Are you interested in working off-campus in your major after completing your degree program? We recommend you apply for Post Completion OPT early in your final semester!
I am in F-1 status.
I am in good academic standing and good immigration status.
I have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year.
I will fulfill all the requirements for my degree this semester.
I am planning to work in a field “directly related to my major area of study.”
I am inside the U.S.
The Earliest Filing Date: 90 days BEFORE you would like to start. The latest filing date is 60 days after the completion of your program.
If your final class is within the Fall or Spring semester dates, your completion date is the same as the graduation date.
If your final class is during a Summer term, your completion date is the final class day of your final class.
NOTE: USCIS uses UTC (coordinated universal time), which is 5-6 hours ahead of Central time
(5 when we are in standard time, 6 when we’re in daylight savings time) Be sure to calculate this in for the final submission deadline!
Applications usually take between 3-4.5 months for adjudication + mailing, so students are encouraged to apply early if possible for your circumstances. Talk to the immigration advisor in the OISVS for the most current advice and timelines.
For the current pricing, go to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
Current pricing as of August 2024:
Online applications: $470 (ACH debit or U.S. credit cards accepted)
Paper applications: $650 (only ACH debit or U.S. credit card payments accepted: no checks or money orders)
Premium Processing: an additional $1,650
Phase 1: Submit your documents to the OISVS and receive the DSO recommendation on a new I-20;
Prepare documents to upload:
Valid passport ID page
CPT I-20s (p. 1-2)
Submit the Post-Completion OPT Agreement form available HERE, uploading your documents
You'll be notifed to come to the office to complete the I-20 signature. Please note this OPT Recommendation I-20 is only valid for 30 days, so you need to submit your USCIS application within that period (see Phase 2 below).
Prepare your digital, passport-style photo.
Photos may be in JPG, JPEG or PNG files, with a 6MB max file size.
Be sure to put it in the Photo Tool to ensure compatibility.
Phase 2: Complete your application online via My.USCIS account, pay and submit.
Set up your My.USCIS account (HERE)
Choose “File a form online” and Start the Post-completion OPT application and answer the questions.
NOTE: We recommend you use a good address where the card could be received in 2-5 months. Federal mail cannot be forwarded.
Be sure to report all CPT by uploading each CPT I-20.
Be sure to upload your signed OPT I-20 (issued within 30 days of your submission)
Optional: Send a draft to the DSO/PDSO for an informal review.
After OISVS review, make any changes and review everything carefully, including the deadlines and documents.
Pay: with bank draft or U.S.-based credit card. The money is immediately debited from your account.
Submitting payment submits your application.
Keep the electronic receipt you receive.
Check your My.USCIS account frequently for updates and requests for evidence.
Change your address is necessary. See the USCIS Tools and Resources website.
Review the OISVS Vital information PowerPoint for important information and reminders.