Resources for Current International Students

OC's Student Life office is dedicated to fostering a lively campus community through a diverse array of clubs, activities, and support services. Whether you’re looking to join a student organization, explore leadership opportunities, or simply find a space to connect with fellow students, our team is here to help you navigate and enhance your journey. Dive into the many opportunities that await and make the most of your time with us!

studentlifedepartment@oc.edu

OC's Student Success office is dedicated to supporting your academic journey with a variety of essential services. We offer personalized tutoring, academic coaching, testing assistance, and academic recovery programs to help you thrive. With additional resources like study skills support, we’re here to ensure you have everything you need to excel and achieve your goals. Let us help you unlock your full potential and succeed throughout your university experience.

studentsuccess@oc.edu

The Branch, OC's on-campus cafeteria, offers a diverse array of delicious and nutritious meal options designed to fit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes or enjoying a relaxed meal with friends, The Branch provides a welcoming atmosphere and fresh, flavorful choices to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout your day.

udining@oc.edu
Hours and locations

Registrar

The Registrar's office is here to help you with your academic course schedule, transcripts, graduation, tuition and any other questions you may have as you navigate your academic career.

registrar@oc.edu

Financial Services

The Financial Services office is here to assist you with all your financial needs, including billing, financial aid, tuition and costs, and more.

financialservices@oc.edu

International Records

The International Records Office is dedicated to assisting you with your academic documentation and visa requirements, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience throughout your studies.

international.reccords@oc.edu

OC's Spiritual Life office is dedicated to supporting your spiritual journey at university. We assist with chapel requirements and offer resources and activities to help you explore and deepen your faith. Whether you have questions or seek spiritual engagement, we're here to support you.

spirituallife@oc.edu

Discover the Writing Center, located on the second floor of the Beam Library, where expert help with editing term papers and drafting essays awaits. We’re here to enhance your writing skills and ensure your work is polished and ready for submission.

OC's Residence Life team is here to assist you with all your on-campus living needs. From finding the perfect residence to addressing any housing concerns, our team is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable living experience throughout your university journey.

housing@oc.edu

Sprintax provides expert support for international students and scholars with their U.S. tax needs. Offering guidance on tax compliance, filing, and reporting, Sprintax ensures you navigate the complexities of U.S. tax regulations with ease and accuracy. Let them help you manage your tax responsibilities efficiently while you focus on your academic and personal goals.

1-866-601-5695

hello@sprintax.com

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an integral component of an F-1 student’s academic program, allowing them to engage in internships or work opportunities related to their field of study. To participate in CPT, students must enroll in an internship course and obtain a Form I-20 with a CPT authorization from a DSO.

To Apply for CPT

• To apply for CPT, you must have a job offer and then be enrolled in an approved internship course. To enroll in a course, please contact the Registrar's Office or your Academic Advisor.

• You will then need to fill out the CPT Application with your academic advisor.

• If you do not have an official Offer Letter, have your Supervisor fill out and sign this form: CPT Offer Letter

• When both forms are completed, they must be submitted to international.records@oc.edu.

• Once we have received these two forms and your internship course has been added to your schedule, you will receive a new Form I-20 with CPT authorization. You will be able to begin working on or after the date that is listed on the I-20.

• If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to apply for a Social Security card in order to be paid by your employer.

Applying for a Social Security Number

• As an F-1 student, you do not need a Social Security number (SSN) unless you will be working. Please do not pursue getting an SSN until you are committed to working where you've been hired. It's important that you honor the agreement you made with the hiring manager.

• Once you have been hired for an on-campus or CPT position, you will need to submit the official offer letter from the company of hire to international.records@oc.edu. If you do not have an official offer letter, you will need to provide us with the CPT Offer Letter form filled out and signed by your hiring supervisor.

• Once we have an official offer letter, our office will provide you with a hand signed Letter of Good Standing which you will need to take to the Social Security Office once you have an appointment. We will notify your student email address when you can stop by and pick up that letter.

• To make an appointment with the Social Security Office, please contact their local office (1-866-331-2207)

• Here is a complete list of all the documents you will want to take with you to your appointment:

  • Passport and Visa

  • Most recent I-94

  • Most recent Continued Attendance I-20

  • Letter of good standing from OC

  • Offer letter from your employer

  • Completed Social Security Application SS-5

To Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• You can apply up to 90 days before your Program Completion Date or up to 60 days after the Program Completion Date.

• The OC OPT Application Fee must be completed prior to turning in your OPT Request form(s). This fee can be paid at: https://orgpay.oc.edu. Be sure to click Sign In so the system will correctly record your payment. Scroll down to International OPT Fees and choose OPT Fee. Do NOT choose STEM OPT Fee as this is for STEM OPT applications only. After you have completed payment, save a copy of your receipt.

• You will need to submit the required forms for your program level.

You will need to submit following completed forms to international.records@oc.edu:

Undergraduates:

• OPT Request Form

• Copy of OC OPT Application Fee receipt

Graduate Students:

• Recommendation by Academic Advisor for OPT Form

• OPT Request Form

• Copy of OC OPT Application Fee receipt

Once you submit the required documentation, you will be provided with a new Form I-20 with an OPT endorsement, which is valid for 30 days. Be sure to complete and submit your OPT application to USCIS prior to this deadline or your request will be denied. Here is our OPT Information Sheet to help with the rest of the process.

Applying for STEM OPT

If you are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you will need to apply up to 90 days before your current OPT end date. You cannot apply after your OPT has ended.

Here are the instructions for applying for the STEM OPT extension:

• ​​Fill out the Form I-983 with your employer. Here are instructions for filling out the form.

  • For DSO Name and Contact Information on page 1: Kaitlynn Vines, 405-425-5066, international.records@oc.edu, 2501 E. Memorial Rd. Edmond, OK 73013

• Pay the OC STEM OPT Application Fee must be completed prior to turning in your OPT Request form(s). This fee can be paid at: https://orgpay.oc.edu. Be sure to click Sign In so the system will correctly record your payment. Scroll down to International OPT Fees and choose STEM OPT Fee. After you have completed payment, save a copy of your receipt.

• Submit completed Form I-983 and a copy of your OC STEM OPT Application Fee receipt to international.records@oc.edu. We will review the form and ask you to make changes if needed.

Once you submit the required documentation, you will receive a new Form I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation. This I-20 must be submitted with your application to USCIS within 60 days of receiving it.

If you are planning on traveling outside of the U.S., you will need a Travel I-20 signed and dated by our office in order to re-enter the U.S. In order to request a Travel I-20, please email our office (international.records@oc.edu) with your requested travel dates and we will go from there!

To request a Program Extension Date, you will first need to fill out a Program Extension Request with your Academic Advisor. Once that form has been completed, please email it to the International Records Office (international.records@oc.edu) and we will go from there!