Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request

Introduction

The instructions below are to help guide international students through the process of navigating to and submitting an Optional Practical Training (OPT) request, which is used when an international student is applying for OPT after completing their program. 

 

Instructions

Navigation Instructions:

Upon login (https://stcloudstate-isss.terradotta.com), the landing page will display your personal information at the top, which remains the same throughout the portal. The lower portion of the page will change as you move between the three main sections:

Personal & Program 

Includes general personal information, academic details, contact information, and dependent information (if applicable).

Control Center 

Shows a summary of your requests—Ongoing requests, Completed requests, Documents, CPT summary, OPT summary, and Available Requests. 

Screenshot of a welcome page within the Terra Dotta ISSS platform that shows a picture of a flag that says "Home of the Huskies" with the Blizzard husky logo surrounded by tree leaves. The screenshot also shows where users can locate a snapshot of personal information at the top of the screen, as well as toggles just below the personal information that allow a user to navigate through important updates, personal and program information, and a control center.

Important Updates

Announcements pertaining specifically to you.

Screenshot of the Terra Dotta ISSS platform that shows a user's personal information at the top with toggled navigation options just below the personal information. The first toggle, "Important Updates" is highlighted.

Personal & Program

General personal information, Academic information, Contact information, Dependent information (if applicable), and Other information (if applicable). 

Screenshot of Terra Dotta ISSS that shows a user's personal information at the top with toggled options that can be clicked through below the personal information. The second toggle, "Personal & Program", is highlighted.

Control Center

Summary of requests- Ongoing requests, Completed requests, Documents, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) summary, Optional Practical Training (OPT) summary, and Available requests. 

Screenshot of Terra Dotta ISSS page that shows three toggled options at the top of the page with the third option, "Control Center" highlighted. Below the toggled options on the left side there is a category that shows a user's ongoing requests, and another category of completed requests below the ongoing requests category. On the right side below the toggled options, there is a messages that shows this user has no pending messages, and below that is a category of requests available through the Terra Dotta ISSS platform.

OPT Request Instructions: 

This section guides you to begin your OPT Request. 
• From the list of available request options, click “OPT Request.” 
• This request is used when applying for Optional Practical Training after completing your program. 
• Once selected, the OPT Request form will open. 

Screenshot of a grid of available requests with OPT Request circled.

Section 2 – Reading the OPT Instructions

This section provides important information about OPT.
• Carefully read the instructions explaining OPT eligibility and timing.
• Do not apply to USCIS until you receive your OPT I-20 from CIS.
• If you need help on any specific field, click the blue question mark icons for guidance.
• After reviewing the instructions, scroll down to begin the questionnaire.

Section 3 – Completing the OPT Employment Questionnaire

This section collects your educational details for OPT.
• Enter any employment remarks if needed.
• Select your Education Level from the dropdown menu.
• Make sure the information accurately matches your degree level.
• Click Next when finished.


Screenshot of an OPT Request form

Section 4 – Uploading Required OPT Documents

This section requires documents for the OPT review.
• Upload the draft I-765 form using the Browse button.
• Follow the link provided to download and complete the draft I-765.
• If you have previous OPT authorizations, upload your previous EAD cards or I-20s.
• Continue after all required files are uploaded.

Screenshot of an OPT Extension Documents file upload form.

Section 5 – Uploading the OPT Processing Fee Receipt

This section verifies your OPT administrative payment.
• Upload a copy of your receipt for the $100 OPT Administrative Processing Fee.
• Follow the instructions in the description to process your payment.
• You may pay online, by phone, or in person.
• After uploading your receipt, continue to the next section.

Screenshot of an OPT Request form

Section 6 – Insurance Waiver Upload (If Applicable)

This section is optional and only needed if you are submitting insurance documents.
• If applicable, upload your Student Health Insurance Petition for Refund form.
• If you have other insurance-related documents, upload them in this section.
• Click Next once completed or skip if not applicable.

Screenshot of an OPT Request form.

Section 7 – OPT Acknowledgement Signature

This section confirms your understanding of OPT requirements.
• Read the full acknowledgement statement carefully.
• Confirm that your personal information in e-Services is correct.
• Check the box confirming you have read and understood the information.
• Click Next to continue.

Screenshot of an OPT Acknowledgement Signature screen

Section 8 – Degree Questions for OPT

This section collects details about your program and graduation.
• Enter your academic program, graduation term, and academic advisor’s name.
• Enter your program end date.
• If the degree completion date is not correct, select No and provide the correct date and an explanation.
• Answer whether you have previous OPT authorizations.
• Click Next when finished.

Screenshot of Degree Questions on an OPT form

Screenshot of a question about date of degree completion on an OPT request form

Section 9 – Approver Information

This section collects your academic advisor’s approval details.
• Enter your Approver Name and Approver Email.
• Provide their title, organization, phone number, and role.
• After completing all required fields, click Submit or Save as Draft.

Screenshot of Approver Information screen on an OPT request form

It will take 5–7 business days to process your OPT request. Please monitor your email address for messages from the processing team – Academic Advisor, ISSS Processor, or DSO.

When applying for OPT in the same semester, after 7 business days, if you do not receive your OPT I-20 after checking your SCSU email, feel free to email international@stcloudstate.edu to follow up on your request.

If you are applying for OPT close to your program end date AND you are within 3 business days of your program completion AND you do not have any email communication from CIS requesting more information AND you have not yet received your OPT I-20, reach out to international@stcloudstate.edu to follow up on your request.

 

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