You are eligible to apply for a practical training experience after you have been in F-1 student status for one academic year (exception: employment with a qualifying international organization may begin as soon as a student is in F-1 status). In order to complete an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application, you must submit the following, do not staple, but please use a paper clip to hold together:

Check or money order for $380, made payable to the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and immigration Service. If someone else writes the check, make sure your name is somewhere on the check.
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization; in item 16 indicate the appropriate code from below:
-    (c)(3)(A)    F-1 Pre Completion Optional Practical Training
-    (c)(3)(B)    F-1 Post Completion Optional Practical Training
-    (c)(3)(C)    F-1 STEM extension
-    (c)(3)(ii)    F-1 Off-campus employment with a qualifying international organization (organizations must be recognized by the International Organization Immunities Act; a list of such organizations is available at: http://foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/0941024X1.pdf
-    (c)(3)(iii)    F-1 Off-campus employment due to economic hardship
"Certification of Completion Studies", signed by your academic advisor
"Intent to Participate in CPT/OPT" form
Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s, from all institutions attended
Photocopies, font and back, of any previously issued EAD cards
Photocopy, front and back, of your I-94 card
Photocopy of the identification pages from your passport (including name, date of birth, place of birth, photo, issue and expiration dates, visa stamp)
Two full-frontal color photographs, which must be less than 30 days old when the application is filled. Lightly print your name and A# (if known) on the back of each photo with a pencil. Place the photos in an envelope or plastic bag so they are not lost, but do not staple them. For more information on photo specifications, please visit http://uscis.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/newsrels/04_08_02Photo_flyer.pdf or call US CIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283
All forms are available at the SU Center for International Education, all US CIS forms are available at SUCIE or on line at: http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm

Additionally, please complete the following steps:

For optional practical training:

Obtain a SEVIS I-20 form, including the optional practical training recommendation from your international student advisor

NOTE: for post completion optional practical training, the application must be submitted to US CIS within 60 days of the completion of all course requirements for the degree or within 60 days prior to the completion of the course of study. You must complete all practical training within a 14-month period following the completion of study.

For employment with a qualifying international organization:

Obtain a letter of certification from the qualifying international organization that the proposed employment is within the scope of its sponsorship
Obtain a SEVIS I-20 with employment page completed by the international student advisor, certifying your eligibility for employment

For employment due to severe economic hardship (granted in one year intervals up to the expected date of completion of the course of study):

Obtain a SEVIS I-20 with employment page completed with your international student advisor comments and certification
Provide a budget and a letter, explaining your economic hardship, detailing the unforeseen economic circumstances that caused the hardship
A list of own or sponsor’s assets, income and expenses – if applicable

YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO WORK UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE EAD CARD!

PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 6-8 WEEKS PROCESSING TIME

Notes:

The employment authorization is automatically terminated whenever you fail to maintain immigration status
Authorization to engage in practical training employment is automatically terminated when you transfer to another school or begins study at another educational level
Post office does not forward mail form US CIS so please make sure you list the correct address on the application.

NOTE: Students approved for OPT continue to be in F-1 status, and therefore must have the I-20 endorsed for travel, a valid F-1 visa and an EAD card to re-enter. They are also required to update the International Student Advisor within 10 days of any address change, legal name change, employer’s name and address or interruption in employment.

For more information or for electronic filing, please visit: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis