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 ISA 

*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 ISA 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 is subject to change at any time. 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
  • 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 the Premium Processing Fee (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 until you have your EAD card in hand and the start date listed on the card is current. You may not work while you wait for your application to be approved.