Application Process for OPT
You must complete all steps of the application before scheduling an appointment with International Student Services. The international student advisor will look through your application to verify completion and issue you another I-20 with an employment recommendation. Once you have received approval from International Student Services for OPT, you will proceed to send your application to USCIS for further employment authorization. If you are having trouble completing the required forms, you may meet with the international student advisor in advance, for help.
You must assemble the application in the following order for a correct submission:
- Form I-765 and filing fee
- Form I-20 issued during appointment with International Student Services
- Photocopies of ALL form I-20s issued to you
- Copy of Form I-94 (front and back)
- Copy of your EAD, if you have been issued one
- Copy of your passport and visa
- 2 identical passport style photos
Form I-765
The Form I-765 can be located on the USCIS website. It is available for download, along with a set of instructions that are important to follow. You must be familiar with both USCIS instructions and the requirements of International Student Services.
Fee
The filing fee is $380. If you do not send the correct fee, your application will be returned. USCIS fees change periodically and you must be aware of the correct fee at the time of your application. To stay informed, visit www.uscis.gov. By selecting “check filing fees” you will be able to locate the appropriate fee required for the Form I-765. You may pay in the form of check or money order only, issued from a financial institution located within the United States, payable in U.S. currency. The check or money order must be made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. No abbreviations will be accepted.
Form I-20
The Form I-20 issued by the Designated School Official at the time of your appointment is part of the application, and must be sent to USCIS for OPT approval. Additionally, the Form I-20 must have been endorsed within the past 30 days of receipt by USCIS. A Form I-20 that is sent later than 30 days of the signature will incomplete the application.
Photos
You are required to submit 2 identical color photographs that reflect passport style with your application. The photos must be 2”x2” with a frontal view of your face, on a white to off-white background. On the back of each photo, using a pencil, lightly print your name and I-94 Number.
Click here for an example
E-Verification
USCIS will notify you within 24 hours of accepting your application for employment authorization if you choose to receive electronic verification. You are presented with the option to be notified about the receipt of your immigration documents through text message and/or e-mail if you have filed your application at one of the three USCIS Lockbox facilities: Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, and Lewisville, TX. Your official receipt notice, Form I-797C, Notice of Action, will be sent later, to the address you provided, through the postal service. In order to take advantage of e-verification, you must complete the Form G-1145 and attach it as the first page of your application for employment authorization.
Case Status
Once you have received your receipt number, you may proceed to check the status of your application at any time by going to www.uscis.gov. In the left column, beneath the title “After I File,” select ‘check my case status.’ These actions will bring you to the appropriate page where you may enter your receipt number and view the status of your application.
