Apply for OPT

Apply for OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for students in F-1 immigration status that permits up to 12 months of off-campus employment for the purpose of gaining practical experience in the student’s chosen field. For more information about how to apply and timelines for post-completion OPT, please view the OPT Presentation found on the Forms & Resources page under the OPT Application forms and resources section.

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. 

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 new 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.

After Submitting the I-765:

• You will receive a receipt notice from USCIS confirming that and when they received 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 03/17/2026