DOS Standard Operating Procedures on OPT and the I-20
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY KABUL
AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY BUJUMBURA
UNCLAS STATE 008466
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES 58: OPTIONAL PRACTICAL
TRAINING AND THE I-20
REF: 9 FAM 41.161 NOTE 12
1. Posts are reminded to review the I-20 carefully when adjudicating student visa applications for persons who will continue in a program of optional practical training (OPT) after classes. Page 3 of the student's I-20 must be properly annotated by a designated school official (DSO) before additional time in F-visa status can be approved.
2. Students are eligible for up to twelve months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements, per 9 FAM 41.61 note 12.4-2. OPT is separate from a student's academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the student's academic program or in the completed study date. Therefore, students applying for a visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. These I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an optional practical training program that extends beyond the end of the regular period of study. This annotation can be found on page 3 of the student's I-20. In addition, the student must have proof of DHS receipt of application or approval for a practical training program, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or an I-797 indicating that the student has applied for DHS approval for an OPT program.
3. SEVIS records should be updated to reflect the addition of OPT. There should be a new, separate entry in the SEVIS data base indicating an OPT program. If this entry has not been made, an F-1 visa cannot be issued. Students whose SEVIS records have not been updated should contact their school. Consular officers should note that the SEVIS-DOS interface does not include OPT information. The I-20 is the only place where the consular officer can see the OPT information.
4. An optional practical training program is limited to twelve months total. Like other students, OPT students have 60 days following completion of the course or practical training within which to depart the U.S.