There are several common pitfalls that can occur when filling out the I-765 application forms for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Therefore, it is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney when applying for OPT.
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For example, one student applying for OPT did not turn in all the pages of I-765. There was no real guidance on what to do with the blank pages, so the student submitted it without them. This resulted in the application being rejected.
The student did not receive the rejected application soon enough to fix the issues within the specified time frame. This resulted in the application being rejected again. The student then could not re-file or fight the rejection. If a student has their degree but did not successfully apply for OPT, they may not be able to stay and work in the country.
Students should also avoid writing any part of the I-765 by hand. One student filled out the application by hand, and the form ended up being misread by USCIS. The student was eventually approved, but they had to wait six months for their EAD and pay the necessary fees multiple times.
Part of the problem is that the applications are processed by an automated machine. This means there is no person looking at the data to make sure it is accurate. A human only looks at the data when moving the application forward. This makes it very important to make sure an application is typed and clearly legible.
Consulting a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can help you avoid the common pitfalls that can jeopardize your application. To learn more, call Hacking Immigration Law, LLC today.
