Alabama - Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) Work Permit

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Procedure

Apply In-Person:

1. The applicant has to reach out designated school official at their academic institution for the application. Here is the link
2. An application form is also available at the following Link
3. The applicant should make sure to carry all the documents that are mentioned under the “Required Documents” section of this page (Both photocopies and originals).
4. Applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the form and attach the photocopies of the documents that are needed along with the application form before submitting.
5. The fee for this procedure has been mentioned under the “Fees” section of this page.
6. Concerned authorities will look into the application form and submitted documents before providing an approval.
7. After getting approval from concerned authorities, permit will be provided within 21-30 days.

Apply Online

1. Application is available in the following Link
2. If the applicant is an existing user, they can login directly using their “Email” and “Password”.
3. If the applicant is a new user, they have to register first by clicking on the “Create an account” option.
4. Select "File a Form Online" and choose "Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)".
5. An applicant has to provide their own email address when they create an account.
6. While registering, applicant has to provide all necessary information in the application form and finally click on “Sign Up” button.
7. Once the registration is successful, the applicant can login with their “Email” and “Password”.
8. After logging in, the applicant has to choose the service necessary for them.
9. The Applicant must provide all information necessary for the application procedure online.
10. Necessary documents can be found under the “Required documents” section of this page.
11. The Fee for this procedure can be paid online via credit card through form. Here is the link Payment through credit card
12. After getting approval from concerned authorities, permit will be provided within 21-30 days.

Apply by Mail

1. Application is available in the following link
2. The applicant has to fill-in the details in the form.
3. Applicant should make sure to include all the necessary documents along with the passport size photographs.
4. Place signed form, passport size photo, previously issues passport, and fee for the procedure in an envelope.
5. Mail the envelope to the appropriate office. Office address has been mentioned in the “Office locations and Contacts” of this page.

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Required Documents

• Application form Link
• Copy of Social Security number (SSN) (Only if applicable)
• Copy of EAD Card (Only if applicable.)
• Photos (Make sure this is in a secure envelope so that they do not fall out.)
• Method of Payment(If you're paying by check or money order, staple it to the first page of the I-765; if you're paying by credit card, use form G-1450 as the first page of the packet.)
• For more details Link

Office Locations & Contacts

Location: Phoenix
Mailing Address:
USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: AOS
P.O. Box 20500
Phoenix, AZ 85036-0500

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: AOS (Box 20500)
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix,
AZ 85034-4850
Contact Link

Eligibility

• F-1(Academic) students.
• F-1 student with a STEM degree from a school listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List (PDF)
• Employed by an employer who is enrolled in and using E-Verify; and received your first award of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.
• For each degree level the applicant completes, are eligible for 12 months of post-completion OPT as long as it is higher than the preceding degree.

Fees

• The USCIS charges $410 for an OPT application.

Validity

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) Work Permit has 12 months Validity Period.

Documents to Use

• An application form is available at the following Link

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• The processing time for this procedure is 21-30 days.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&>
from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the emptags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.gIn the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• The directions for uploading the material on USCIS's portal are quite self-explanatory. Keep a close eye on them. You'll be able to upload all of the necessary supporting documentation here:
  • Photographs in the format of a passport (2 x 2)
  • I-94 Record
  • Make a note of one of the following:
• Recently given Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card); or a government-issued identity document (such as a passport) with your photo, name, and birth date. Your personal details and facial features must be clearly visible on the identity paper.
• After we processed your 'OPT I-20 Recommendation Application,' upload the I-20 you obtained from OISS.
• Applicants for STEM OPT:
• If you're applying for a STEM OPT Extension, you'll notice additional areas on this page where you can upload your transcripts and diploma.

Required Information

The information needed to be filled in the application form are listed below:

• Reason for Applying
• Information about the Applicant
• Applicant’s
  • Statement
  • Contact Information
  • Declaration
  • Certification
  • Signature
• Interpreter’s
  • Contact Information
  • Certification
  • Signature
• Preparer’s (if other than the Applicant)
  • Contact Information
  • Declaration
  • Signature
• Additional Information

Need for the Document

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) is part-time work that is connected to an F-1 student's major field of study.
• Eligible students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) finishing their academic education (post-completion).
• All pre-completion OPT periods, however, will be deducted from the possible post-completion OPT term.

Information which might help

Please provide more information that might help

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

• Certain aliens in the United States can request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (EAD).
• Other aliens whose immigration status allows them to work in the United States without restriction can apply for an EAD through USCIS using Form I-765.

External Links

Place some external links which might help.

Others

More information which might help people.