OPT Application & Directions

Optional Practical Training – Applying Online

Please review the OPT eligibility and information at the ISS Employment Information page.
IMPORTANT: Applicants will need a new I-20 recommending OPT from International Student Services. Please email iss@sys-filter.com for an I-20 and include the start and end dates that you hope to work during OPT. The chart with dates is below. OPT applications must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date that International Student Services prepares and signs the OPT I-20. If your application is filed with USCIS after 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date, your application will be denied.

F-1 students may request Post-Completion OPT to obtain work in their field of study once per educational level (associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctorate).

• Go to the USCIS Account page
  • Create an account with your personal (not OPE电子竞技官网 email account), and follow the instructions for setting up a password.
• Once you have created an account and logged in, select “My USCIS”
  • Select “Applicant” > File a form online > Look for the I-765 Employment Authorization application>choose the authorization you are applying for:
    • Pre-completion OPT: (c)(3)(A)
    • Post-completion OPT: (c)(3)(B)
• Fill out the form by following the prompts.  
• You will be asked to upload documents. All documents must be in a certain format and no more than 6 MB per file: JPG, JEPG, PDF, TIF, OR TIFF (No PDFs for photos). Name documents with simple text and no special characters
  • US passport-style photo (taken within the last six (6) months)
    • The photo must be at least 600x600 pixels. The size must not be more than 6 MB.
    • The file must be a JPG, JEPG, PDF, TIF, OR TIFF – NO PDFs.
    • Photos must meet US photograph requirements, or they will be rejected and delay processing. See details at the Department of State Passport Photos website  
  • Copy of the new OPT I-20 from ISS and past CPT I-20s only for post-completion applications.
  • Copy of current I-94 printout (if you have a paper I-94 card, include front & back)
    • Visit the I 94 retrieval official website.
  • Copy of passport (photocopy of photo page, renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)
  • If applicable, copy of any previously issued employment authorization documents (e.g. EAD cards)
  • Proof of past and present enrollment. Upload your unofficial transcript available from your OPE电子竞技官网 Student Self Service portal. 
• Pay the OPT filing fee (Double check the fee amount at http://www.uscis.gov/i-765)  
  • Bank account and routing number
    • Must be drawn at a financial institution that is physically  located in the U.S.
  • Credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover)
    • Call your credit card company or bank to let them know this fee will  be charged.
• Download a copy of the application  for your reference. You cannot make any changes once the application is submitted.
• A receipt number will show immediately upon filing, and a paper notice will also be mailed to you.  
• Requests for Evidence, biometrics appointment info, approvals, denials will show in the "Documents" section. 
• The G-1145 is not part of the online application; it is only available when mailing a paper application.

After OPT Approval

• Reporting Requirements to International Student Services

• F-1 students are required to report personal contact information (name, address, phone number and email address) and employment information changes to International Student Services at iss@sys-filter.com within 10 days of the change.
• F-1 students must email a PDF of their Employment Authorization Document (work permit) to iss@sys-filter.com.
• F-1 student need to email their job offer letter to iss@sys-filter.com as soon as they receive it. 
• F-1 students need to report their employment information either by 1) accessing the OPT Employment Information Form by clicking on ISS Forms or 2) by logging into in the SEVP Portal. The gov't will email a link to the approved students to their person email addresses.
• If F-1 students decide to go home (i.e., giving up OPT) and complete the F-1 status prior to the OPT expiration date, please email International Student Services before leaving the U.S.