

• Temporary employment for practical training directly related to the studentÕs major area of study and commensurate with degree level.


• Allows a maximum of 12 months of practical experience.


• Students do not need to secure employment before applying for OPT.


• Requires USCIS approval

Preconditions for OPT

• Students may engage in OPT after being enrolled for at least one full academic year.


• OPT is available before and after completion of the educational objective, but different rules apply to pre- and post Ðcompletion OPT.


• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months into the future.


• Prior use of full-time CPT for one year or more makes you ineligible for OPT.

Pre-completion OPT

• 20 hours/week limit while school is in session and the student still has coursework to complete.


• Over 20 during official school breaks as long as student is currently enrolled, and intends to register for next term (full-time).


• Only graduate students can apply for pre-completion OPT

Post-completion OPT

• Over 20 hours after student has completed all course requirements for the degree while completing a thesis or dissertation.


• Only full-time OPT can be requested.


• Undergraduate students can request OPT only after completion of the course of study.


• Graduate students can apply for OPT after completion of the course of study while completing the thesis, dissertation or equivalent work.

NOTE: Must sign-up 2 days prior to the workshop. Notification will not be sent if the workshops are cancelled if no-one signs up on time.

Workshop Dates for Spring 2009

For questions and/or individual Curricular Practical Training and/ or Optional Practical Training meetings, contact:

Amie Limon: amie_limon@mail.uri.edu
Chris Cho: chrischo@mail.uri.edu

Appointment Request for OPT Workshop