Apply for OPT

Apply for OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for students in F-1 status that permits up to 12 months of off-campus employment for the purpose of gaining practical experience in the student’s chosen field. 

To begin the application process, students must complete the ISSS OPT Intake form found on the Forms & Resources page. Students should ensure they have reviewed and compiled the documentation from the application checklist below before submitting the ISSS OPT Intake Form. Upon submission of this form, ISSS will respond to provide next steps to you in the OPT application process.

The general requirements for applying for OPT is similar whether you are applying for pre-completion or post-completion OPT. There are two ways to apply, either by mail or online. ISSS recommends filing online. 

Important Application Details:

• Applying for OPT is an option
• There are filing fee options - regular processing or premium processing
  • Understand these fees and plan ahead. (See below Application Checklist for more information)
  • ISSS nor does the College provide funding for premium processing
• Sometimes delays occur during the application process, and ISSS does not have influence with the government regarding this
• Delays can sometimes impact a desired employment start date requiring students to renegotiate with the employer, if possible

Application Checklist: 

• Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation (to be issued by ISSS after processing your OPT Intake Form).
• Copies of all I-20s showing work authorization (CPT, OPT) or reinstatement.
• Most recent I-94 record.
• F-1 visa (if applicable).
• Passport biographical page.
• Recent passport-style photo(s). See the I-765 Instructions (under Forms & Documents Downloads) for full details.
• Completed and signed Form I-765. We recommend filing online with a myUSCIS account. *Caution: Do NOT submit the application and pay the application fee without receiving and uploading the updated I-20 recommending OPT from ISSS!
• Filing fee, payable by card or ACH bank transfer.
  • You must pay the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, filing fee in order to submit the application.
  • You may choose to pay the I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, fee when filing the I-765, at any point when it is pending, or not at all. This is an optional service that can expedite the processing within a 30-day period that begins from the completion date of your ASC biometrics appointment (see After Submitting the I-765 below for more about the ASC appointment). 

After Submitting the I-765:

• You will receive a receipt notice from USCIS confirming receipt of your application. You can use the receipt number to track your case status.
• You may receive an application support center (ASC) appointment notice and/or a request for evidence (RFE) from USCIS. If you receive anything, submit a copy to ISSS using the Document Submission Form on the Forms & Resources page.
  • ASC Appointment Notice: You will be assigned a date, time, and location to appear for an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature).
  • RFE: The USCIS adjudicator needs more information from you before they can make a decision on your case.
• Plan for a long processing time, unless you are using Premium Processing Service. Your application may take many months to process.

Always contact ISSS with any questions about the OPT process. 

Updated 09/30/2026