This is an improvement over the recent past, when most applications were taking more than 12 weeks. The INS will accept OPT applications as much as 120 days before a student's graduation date. A computer in the International Programs reception area has a Powerpoint presentation concerning OPT for F-1 students. Again this year the U.S. Department of State is administering a diversity lottery program. Entries must be received between noon October 4 and noon November 3, 1999.
Occupants are free to use alternative services.
Instructions for doing so can be found at residence services offices and also in the Handbook for Foreign Students and Scholars . Any student is welcome to attend these informal gatherings.