Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Apply for OPT After You've Applied While You're on OPT OPT STEM Extension Travel on OPT OPT Reporting

After You've Applied

Receipt Notice

USCIS will send an official Form I-797 Notice of Action: Receipt Notice to ISS approximately two to four weeks after receiving the application. This notice will confirm official receipt of the application by USCIS and indicate a case number which can be used to track the application. The receipt notice is an important immigration document which may be required if you plan to apply for H1-B, Permanent Residency, etc.

If you used the ISS office address, you will receive an email notification to pick up your receipt or have it mailed to you through EshipGlobal. The ISS staff will not open your mail. Please check to see if your name has been correctly spelled on the receipt notice. If there is an error in the spelling of your name, contact the 1-800 number on your receipt and notify the ISS Office at iss@siue.edu

Checking the Status of the OPT Application

Students may check their OPT application status online at www.uscis.gov; they should click on “Check your Case Status” and enter the case number from the Receipt Notice. It may take up to 90 days for USCIS to reach a decision on the case. If the application takes longer than 90 days from the date on the official Receipt Notice, students may contact ISS to inquire about procedures to request information from the appropriate USCIS service center.

Note: If you no longer have access to the address listed on your I-765 form, please update your address with USCIS. We also recommend that you stay in contact with people who have access to the address listed on your I-765 form, in case your documents have already been mailed to the old address.