Office of Visa Services, Princeton University

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Optional Practical Training Checklist

Please read all information carefully and submit the following (UNSTAPLED) to the Office of Visa Services (OVS):

Academic Advisor Recommendation Letter - Note: No additional letter is necessary. The form must be completed and signed by your advisor prior to submitting it to OVS;

Form I-538 - Note; You only need to complete Section A; Item 7 (employment start and end dates) and Item 8 (signature and date). This form stays on file with the OVS.

Form I-765 - Note; When filling out the form, please follow the instructions:

Check the Permission to accept employment box.

Complete items 1-16, sign and date.

The codes for item 16 are:

       (c)(3)(A) for Pre-completion OPT

       (c)(3)(B) for Post-completion OPT

       (c)(3)(C) for 17-month extension for STEM Students (Students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)

Make sure the mailing address you provide on this form will be valid for at least 90 days.

USCIS mail is not forwarded if you move, even if you change your address with the post office.

You may use your departmental address if you wish.

Sign the form in BLUE INK.

Copies of the following:

The most recent F-1 visa stamp in your passport (except for Canadian citizens)

Both sides of your I-94 card (small, white card stapled into your passport)

The identity page(s) of your passport, including the expiration date

Photocopies of all of your current AND previously issued I-20s (both front and back) from all U.S. academic institutions you have attended. Make sure that all I-20’s have your signature in item #11.

Two (2) Identical Color Passport-style Photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of the application:

The photographs must be a full frontal face position and meet the specifications for full frontal/passport photos. For more information on photo standard, Visit the Department of State website or contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Photos may be obtained within walking distance: Image Photo, 42 Witherspoon Street (921-6644), Princeton Photo Lab, 126 Nassau Street (683-1211), Pryde Brown, 180 Nassau Street (924-9792).

Print your name and I-94 number in pencil on the back of each picture.

$340 check or money order payable to "US Citizenship and Immigration Services." The USCIS will not accept cash.

Employment Authorization Documents (if you have received an EAD card from the USCIS in the past, you will need to attach a readable copy of both sides to the application)