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OPT OPT Dates and Deadlines If you are graduating in Spring 2013 you may apply for beginning February 17th Please note that the IC's processing time is approximately 3 weeks, and the processing time from USCIS receipt notice date until your EAD arrives is currently 3 months (see USCIS.gov for details). Apply as soon as you are certain that you will complete your program in May 2013. OPT processing and mailing rules: Complete the OPT Tutorial on the International Center website. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, in fact waiting for a job offer can cause your start date to be delayed due to processing times. Your OPT application MAY NOT reach USCIS more than 90 days before your program end date listed on your OPT I-20. Your OPT STEM application MAY NOT reach USCIS more than 90 days before your OPT expiration date listed on your EAD. Your OPT or OPT extension MUST reach USCIS no more than 30 days after your OPT request is listed in the SEVIS system. This is the date that the IC advisor signed your I-20 when you 1st applied for OPT. You must review the reminder handout provided with your OPT application for the exact timeframe the OPT must reach USCIS. If you disregard these timelines, your OPT/Extension application may be DENIED or DELAYED due to receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. If you will complete your program during the Spring 2013 term, you may apply starting February 17th, 2013, if you are certain that you will complete your program during the Spring term. Please see above concerning OPT processing times and mailing rules for spring program end dates. Co-Op Student currently working on Co-ops can now renew for Spring 2013! Students who are currently working on co-ops and wish to renew for the Spring, can submit their Work Term Evaluations and on-line applications to the CMC. For more information, please go to www.cmc.iit.edu. Students who plan to begin a coop or internship this Spring can make an appointment to meet with their CMC advisor now to submit their forms for approval and processing. For more information on Co-op and Internships, please go to www.cmc.iit.edu. Remember, F1 students must be approved for CPT before beginning or returning to work. This means having the new CPT I-20 with the work authorization.

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