Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Follow these steps for the Online Process - Download the OPT/STEM Checklist here.
STEP 1
Complete the "South Dakota Mines OPT Request Form" with your major professor/advisor (Link to form). DO NOT send this form to USCIS. It is for the Ivanhoe International Center ONLY. We cannot continue with your application request until this has been signed.

• • If you have a job offer, fill out the OPT Reporting Form
• • Send the OPT Request form to the Ivanhoe International Center for your OPT I-20: international@sdsmt.edu.
• ◦ The new I-20 is REQUIRED for your application
• ◦ Your application WILL BE REJECTED if you attempted to file without the new I-20

STEP 2

• • Download the OPT/STEM Checklist to ensure you have all required documents, in the proper format, ready to upload to your application.

STEP 3
Complete the online process within 30 days of receiving the OPT I-20. It will be REJECTED if the date of the I-20 is more than 30 days from the date of the application. Example: I-20 date is May 1, Application date is May 31 - that is more than 30 days and will be rejected.

• • Want help with the online form or gathering electronic documents? Set up an appointment.

For online filling information:

• • Go to: US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• ◦ Create an account with your personal (Not South Dakota Mines) email account.
• • Does not have to be the same email as your SEVIS Portal Email
• • Follow the instructions for setting up a password
• • When you are logged in to your account, you will select 'My USCIS'
• ◦ Then Select 1) Applicant and 2) File a form online
• ◦ The Authorization you are applying for:
• • Post-Completion OPT: (c)(3)(B)
• • Complete the Form
• ◦ You will be asked to upload the documents - The OPT Checklist has the names of each section where each required document needs to be uploaded.
• • Once completed and paid, download a copy for your records

You should set your notifications to receive both text messages and emails so you do not miss anything. Log into your account on a weekly basis to check if anything has been changed or if there is any action items for your application. Set a reminder on your calender to do this.

On March 23, 2018, the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) launched the SEVP Portal for students on OPT. On Day 1 of your approved OPT, you will receive an email from SEVP with instructions on how to create an account. This is optional but highly encouraged.

The SEVP Portal does NOT replace the Ivanhoe International Center's own reporting system - OPT Reporting form (see link above). You still must report changes to us.

Please see our During the F1 OPT/STEM OPT and Unemployment During OPT/STEM OPT page for more information regarding your requirements during OPT. This includes updating your personal or employment information, as well as what counts as employment and unemployment.