Before You Apply 

• Review the eligibility criteria.
• Review the OPT Tutorial.
• Review the OPT Timeline. 
• Undergraduate Students: The OPT timeline is based on the term in which you complete all required coursework to earn your degree, not the term you file to graduate.  
• Graduate Students on Filing Fee: You may choose to apply for OPT based on the term you are on Filing Fee or the term before. Customized dates are available if you have a job offer with a start date during the term on Filing Fee. 

How To Apply

Step 1: Create a USCIS Account 

• Follow Part 1 of the I-765 Application Instructions to create a USCIS Account. 

Step 2: Prepare a DRAFT of the I-765 application. Do not submit the I-765 application yet. 

• Follow Part 2 of the I-765 Application Instructions to fill out the I-765 application and upload the required documents. 
  • When uploading documents to the Evidence section, the “I-20 Upload” should be left blank at this time.  
• Click “View draft snapshot” to download a PDF of your draft I-765 application. (A screen capture is below) 

• DO NOT pay the I-765 filing fee or submit your application to USCIS yet! Doing so will result in the denial of your application. Go directly to step 3. 

Step 3: Request an I-20 with an OPT recommendation in iGlobal 

• Follow Part 3 of the I-765 Application Instructions to request an I-20 with an OPT recommendation through your iGlobal portal. 

• Complete all required e-forms and upload the following documents: 
  • Draft Snapshot of I-765 application obtained in Step 2 (shown above)  
  • I-94 Record 
• Once your request for an I-20 with an OPT recommendation is submitted, allow up to 2 weeks for your request to be processed.  

Step 4: Upload your I-20 with an OPT recommendation to your I-765 application

• You will receive an email once your request has been processed and your SISS Advisor will inform you if they noticed any errors on your I-765 application. 
  • SISS reviews the I-765 application as a courtesy, but you are responsible for ensuring that your I-765 application is complete and accurate.
• Log in to your iGlobal portal to download your I-20 with the OPT recommendation. Print the I-20 and sign in ink (not electronically).  
• Upload a clear copy of your signed I-20 with the OPT recommendation (all pages) to the I-765 application in your USCIS account.  
• Refer to Part 4 of the I-765 Application Instructions for details about this step. 

Step 5: Pay the I-765 Filing Fee and Submit your I-765 Application to USCIS 

• You must file the I-765 application to USCIS no more than 90 days before the program end date on your I-20 and no more than 60 days after. Refer to the OPT Timeline. Applying too early or too late will result in denial of your application.  
  • If your application is rejected/denied after the end of your 60-day grace period, you will not be eligible to reapply.
• You must file the I-765 application within 30 days of the date SISS recommended your OPT (refer to the “Date Issued” on page 1 of your I-20). 
• Follow Part 5 of the I-765 Application Instructions to pay the I-765 filing fee and submit your I-765 application to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Premium Processing (I-907) Information: 

• USCIS states they will take adjudicative action on an OPT request within 30 days of submission when Premium Processing is requested. 
• NOTE: Premium Processing is a substantial fee in addition to the USCIS I-765 filing fee. 
• Premium Processing is optional and can be requested at the time of filing the I-765 application to USCIS or at any point after, until USCIS has adjudicated the application. I-765 application and Premium Processing fees are non-refundable if the I-765 application is denied by USCIS.  

Questions? 

Schedule an appointment with your Tier 2 advisor if you need to discuss your specific situation. Schedule an appointment with a Tier 1 advisor if you have questions about filling out your I-765 application or the required documentation. 

SISS Disclaimer 

Information from SISS is intended to provide you with general guidance and should not under any circumstances be considered or interpreted as legal advice.  

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of State (DOS) may change their interpretations of established immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. 
 
SISS reviews application materials as a courtesy and makes recommendations based on our current knowledge regarding common errors. As an international student, it is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete and correct, and to seek legal advice concerning any aspect of your application that may be needed.