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ARTICLE · 30 APRIL 2021

USCIS Eases F-1 Student Optional Practical Training Completion Requirement Following Receipt And Adjudication Delays

Duane Morris LLP
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Given substantial delays in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's (USCIS) issuance of receipt notices and adjudication of I-765 applications for employment authorization by F-1 students...

United StatesImmigration
Duane Morris
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Due to various factors, USCIS has experienced extensive delays in processing F-1 OPT applications.

Given substantial delays in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's (USCIS) issuance of receipt notices and adjudication of I-765 applications for employment authorization by F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT), USCIS is making it easier for students to complete their 12-month OPT within the requisite 14 months.

F-1 students seeking post-graduation work authorization may apply for OPT for up to 12 months on Form I-765, and by regulation must complete these 12 months of OPT within 14 months of the end of their program of studies. Students may submit Form I-765 within 90 days prior to completion of their program. In the past, students would commonly receive the OPT employment authorization card within two to three months of filing.

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Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.

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