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OPT & STEM OPT Explained
- When to Apply
- STEP 1: OPT Request
- STEP 2: OPT I-20
- STEP 3: USCIS Online Application
- STEP 3* : I-765
- STEP 4: EAD Card
When to Apply
The OPT application consists of two critical steps. Initially, you must request an OPT recommendation for your I-20 from your DSO. Following this, you're required to send an OPT application packet to USCIS, which should include a signed copy of your OPT-endorsed I-20.
- University's OPT I-20 processing time = 5 business days
- USCIS processing time = 1-5 months
*Check current USCIS Processing times for “I-765” “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” with “Potomac Service Center”
You are eligible to apply for OPT from 90 days before to 60 days after your program's expected completion date. It's crucial that USCIS receives your complete OPT application within 60 days post your program's completion date and within 30 days following your DSO's OPT recommendation on your I-20. Additionally, you must be in the U.S. when USCIS receives your application.
CPTDog advises starting your OPT application early to avoid delays and ensure you can utilize the full 12-month period. Early application also provides a buffer to reapply if needed due to rejection or denial.
Expected Completion Date:
- For Undergraduates: It's the final day of classes in the semester you complete your program requirements.
- For Graduates: It's either the last day of classes in the semester you meet your program requirements or the date your thesis/dissertation is submitted to the Graduate Division. If you have a job offer that starts before semester's end or if you're a graduate student with only a thesis/dissertation pending, consult your DSO. Graduates in such cases may start post-completion OPT before their thesis/dissertation submission.
Important: If applying for OPT after completing your program, ensure USCIS receives your application before any travel outside the U.S. Exiting the U.S. post-completion without having applied for OPT renders you unable to return in F-1 status for OPT application.
Case Studies about OPT Timing
✓ Good Timing:
❌ Bad Timing:
OPT Application Form (OPT Request Form)
- Verify your anticipated program completion date.
- On-campus employment must cease by your Program Completion Date. Work may resume in your study field only after your OPT EAD start date is authorized.
- Obtain your academic advisor's approval.
- Select your OPT commencement date.
- Pay a Post-Completion Services Fee to your school (usually around $200)
How to Get an OPT I-20
It will take your DSO about 5 working days to process your request and then, they will issue you a new I-20 with OPT on it.
After you submit the OPT I-20 Request e-form, your academic advisor will receive an email containing a link, where they will confirm your completion date and OPT eligibility.
Once your academic advisor approves your OPT request, advisers at the International Office will review your request form and OPT eligibility. If eligible, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT Recommendation notated on page 2. This usually takes about 5 business days.
Important: Once you receive your OPT I-20, check it carefully, sometimes, though rare, DSO does put the wrong information on the form, and it will cause a lot of trouble if you've submitted the wrong information to USCIS.
Note: You are responsible for submitting your OPT application to USCIS and USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of the Issue Date listed on page 1 of your I-20 and within 60 days of your completion date. You must submit the I-765 while you are physically present in the US. If filing by MAIL: Also be sure the check the USCIS I-765 webpage(link is external) on the date of mailing to be sure you are using the correct USCIS form and fee.
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Application Material List:
Prepare all of the below documents before starting the online application process.
1. Photocopy of Passport and Visa
Photocopy your current passport biographic page with the photo and passport expiration date.
*If this is not the passport you used on your last entry to the U.S., also include a copy of the passport you used when you made entry to the U.S., even if it has expired. (You will provide information on the expired passport in the I-765)
Photocopy the F-1 visa, if applicable; the visa does not need to be valid.
2. Photocopy of I-94 Information
The I-94 can be either:
• An electronic I-94 record. Visit: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov to access and print your record. Select “Get Most Recent I-94”.
OR (less common)
• A paper I-94 card stapled into your passport. Include a copy of both sides, even though the backside may be blank.
OR (less common)
• A copy of an I-797 Change of Status Approval Notice which includes a new I94.
3. Photocopy of all previous OPT and CPT I20s
If you have NEVER used CPT or OPT in the past, you do not need to include previous I-20s
4. Photocopy of Previous EAD(s), if applicable
Fill out the online form I-765:
Create a USCIS account here: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/
After logging in:
>> select “File form online” >> I-765, Application for Employment Authorization >> click ‘Start form’ button >> Review the information >> click ‘Next’ >> Review ‘Completing Your Form Online’
I-765 Step by Step
Getting Started Basis of eligibility
What is your eligibility category?
Select eligibility category: (c)(3)B) Student PostCompletion OPT Reason for applying
What is your reason for applying?
Select ‘Initial permission to accept employment’
Have you previously filed Form I-765?
- If you have previously filed the form I-765 with USCIS (e.g. applied for OPT in the past), select ‘Yes’.
- If this is your first time filing the I-765 (either via mail or online) or applying for OPT, and you have only worked on-campus or applied for CPT, select ‘No’.
- Select ‘Yes’ only if you have submitted an I-765 before to USCIS for an EAD card- even if it was rejected, denied or withdrawn.
Preparer and interpreter information
Is someone assisting you with completing this application?
This is asking if an attorney or translator has assisted you. Select ‘No’. Then Next.
"About You" Section
What is your current legal name?
Enter your name exactly as it appears in the Surname/Family Name and Given Name fields on your I-20. - Note your I-20 DOES NOT use the Middle Name field. Leave the Middle Name field blank.
Have you used any other names since birth?
If you select ‘Yes’, enter your previous names, including nicknames you have used in official records or documentation. - If your I-20 Preferred Name is different than the names you wrote for #1, include that here. Click Next. Your contact information
How may we contact you?
Provide ‘Daytime telephone number’, ‘Mobile telephone number’ (if different from Daytime telephone number, and ‘Email address’.
What is your current U.S. mailing address?
Enter your mailing address. If the address belongs to someone other than yourself, put their full name (First Name Last Name). This person MUST be listed as a resident of the address with the U.S. Postal Service.
Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?
If ‘No’, enter your physical address.
The rest of this section includes your gender, city of birth, etc straightforward information. Answer them truthfully.
You Immigration Information
What is your country of citizenship or nationality?
List all countries where you are currently a citizen or national.
What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number (if any)?
Enter your current I-94 number. This is at the number found on the electronic I-94 record or the top left corner of the paper Form I-94 card.
When did you last arrive in the United States?
List your arrival date (your most recent entry date found on your passport admission stamp, electronic I-94 record, or paper I-94 card), place of arrival, and status at arrival.
What is the passport number of your most recently issued passport?
Passport information should match the country on your I-20
What is your travel document number (if any)?
Leave blank. (You have a passport, not a travel document!)
What is the expiration date of your passport or travel document?
What country issued your passport or travel document?
What is your current immigration status or category?
Current status should be “F-1 student.” If not, talk to your advisor, and this status should be reflected in your current I94.
What is your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number (if any)?
Use the "Additional Information" section later to include all previously used SEVIS numbers, if you had any previous F-1 or J-1 record.
Obtain the full OPT application menu here
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OPT Application and EAD card-producing progress checker:
opttimeline.com
- check your case status by receipt date. Also can track the shipping process once the card is produced
Lawfully ApP
- An APP synced with the USCIS system.
- provides a one-time free premium analysis that can help you predict how many days are left before you can start legally working in the U.S.
USPS informed delivery
- Once you get a tracking number from USCIS, it is important to keep an eye on USPS's work. From this point on, USCIS will not be responsible for missing cards. If you, unfortunately, didn't receive your EAD card, try to contact USPS first. Tracking down a misplaced card might take less time than going through the application process all over again.