Applying for Employment Authorization (Post-completion OPT)
F-1 students seeking Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) can file their form I-765 online through USCIS in conjunction with completing steps 1-4 below. Although you require an updated OPT I-20 showing OPT recommendation from your DSO at ISSS to file the I-765 application, OPT authorization is provided by USCIS, an agency of DHS.
Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions to help you while you are on approved OPT.
Graduate students please see the important information regarding enrolling in UNIV 500.
*********************PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW**********************
Note that you should proceed with the online application process very carefully. The system allows you to submit your application without all required evidence, which can lead to requests for evidence and additional difficulties. This means you must be very careful to ensure that everything is included before submitting the online application. The step by step instructions below are not intended to be legal advice. They are general instructions for how you might proceed when completing the online I-765 application.
DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR NEW OPT I-20 SHOWING YOUR OPT RECOMMENDATION ON PAGE 2.
Premium Processing
On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT Extensions. The premium processing fee is $1,500, with a 30-calendar day processing timeframe for a decision on your complete application.Students can choose to select the premium processing and make the additional payment online during the USCIS application process.
Did you miss the OPT Q & A Session on 9/14/2023? You can watch the recording here.
Students are required to complete Steps 1-4 to receive their OPT I-20.
Step 1. Complete the Online OPT training and submit the acknowledgment on the last page.
Step 2. Read the Application Instructions
Step 3. Complete the OPT Request form and Create a USCIS account (see instructions below)
- Complete the OPT Request form
- Part 1 should be completed by you. Print, sign and attach the form to an email to your academic advisor/graduate program director to complete Part 2.
- Create a USCIS account and fill in the OPT application (I-765 Form)
- To complete the online I-765, you must have these documents
- In the application summary section of your USCIS application, download the I-765 draft called "View Draft Snapshot" from your USCIS account
Step 4. Upload both the OPT Request and the draft I-765 on the OPT I-20 Request Form to request the OPT I-20.
Step 5. Your DSO will email your OPT I-20 showing OPT recommendation
- Your DSO will review your OPT Request and Draft I-765 prior to creating your OPT I-20. You will receive your OPT I-20 by email in 2-4 business days. You should print the I-20, sign ( black wet ink signature, no electronic signatures allowed) and save electronic copies of page 1 and 2 to upload to your USCIS OPT application.
You MUST receive approval and a signed OPT I-20 showing the OPT recommendation from your DSO BEFORE submitting your online OPT application.
Step 6. Return to your USCIS account, log in to upload your OPT I-20 and submit the application.
Be sure to save all the required evidence documentation and the draft form I-765 for your records. You will not be able to access your information on the USCIS online application after 30 days.
