When beginning your final semester, plan on applying for OPT as early as possible. You have 90 days from your I-20 end date to apply for OPT. When you apply for OPT, you select the day you want to begin your OPT. That date must be within 60 days of the program completion date on your I-20 - generally from mid-May to mid-July for students finishing in May. You do not have to have a job offer to apply for OPT. Please note that you cannot begin working until the approved date regardless of any job offer.
The OPT application (also known as the I-765 application) is an online application. You will complete an online form (click file online) and upload documents online. For this this reason, you will make a Zoom appointment with the ISA prior to paying and submitting your application. You will screen-share your application to show page by page what you put in and then also show the documents you upload. The ISA will review for accuracy and will go into your SEVIS record to recommend the OPT and email you a new I-20 with the recommendation. You must include this I-20 in your application. NOTE: The online application allows you to submit incomplete applications. For example, it is possible for a student to submit their application without the I-20 with the recommendation. However, since that application was not completed correctly then the student will need to reapply again and repay the application fee of $410. For this reason, don't forget you need the OPT I-20 to submit your application so don't submit your application until the ISA provides you the I-20. You can fill out the online form and save it so you can show the ISA how you have filled out the digital application so far. You can find step by step instructions on completing the online application here.
When USCIS receives your electronic application, they will email you a receipt notice right away but then also mail you the official receipt. The receipt will have your individual receipt number. With the receipt, you can track the status of your application online on the USCIS Case Status website. If there is any mix-up on your SEVIS record related to your OPT application, you will need to scan the official receipt and send it to the International Student Services office so a correction request can be sent to USCIS. The electronic notification will NOT suffice.
You are not permitted to begin employment until after your application is approved AND you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)*. The dates you can work will be shown on the card. Examine your card as soon as you get it to insure there are no errors – spelling, dob, citizenship, employment dates, etc.
*PLEASE NOTE: The EAD is mailed in a very anonymous looking envelope. It will not have a USCIS return address. It will not have any indications that it is a government document. Do not throw out any mail without examining it.
If you do not receive your card in the mail within 90 - 120 days after applying, contact the International Student Services Office for further assistance.
FAQs
What is USCIS?
USCIS is United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
I don't have all my past I-20's. Will the International Office have copies?
You no longer need to submit copies of all previously issued I-20s, only the I-20s with CPT authorization (if you applied for CPT) and the I-20 with the OPT authorization you will receive at the end of your OPT meeting with your ISA.
What if I don't want to do my Practical Training right after graduation. Can I apply later?
No. Your window of opportunity to apply for OPT based upon completion of your bachelor's degree is from 90 days before completion up to 60 days after completion. If you do not apply then you would have to complete a second bachelor's degree or complete a post-bacc program. Upon completion of one of those programs, another "window of opportunity" opens.
I applied to renew my passport. Do I have to wait until I receive the renewal before I can apply?
No, you do not have to wait. You can send USCIS copies of documentation that shows you have applied for the renewal. If and when USCIS asks to see the renewed passport, you will probably have received it and can provide the requested proof.