The application window for Post-Completion OPT opens 90 days before your program end date and closes 60 days after. Regular OPT application processing takes 3-5 months, while premium processing can expedite it to 1 month.
Deadlines and Processing Times
Post-Completion OPT does not take effect automatically—you must apply for it to obtain the work authorization. The earliest you can apply for post-completion OPT is 90 days before your program completion date, and the latest is 60 days after your program completion date.
As long as you submit your OPT application within this timeframe, you can stay in the U.S. while waiting for approval. USCIS will automatically reject applications submitted outside of this timeframe.
The current processing time provided by USCIS is 3-5 months, with an average processing time of 93 days in 2023.
Cautions:
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Your program completion date is not always the same as your graduation date. Program completion is determined by the earlier of two dates—the I-20 end date or the actual completion of degree requirements. Many students miss the deadline for OPT application by mistaking the graduation date for the program completion date.
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Students who have already found an employer, or who will soon find one, should submit their OPT application to USCIS as early as possible to allow sufficient time for their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be issued and for a potential RFE (Request for Evidence) response.
Premium Processing
In 2023, USCIS introduced premium processing for OPT applications. For a premium processing fee of $1,685, USCIS will provide a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving your application.
You can request premium processing for a submitted I-765 application by submitting an online or paper Form I-907 to shorten the review period.