OPT: How to Use

Important! Yous MUST receive an OPT recommendation I-xx (the "OPT I-20") BEFORE applying through the mail service or online to USCIS. Applying too early or without showtime receiving an OPT I-20 could cause the rejection or denial of your application past USCIS.

Am I Eligible for Mail-Completion OPT?

In order to be eligible for Mail service-Completion Optional Practical Preparation (OPT), you must:

  • Take completed all academic coursework
  • Exist in F-one condition at the fourth dimension of applying
  • Exist fully enrolled for 2 semesters (Fall and Spring semester)
  • Have not used more than one twelvemonth of total-time CPT or OPT at this degree level

When Should I Utilize?

Applying for OPT can be a lengthy process and requires sending your awarding to USCIS for arbitrament. To ensure y'all utilise at the correct time, you lot need to decide when your programme is complete. Please refer to our Completing Your Programme page for information on when your programme is considered complete. In one case you know your program completion date:

  • You can apply to USCIS for OPT up to 90 days before your program completion date
  • You can apply up to lx days after your program completion date

This is the OPT "Awarding Window," your application must reach USCIS during this window to be accepted. Applying too early or as well late may consequence in a rejected application.

How Should I Employ?

  • (Optional Step) Attend an OPT Data Session

    While optional, the OIA OPT Information Sessions are a great place to start when applying for OPT. Our team of advisors will become through the application process, help students place their program completion engagement, and determine when they should apply for OPT-- every bit well as a host of information on how to maintain your status while on OPT.

  • Footstep ane: Paper Application - Complete the I-765

    If you lot filing a paper-based awarding, you will notice the Grade I-765 here. Nosotros recommend you also complete the Class G-1145 so that you will receive free e-notifications of your awarding status.

    • Ever brand sure you are using the most recent version of the I-765 past checking the edition date on USCIS's website
    • You tin find helpful hints on filling out the I-765 hither.

    You lot practise not need to fill up out the newspaper I-765 if filing online, the online application will collect this aforementioned data-- the I-765 and above tips may be useful to reference later when completing the online form. Remember! You lot must first receive an OPT I-twenty before applying online!

  • Footstep ii: Gather Your Other Documentation

    As function of your OPT awarding, you volition need to supply USCIS with copies of the documents below. Brand sure you get together these documents as soon every bit possible, so that your application is not delayed.

    • Copy of your most recent electronic I-94 record OR copy of the front and dorsum of your current newspaper I-94 bill of fare
    • Copy of your passport identification page (and whatever renewal pages)
    • Copy of your about recent F-1 visa stamp
    • Re-create of whatever previously issued EAD cards
    • If you entered the U.S. in a visa status other than F-1, a copy of your I-797 approving discover.

  • Step 3: Passport Photos and Fee Payment

    Passport Photos

    Review these recommendations on passport photographs.

    • Photos must measure out 2 inches by 2 inches and must be in colour; photos should exist printed on sleeky photo paper.
    • Head should be positioned directly facing the camera.
    • Photo should capture from slightly higher up top of hair to middle of breast.
    • Background should be apparently white or fair.
    • Photos should be taken within the terminal 30 days prior to the extension application. Photos used for obtaining a non-U.S. passport or a U.Southward .visa stamp are generally non acceptable, as they are often not the right size, and rarely taken inside thirty days of the OPT application.
    • Photos with poor lighting (too dark) may exist rejected.

    If filing a newspaper-based application, nosotros recommend writing your proper name and I-94 number on the back of your photos in pencil or with a felt tipped pen (information technology is important to avoid marring the photos or leaving marks).

    There are several pharmacies and stores (such equally CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart) that will take and print passport-sized photographs for you lot at a low price. We recommend you lot take your photographs taken by 1 of these stores, and you can inquire them to retake the photo at no cost to you if it does not meet the recommendations outlined above.

    Paying your I-765 Fee

    There is a $410 fee for the OPT application. If filing a paper application can pay this fee by check or coin order fabricated out to: USCIS. If applying online you can submit credit or debit carte du jour information to pay.

    Do non sign the back of your check! This volition void the bank check.

  • Step 4: Determine OPT Requested Start Appointment and Complete Eastward-Course in Atlas

    Log into Atlas and complete the "Post Completion OPT Processing Request" e form located in your F-i Applied Training menu .

    In this eastward-form, you volition need to provide your Bookish Counselor'southward information to confirm when your program volition be consummate. You will also need to choose a requested OPT start date.

    • Your requested OPT start date must be after your program completion date (If y'all consummate your program May 9th, your requested starting time date can be as early as May 10th)
    • Your requested OPT start date can be up to lx days after your programme completion date
    • This is arequested appointment. If your application is approved by USCIS subsequently the requested date, your OPT will begin engagement of approval past USCIS

  • Pace 5: Make Recommended Changes to Your Materials and Print I-twenty Copy

    Later on your completed Mail service Completion OPT Processing Request e-form has been reviewed, the Role of International Affairs will create a new I-20 recommending you for OPT. Along with this I-twenty, your Advisor will recommend edits or corrections to your awarding materials--make certain to make any suggested corrections before sending your application to USCIS! Your approving email will include a scanned copy of your OPT recommendation I-20, yous should print this re-create to include with your packet. Brand sure to sign your I-twenty copy.

    You will receive instructions about when and where to pick upwardly your new I-xx as well. If you no longer alive in Indianapolis, we can transport your OPT recommendation I-twenty past UPS for $10, or past U.Southward. mail for free.

  • Step 6: Compile Your OPT Application Packet or File Online

    For online applications, now is when you should complete the online application with USCIS, existence careful to upload your materials correctly and selecting "c(3)(B) Student Post-Completion OPT" as your eligibility category.

    For newspaper applications, USCIS can better review your packet if you fix information technology in a sure way. Below is the order we recommend for your documents. Please do non staple whatever private documents within your packet.

    1. Check ($410)
    2. Photos (nosotros recommend you lot place these in a small-scale plastic handbag with a attachment, plus write your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo with a pencil or felt-tip pen)
    3. I-765 form
    4. New I-20 recommending OPT
    5. Most recently issued I-20
    6. I-94 record
    7. Passport Identification Folio
    8. F-1 Visa Stamp
    9. Other supporting documentation if applicable (SEVIS printout for CPT, I-797 Approval detect, prior EAD, etc)
    10. Optional: Form G-1145

    Once yous have compiled these documents, staple the whole bundle together (including the check and the baggie that has your pictures in it—be conscientious not to staple through the pictures).

    Yous should make a copy of your unabridged OPT bundle for your records.

  • Step 7: Transport Your OPT Packet to USCIS

    For paper applications, you should transport your completed OPT application parcel to USCIS. We recommend y'all use a courier services such as UPS or FedEx, or registered showtime-class U.S. post to have your packet delivered. These methods volition both provide you with information on when the packet was delivered to USCIS, which you should keep for your records. For both online and paper applications, USCIS must receive your application no afterward than 30 days immediately following the date on page 1 of your I-xx (where the DSO has signed), or the date your 60 mean solar day grace period ends, whichever is sooner.

    Paper applications must be sent to the proper accost for the shipping method you have chosen; you can observe the proper mailing addresses for USCIShere .

  • Step 8: Receive Your Receipt Notice and Wait

     Once your OPT awarding has been filed with the USCIS, a Receipt Notice will be issued. Information technology will come to the address you lot listed in 5.a.-5.e. in Part two of your I-765 awarding course. Yous can bank check the status of your application by going to this site and entering your Receipt Number, which tin can be institute toward the upper, left-hand side of your Receipt Find.

    If you need to update your address with USCIS while your application is still pending you can do and then hither.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

For information on maintaining your F-1 status while on OPT and work requirements, delight encounter our Maintaining Your Condition on OPT page.

  • Am I still in F-1 status on OPT or when my application is pending?

    Yep-- you lot are all the same in F-ane visa status even while on OPT. OPT is a work authorization, not a split up status. Students may remain in the United States, even subsequently their grace flow, if they accept a awaiting application with USCIS.

  • Can I work on campus while I await for my OPT to be approved?

    Non after your program completion date-- on campus piece of work authority ends when your program ends.

  • Can I travel while I'1000 waiting for my OPT to be approved?

    Yes, merely OIA recommends circumspection when traveling outside of the United states after you take graduated, while yous are waiting for your OPT authorization. Your U.S. immigration status is determined past your I-94 card, and considering the I-94 information is no longer available each time you depart from the United States, establishing your F-ane status while outside the country will be difficult if USCIS has questions about your application. If USCIS sends a asking for boosted data virtually an aspect of your application and it is non resolved in a timely fashion, your awarding will be denied.

    According to the Section of Homeland Security (DHS), you may travel back to the United States while your OPT is pending in club to search for employment. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) explains this in detail on its website.

    Visit ICE »

    OIA too recommends caution if you need to renew your visa while away. Since OPT is optional, the consular officeholder may non feel it'southward necessary for you to return to the U.S., especially if they feel you have any intention of immigrating.

    If you practise decide to travel outside the U.S. while waiting for your OPT to be approved, make sure to carry:

    • Your passport
    • A signed I-20
    • A valid F-1 visa stamp
    • An I-797C (receipt discover from USCIS)

  • How do I make sure I receive my EAD card when my OPT is approved?

    • Y'all should brand sure you lot tin receive post that is listed every bit "first class or higher" at your mailing address.
    • Make sure you or the person you've put every bit "in care of" on your application are listed as residing at the mailing accost with USPS.You lot may need to confirm this with your local post office.

    If you move while your OPT is pending and can no longer receive mail at your mailing accost, make certain to update your address with USCIS as before long as possible.

  • Will my International Student Insurance proceed while I'1000 on OPT?

    If you already have IU International Student Insurance through IUPUI, it volition expire at the end of the period of insurance coverage. The last twenty-four hour period of coverage for Spring/Summer insurance is July 31, and the terminal mean solar day of fall insurance coverage is December 31.  Typically, students who will non register for classes will use the insurance offered through their employer. If your OPT employer does not provide you with insurance coverage and you would similar information about other options, contact iadvisor@iupui.edu .

    If you register for classes at IUPUI any time during your OPT period, you will be billed automatically for IU International insurance. If you would like to request exemption from mandatory pupil insurance enrollment while you are on OPT, you must complete a Wellness Insurance Exemption Request  in Atlas .

  • Tin I take classes or first a new degree programme while on OPT?

    If you begin study at some other education level, your OPT dominance is terminated with the notification of a new degree program in the Student and Exchange Company Information Arrangement (SEVIS) or with a transfer of your SEVIS tape to another institution. Yous are supposed to piece of work full time while on OPT.

    If you are pursuing full-time piece of work in your major field of study and wish to take a course or two, there should not be a problem with this, provided that you lot do not begin a new didactics level .

    If y'all plan to brainstorm a new academic program on a full time basis at IUPUI, you will demand to fill up out the e-form called "New Program I-20 Request" in Atlas .

    If you wish to transfer to another college or university in the United States, you must besides fill out the "Transfer Out Request" eastward-form request in Atlas .

    These e-course requests must be submitted before you begin a new plan, and the OIA approving for these requests must be granted no later on than the terminate of the 60-day grace period following completion of OPT. OPT will automatically end on the day your SEVIS record is transferred to a new establishment or the twenty-four hour period your new program (at IUPUI) begins or your actual OPT terminate date, whichever is first.