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Optional Practical Training (OPT) Information

U.S. Regulations offer Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities to eligible students. While on OPT, students gain hands-on experience in the field of their major for up to 12 months. At Palomar College, students may request the recommendation for their post completion OPT application as they become ready to graduate with the Associate Degree and/or the Certificate of Achievement.

What is OPT?  Click here to read.

Eligibility for OPT.

How do I Apply For OPT? 

BE SURE TO REVIEW THE “WHAT IS OPT” PRESENTATION THOROUGHLY

Online Application

Mail in Application

Required Documents:

  1. I-765 Form. See instructions for I-765 here.
  2. Digital Passport Photo in color (2×2 in size)
  3. Most recent I-94 form – retrieve from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
  4. Scanned copy of your passport ID page
  5. Scanned copy of your F1 student visa
  6. Scanned copy of your most recent I-20 with OPT Recommendation
  7. Scanned copies of all the I-20 forms that you have ever received
  8. Application fee ($470 for the online application and $520 for the main-in application) Make the check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Online Application

  1. Create a USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) account at USCIS Online Account | Welcome to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  2. Login at USCIS Online Account | Welcome to US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  3. For step-by-step instruction, visit step-by-step-instruction-of-online-opt-application-0827.pdf (uoregon.edu).(Created by University of Oregon)
  4. If you need assistance from the Office of International Education staff, make an appointment via email at internationalstudents@palomar.edu – on the subject line, type “Requesting Help for Online OPT Application”.

Mail in Application

Mail the required documents to:
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680-5374

  • Ask for “return receipt request” at the U.S. Postal Service office.
  • You must submit your OPT application within 30 days of your OPT recommendation.

    • While your application is pending:

    • Avoid moving to a new place, if possible

    • If you have to move, please email your new address to us at internationalstudents@palomar.edu. 

    • When you receive the form I-797C (Notice of Action) from the service center, please email a copy of the form to the Office if International Education.