Wesley Theological Seminary

God's call is bold. Your seminary should be, too.

Menu
  • Study
    • What Wesley degree Is right for me?
    • Masters Degrees
      • Masters of Divinity
        • UMC Requirements
        • Close
      • Masters of Arts
      • Masters of Theological Studies
      • Close
    • Field Education: Practice in Ministry and Mission
    • Student Pastor Program
    • Doctor of Ministry
    • Non-degree
    • Certificate in Children and Youth Ministry & Advocacy (CYMA)
    • National Capital Experiences
    • Faith and Public Life Immersion for Undergraduates
    • Course of Study
    • Resources
      • My Wesley
      • Academic Catalog
      • Course Schedule
      • Library
      • Student Writing Center
      • Office of the Reigstrar
      • Local Churches
      • Close
    • Close
  • Discover
    • Welcome!
    • Admissions
    • Choose a Wesley degree as unique as your call…
    • Visit Us
    • About Us
    • Faculty
      • Faculty Directory
      • Adjunct Faculty
      • Department Directory
      • Close
    • Community Life
      • Wesley Safety and Regulatory Information
      • CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid for Students
      • Close
    • Chapel Worship
    • WTS Campus Master Plan
    • Current Openings
    • Community Engagement Institute
    • The Lewis Center
    • The Luce Center
    • Partners Schools and Programs
    • Close
  • Apply
    • Try a Class at Wesley
    • Office of the Registrar
      • Academic Catalog
      • Academic Calendar
      • Close
    • Student Information
      • Course of Study
      • International Students
      • Housing
      • Close
    • Financial Aid
    • Apply Now
    • Close
  • Request Info
  • Alumni
  • Give
  • My Wesley

OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Menu
  • Welcome to ISS!
  • About ISS
    • ISS Services
    • ISS-By-The-Numbers
    • Close
  • New Students
    • Pre-Arrival Checklist
    • Arrival & Orientation
    • Close
  • F-1 Rules and Regulations
    • Maintaining Status
    • Change of Visa Status
    • Graduation & Completion of Program
    • Close
  • Employment
    • On-Campus Employment
    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
    • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
    • Taxes
    • Close
  • Travel & Visas
    • F-1 Visa Information
    • Close
  • Resources
    • English Language & Writing Resources
    • Driver’s Licence & SSN
    • Finding A Lawyer
    • Healthcare
    • Family & Children
    • Forms
    • Close

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit for F-1 students who wish to gain work experience in their major field of study. Eligible students may be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. There are both Pre-Completion (during your program) and Post-Completion (after your program) OPT options. Most students select the Post-Completion option, which is the focus of this page. Please consult ISS if you are interested in Pre-Completion OPT information.

Please note that this page provides a general overview of Post-Completion OPT. The most comprehensive information on the OPT process would be provided at the OPT Training Session held each semester. The training session reviews the detailed nuances of completing form I-765 and other application pitfalls. Students are required to attend a training session prior to being recommended for OPT and issued a new OPT I-20.
OPT APPLICATION PROCESS: AT-A-GLANCE
OPT Application Process, Step 1: Attend OPT Training Session
FOR ACCESS TO FULL OPT APPLICATION GUIDE + TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION COMPLETION.
OPT Application Process, Step 2: Submit Completion of Program Form
SUBMIT THIS FORM TO THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE IN ADVANCE OF OAR SESSION.
OPT Application Process, Step 3: Complete OPT Application
COMPLETE ALL FORMS AND GATHER ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS.
OPT Application Process, Step 4: Attend OAR Session & Receive OPT I-20
REFER TO THE OPT CHECKLIST FOR ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BRING TO APPOINTMENT.
OPT Application Process, Step 5: Mail Application to USCIS within 30 Days of I-20 Issuance
APPLICATIONS NOT RECEIVED BY USCIS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF I-20 ISSUANCE WILL BE DENIED.
OPT Application Process, Step 6: Wait for Response (2-3 Months)
CONFIRMATION RECEIPTS SENT WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS, & APPROVAL NOTICE SENT WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS.
OPT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
POST-COMPLETION OPT REQUIREMENTS Expand

Following are the eligibility requirements for applying for Post-Completion OPT:

  • You must have been in valid F-1 status for one academic year.
  • You must be completing your program within the next 90 days (or by the end of the semester in which you intend to apply).
  • A job offer not required for application.
PRE-COMPLETION OPT REQUIREMENTS Expand
FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING DOCTORAL THESIS Expand
OPT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
WESLEY'S OPT PROCESS Expand
  1. Attend an OPT informational session.
  2. Submit Completion of Academic Program form.
  3. Schedule an OPT Application Review (OAR) session with ISS.
  4. Prepare all application materials prior to OAR session.
  5. Attend OAR session. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes for the appointment. Bring all required documents.
  6. Gather remaining items for USCIS application.  Verify completeness using OPT Checklist.
  7. Mail all items. Using a mail tracking service is highly recommended (DHL, FedEx, UPS or USPS tracking options).
    > Expect a confirmation receipt from USCIS within 2-3 weeks.
    > Expect an approval or denial notice from USCIS within 2-3 months.
    > Setup your online account to check for case status updates.
REQUESTING YOUR OPT I-20 Expand
OPT APPLICATION CHECKLIST
OPT CHECKLIST Expand
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE USCIS OPT APPLICATION 
  • Original completed form I-765 (in BLACK ink, no corrections); 
    Complete the form online, print it and sign it in BLACK ink only.
  • (Optional) Original completed form G-1145 (in BLACK ink, no corrections);
    Complete the form online, print it and sign it in BLACK ink only.
  • Copy of your OPT I-20 (issued by ISS after your OPT Application Review Session).
  • Copies of all other I-20s (all previous and current from all institutions attended);
    If missing an I-20, write a memo or contact the school that issued the I-20/s
  • Copy of your Valid Passport (you must renew if expired or expiring w/in 6 months);
  • Copy of your F-1 Visa;
  • Copy of your I-94 card (front and back) OR a print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html;
  • Copy of a Previous EAD Card, if applicable;
  • 2 passport size photos;
  • A Cashier’s Check, Personal Check or Money Order for $380.00 (payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security). Include your SEVIS number on the “For” line.
MAILING INSTRUCTIONS Expand

For students mailing applications from DC/VA/MD, use one of the two following mailing options to send your application to the USCIS DALLAS LOCKBOX:

  1. Express Mail
    If using FedEx, DHL or UPS, please use the following address:

    USCIS
    Attn: AOS
    2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
    Suite 400
    Lewisville, TX 75067

  2. U.S. Postal Service Mail (USPS)
    If using USPS, choose the Priority Mail option and use the following address:

    USCIS
    PO Box 660867
    Dallas, TX 75266

30 DAY RULE Expand

USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of your new OPT I-20 issuance date. If not received within 30 days, OPT will be denied and appeal is not possible.

OPT EMPLOYMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
EMPLOYMENT & UNEMPLOYMENT Expand
  • You will be required to secure full-time employment in your field of study. You may also accept a (legitimate) volunteer position.
  • Full-time for OPT means 20 hours or more per week. Don’t confuse this with what employers consider full-time (40 hours/week). From an employer perspective, you are looking for part-time work.
  • You have an unemployment window of 90 days from OPT start date in which to find employment.
  • You MUST report employment to ISS within 10 days.
  • NEW POLICY THIS YEAR: One your SEVIS accounts hits 90 days of unemployment, your I-20 will automatically be terminated.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Expand

While participating in your OPT employment, you continue to have important reporting responsibilities to your DSO. The following reporting is mandated by federal law as a requirement of maintaining your F-1 status during your OPT year.

Employment Information Reporting

Report the following employment information by email to ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu  within 10 days:

  • Employment position/job title;
  • Employment type (paid, unpaid internship, volunteer);
  • Employment duration (dates and hours per week);
  • Contact information for supervisor;
  • Brief description of your work and how it is related to your degree.
Personal Information Reporting

Report the following personal information by email to ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu  within 10 days:

  • Name and Address changes;
Additional Reporting/Communication Topics

The above reporting is mandated by federal law as a requirement of maintaining your F-1 status during your OPT year. However, there are several other topics that you should also communicate about with ISS, including:

  • Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) during the OPT application process (contact ISS immediately for assistance);
  • Receipt of EAD card (send scan of front and back of EAD card to ISS once it is received);
  • Lost EAD or incorrect data on EAD;
  • Travel outside the U.S. while OPT application is pending or approved;
  • Any changes from F-1 to another status (e.g. R-1, H1-B, etc.).
OPT Reporting Reminder Graphic

QUICK LINKS

>  Wesley Completion of Academic Program Form
>  DHS Form I-765: 
     Application for Employment Authorization
>  DHS Form I-94 Digital Record Access
>  USCIS Form G-1145:
      e-Notification of Application Acceptance
>  USCIS Application Status Monitoring

UPCOMING TRAININGS

OPT Application & Authorization

Monday, February 1, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Library, Large Classroom

OPT Employment & Reporting Requirements

Monday, May 2, 2016
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Library, Large Classsroom

CONTACT ISS

Email: ksantiago@wesleyseminary.edu
Phone: +1 (202) 885.6069
Twitter: @WesleyISS

OFFICE HOURS

Walk-In Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 
12:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: by appointment.

The ISS office operates M-W 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Thursday by appointment.

ADVISER ADVICE

"Working at Starbucks would not be considered employment in your field . . . even if you are blessing the coffee!"

Contact Us
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
p 202.885.8600
f 202.885.8605
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Apply
Who We Are
Support Wesley
Admissions
Academics
My Wesley
Resources
Alumni
Community Life
Consumer Information
Update Your Information

Wesley Logo

© 2023 Wesley Theological Seminary

Copyright © 2023 · Wesley Theological Seminary on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Read the latest information from Wesley regarding COVID-19 and the reopening of campus