SENIOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION
After “completion of studies” (last day of exams – NOT graduation ceremony -- since some students “complete studies” in December), you may remain in the United States up to 60 days to get your affairs in order (before returning to your home country). If you are on OPT or CPT, the 60 days begins at the end of that program.
OPT – Optional Practical Training
International students who are completing their bachelor degree may apply to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) for OPT. Optional Practical Training is a one year extension on your visa to allow you to work in the United States during the year after graduation to put to use what you learned while earning your degree. You should apply at the beginning of your last semester. Optional Practical Training is pretty much automatic, but it takes up to four months or longer to be approved after you apply. If you want to apply for the one year OPT, come to the office of Georgia Ude and pick up application information. (The application fee is now $340 and you will need two official immigration photographs that will cost about $10.) You must be “in status” and in good standing with MMC to apply.
CPT – Curricular Practical Training
CPT is allowed (whether paid or unpaid) if it is an integral part of your degree program. If you are involved in any kind of internship program connected with your graduation requirements (i.e. Sport Management majors) that information must be entered into your electronic SEVIS record. Contact the Internation Student Advisor with any additional questions.
More Information on CPT
Change of Address
Even while you are on OPT or CPT and no longer physically at Martin Methodist College, you are still in our SEVIS records until after your OPT year plus 60 days has elapsed. Therefore, YOU MUST KEEP US APRISED OF YOUR ADDRESS EACH TIME YOU MOVE, so we can enter that information into your SEVIS electronic record as required by immigration law.
