Pre- & Post-Completion OPT Application to USCIS Checklist

Since April 2021, USCIS has allowed OPT applications to be filed online. You have the option to submit your application via regular mail OR file online. Do not submit two applications. The below instructions focus on online filing ONLY, as that has been the preferred method for our students. Make sure all digital documents are clear and readable.

If you still prefer to mail your application to USCIS, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for additional details.

Documents Required for Pre and Post Completion OPT Application to USCIS

  • Application Filing Fee

    • The system will direct you to Pay.gov, a U.S. government payment site, to pay the fee. You will be able to pay the fee using a U.S. credit/debit card or through an ACH transfer (direct withdrawal) from your U.S. checking account (have your bank account number and bank’s ABA routing number available).

  • Properly completed Form I-765.

  • Passport-style photos that meet U.S. passport photo standards and taken within the last 30 days.

    • Digital passport photo.

  • Copy of your new I-20 with OPT recommendation**

    • Print, sign and date the “Student Attestation” section on page 1 of your I-20 and upload a digital version.

  • Copy of your passport identification page(s).

  • Copy of your most recent F-1 visa.

  • Electronic Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (save a copy as a pdf for printing/uploading)

  • Students with F-2 dependent(s): Include the Form I-20s for your dependent(s).

  • Students who changed to F-1 status: Include your I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS and an official transcript.

  • Students with previous EAD(s): Include the front and back of each EAD card.

**USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when the recommendation was made in SEVIS.

For timely filing, please ensure that USCIS receives your application within 25 days of your OPT I-20’s issue date. This date can be found next to the Immigration Advisor’s signature on Page 1 of your Form I-20.

This is to mitigate risks related to technical issues with filing, like Pay.gov maintenance.

Online USCIS filings are governed by Coordinated Universal Time, abbreviated as UTC, not by the applicant’s time zone. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time is usually a number of hours ahead of U.S. time, depending on the time zone and whether the location is within Daylight Savings Time or Standard Time.

If you file your application prior to having the OPT I-20 from ISSS, your application will be denied!

Submission Intructions

ONLINE APPLICATION:

Follow the instructions on the USCIS I-765 webpage and on ISSS's Online Filing Webpage.

Important Reminders and Tips for OPT

  • Please review the travel section of our website before making any arrangements to depart the country

  • You may only begin employment once you have your EAD card in hand and the start date has arrived.

  • If you receive any requests for evidence (RFEs) for this application, email [email protected] for assistance.

  • Use the Employer Update form or update in the SEVP Portal to report employment within 10 days of starting any job on OPT.