Post-Completion OPT: Steps to Apply

• Passport style photograph [Photos must be taken within the last 30 days and cannot have previously been used for a passport, visa, or other US government-related application.]
• I-94 record (click get most recent)
• Valid passport showing your photo, name, and date of birth OR previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (scans of both front and back) 
• Most recent I-20
• Draft of Completed Form I-765 (see Sample Form for suggestions for completing)
• If you have previously been approved for CPT or OPT, you MUST submit copies of all I-20s that list CPT/OPT authorization
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) showing both front and back only if you have previously been approved for OPT

*SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION FOR REVIEW HERE
*If auto link above doesn't work, please copy and paste this link into your browser: https://massart.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6u6KcOm2HRM5iw6

If you submit everything that is required, your International Student Adviser will:

• Formally recommend your OPT Application in the SEVIS system
• Issue and email you a new I-20 showing that your OPT has been formally recommended
• Email you with any suggested changes and the suggested order you should send the documents in.

To successfully e-file the I-765, you must have all documents listed under Step 1 AND your new OPT Recommended I-20 from your International Student Adviser*applications typically take three to five months to process

• Create a USCIS Account (or Sign In To Existing Account) 
• Select Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) after logging in
  • It is near the bottom of the form list. 
• Complete the I-765 Form 
  • Use your previous I 765 (the one that your International Student Adviser reviewed) as a draft and make any changes needed as you proceed with filing.
• Required Payment: you must pay the associated fee to file form I-765 and apply for OPT*applications typically take three to five months to process
  • Currently the fee is set to $470 but it subject to change at anytime. You can find the most up to date fee information here at the USCIS site.
• Optional Payment for Premium processing: USCIS offers an expedited option, called Premium Processing, for an additional fee of $1,685
  • For students who choose this option and pay the fee, USCIS guarantees that within 30 days it will issue either an approval, a denial or a request for more information about the student’s application.
  • To apply for Premium Processing, include the following with your OPT application:
    • Completed Form I-907 (www.uscis.gov/i-907)
    • Separate payment for $1,685 (You will need to provide two separate payments with your application: one for the OPT application fee and the other for the Premium Processing fee)
• Review and Submit: Here you will review all of the information you have provided so far and you will then click to submit your I-765 online application.
• You cannot begin employment during the time you wait for your application to be approved.