Optional Practical Training Master Class: Best Practices, Common Issues, and Troubleshooting

Thursday, June 2, 2022

9:30 AM – 10:20 AM MDT

Location: Four Seasons Ballroom 1

Advising students on Optional Practical Training (OPT)/STEM OPT applications is more of an art than ever. This session reviews the basic requirements of OPT, discusses actions for common issues (e.g., lost documents), identifies resources for tough situations, and shares model practices for communicating concepts. The Citizenship and Immigration Services ombudsman’s office has been invited to participate.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the basic requirements involved in applying for OPT/STEM OPT.
Develop an understanding of processes and resources that exist within and outside of NAFSA for dealing with problems in the OPT/STEM OPT application process.
Explore model advising practices in the field for the OPT/STEM OPT mail and online application processes.

Chair and Presenter(s)

Nusha Shishegar, MBA

Senior Coordinator, International Student Program
Glendale Community College

Presenter(s)

Sarah Brockmeyer

Assistant Director of International Students & Scholars
Santa Clara UniversityInternational Programs Office
Joshua N. Davis

Assistant Director
Portland State University