Change in Immigration Policy That Impacts Seminarians
On Monday, April 12, 2021, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) online. Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, is completed to request both pre-completion and post-completion OPT. OPT allows international students up to one year of practical employment in the US. This can be completed during their studies, pre-completion, or more commonly, after graduation, post-completion.
The I-756 is one of eleven forms that are now available online. USCIS is working toward a paperless system. This change simplifies the OPT application process and reduces the possibility of denial due to postal delays. For more information, please contact ppomerleau@shsst.edu or you may contact UCSIS directly at uscis.gov.
In order to support our sponsors with these types of issues, Sacred Heart is creating an Immigration Hub on our website, which will house procedural guidelines and helpful tips. Please see the Immigration Connection for Sponsors page for more information. Additional information will be added as it is received.