To apply for OPT, you need to first request it from your school, and then file the application with USCIS online or by mail. The required application materials include the OPT I-20, I-94, and recent photos.
OPT Application Process
When applying for OPT, students will need to communicate with both university officials and USCIS:
Step 1: Inform your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) of your intention to apply for OPT.
Step 2: The DSO updates the information in the SEVP system.
Step 3: The DSO provides you with the updated Form I-20.
Step 4: Submit the application for your OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to USCIS.
Step 5: Once your application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to you.
Step 6: After receiving your EAD, you can start working. You will need to report your employment to your school’s DSO.
Internal Application Process
1. Review your I-20 to confirm the Program Completion Date.
2. Complete the OPT I-20 Application.
*Take UC Riverside’s OPT application form as an example:
Notes:
- The OPT start and end dates are decided by the student. Within the permitted range, you can adjust these dates based on your job search progress. Starting your OPT period too early might lead to wasted OPT time if you have not secured a job, whereas starting too late could cause you to miss job opportunities.
- After you select the start date, the end date will be set for 365 days later. The OPT must end within 14 months after the completion of your program.
If you do not have an employer at the time you submit your application, you will not need to fill out the “Previous Authorized Employment” section.
Once you have completed these sections, submit the form to your academic advisor. They will complete the “Academic/Graduate Advisor to Complete” section and then return the form to you.
Your university may also require additional documentation:
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Current I-94 record;
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Biographical page of your passport;
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Scanned copies of previous EAD (if applicable);
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Most schools also require an internal application fee.
After this form is accepted, you will receive your OPT I-20.
Applying to USCIS
Once you receive the OPT I-20, you must submit all required OPT application materials to USCIS within 30 days, either online or by mail.
Required Materials
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The latest OPT I-20;
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The latest I-94 record;
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Two passport photographs (2x2 inches) taken within the last 30 days;
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Completed Form I-765 (OPT Application);
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Completed Form G-1145 for USCIS electronic notification;
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Scanned copies of your F-1 visa and biographical page of your passport;
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A copy of your previous EAD (if applicable);
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Previous OPT or CPT documents such as CPT I-20 (if applicable);
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EAD application fee ($470 for online applications; $520 for mail-in applications).
How to Submit Your Applications?
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Submit your application online
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Submit your application by mail
If you apply by mail, make sure you fill out the signature area of Form I-765 in black ink and include the application fee using personal checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, clearly marked for USCIS I-765.
The mailing address depends on the chosen courier service:
| USPS | FedEx、UPS、DHL |
|
Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374 |
USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
Submitting your application online is generally more convenient. If you submit your application by mail and later want to use premium processing, you will need to combine your application numbers. Otherwise, you must submit your application for premium processing by mail, which can be inconvenient.
After Submitting Your OPT Application
Tracking the Progress of Your Application
Once USCIS receives your application, they will send you an I-797 receipt notice, along with your case number, within 15-30 days. You can then track the status of your application using this case number on the “Case Status Online” portal.
If you have a myUSCIS account, you can also check your case status through your account:
- Log in to your myUSCIS account.
- Scroll down to the "Your Cases" section.
- Find the I-765 entry and review the status of your application.
After USCIS approves your application, your case status will show as "Approved."
Note:
However, even if the online status shows “Approved,” you must wait until you receive the physical EAD card—and until the start date indicated on the card–to legally begin working.
Receiving Your EAD Card
Once you receive the EAD card, check the information carefully, including your personal details and the validity period of your work authorization. If you find any incorrect information, contact USCIS immediately.
The EAD card is a legal work permit issued by the U.S. federal government, and it can be used as an ID. However, if you have a valid driver’s license, it is better to use your driver's license as an ID, as replacing an EAD card is more complicated than replacing a driver’s license.
If there are no changes to your nonimmigrant status, you must end your employment before the end date indicated on the EAD card.