OPT Application Process

After submitting your signed OPT Eligibility form and receiving your OPT I-20, you can submit your OPT application to USCIS, up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after your expected program end date.

• In addition, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when Jessup ISSO recommends your I-20 for OPT.

The checklist for OPT includes documents:

• OPT I-20 signed by Jessup DSO and you

• Passport style photo

  • NOTE: As of December 12, 2025, USCIS now requires in-person photos taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) for Form I-765, replacing self-submitted photos.  Locate a Application Support Center (Regulatory Information Linked Here)

• Your most recent I-94

• Copy of your passport

• F-1 Visa

• CPT I-20s (if any)

• Previous EAD card (if any)

I-765 Guide (Online)

RFEs, Returned, or Denied Applications

If you receive a "Request for Evidence" (RFE), returned application, or denied application, contact isso@jessup.edu immediately. It may be necessary for ISSO to provide a new I-20 or supporting documents before you can respond to the USCIS inquiry or resubmit your OPT application.

Address Changes

The only way to change the address USCIS uses for your OPT-related mail is to submit an official change of address to USCIS using their website tools. The U.S. Postal Service can’t forward official government mail (like OPT cards) to a new address. ISSO will NOT allow students to use our office as a mailing address for OPT requests.