If you are an international student on the F-1 visa and will complete your studies in May or July 2009, please consider whether you’d like to extend your stay in the U.S. by applying for a one year work permit (29 months if you major in Sciences, Technology, Math or Engineering). For more information visit: http://www.valdosta.edu/iss/new/OPT.shtml

Be reminded that the application fee has increased to $340.

To help you sort out all the questions regarding OPT there will be an OPT WORKSHOP on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 4 pm at the Center for International Programs. Plan to attend if you are thinking about applying for OPT. I will provide the necessary forms and we will go through all the application requirements and the deadlines.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is the one year of off-campus work permission granted per each level of study obtained in the US.

If you wish to do OPT after you graduate you need to apply for Employment Authorization from the USCIS. According to the new regulations it is recommended that you apply for OPT 90 days prior to graduation. Detailed information about OPT can be found at http://www.valdosta.edu/iss/new/OPT.shtml