Paper Application Process For OPT

  1. Complete the OPT Advisor’s E-Form (via iStart) which will be electronically signed by your academic advisor. Check UIS Enterprise prior to submitting the E-Form – make sure your address and emergency contact are up to date, all holds have been removed, and you have completed your graduation application. Once your OPT Advisor E-Form has been submitted, a DSO will confirm your eligibility and schedule an OPT Appointment for you.
  2. Bring the following documents to your OPT Appointment:
    • Typed Form I-765 (PDF). The address entered in section 3 of the form should be either the address where you will be living when the application is approved or our office address. The F-1 OPT code for section 27 is ( c )(3)(B ). Please note:  This is optional, but you can now apply for your Social Security Number (if you do not already have one) on the new form I-765.  If you choose to apply for the SSN using the I-765 (PDF) then you MUST use your own address.  If you use the ISS office address and you do not already have a SSN, then you must apply for your SSN AFTER you receive your EAD.
    • Typed Form G-1145 (PDF).
    • $410.00 made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. View the Paying USCIS Fees website for all payment options, detailed instructions, and a sample of “How to Write Your Check.” You may also pay by credit card by including Form G-1450 with your application. Make sure to include your I-94 number on your payment.
    • Copies of all original form I-20s (with CPT or OPT authorization), form I-94, and copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents.
    • Make photocopies of your passport ID page and your visa.
    • Have two identical color passport photographs made according to these specifications. Print your name and I-94 number on the back of each photograph with a pen or pencil.
    • Copy of your unofficial transcript (only students with less than 1 year on their Form I-20 – either for Change of Status or Change of Education Level)
    • Print the OPT Document Check-List to make sure you have all documents needed at your OPT Application Appointment.
  3. Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 via mail or email with the OPT recommendation. Make sure to print and sign page 1 of your Form I-20. USCIS requires your original signature and you must retain original I-20 for your records. It is YOUR responsibility to mail or submit online application to USCIS within 30 days for processing. To determine the lockbox to which you’ll submit your application, refer to this table on the USCIS website.

Paper Application Process For OPT STEM

  1. You will need to complete the OPT STEM I-20 Request via iStart and upload the I-983 Training Plan in order to request the form I-20 for the OPT STEM Extension application. Please remember, this can take approximately 2 weeks to process your new I-20, so plan accordingly. You may submit the “OPT STEM Extension I-20 Request” and Form I-983 (pages 1-4) via iStart as early as 90 days prior to your OPT end date. Please review the Instructions to Complete the I-983 Training Plan (PDF) for assistance.
  2. Once your new I-20 for the STEM recommendation is ready, ISS will notify you via email and your form I-20 will be delivered to you via the method that you choose when you submit the e-form request. Your options will be to receive it in a pdf file transmitted electronically, to arrange an express mail shipment of the paper document, or to pick up the paper document in the ISS office.
  3. Prepare all documents to be mailed to USCIS:
    • $410.00 made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – View the Paying USCIS Fees website for all payment options, detailed instructions, and a sample of “How to Write Your Check.”  You may also pay by credit card by including Form G-1450 with your application. Make sure to include your I-94 number on your payment.
    • Two recent, passport-style photos on white background -The photos must be 2 x 2 inches; the images must be 1 inch from the hair to the chin and 1.25 inch from eye height to the bottom of the photo. Your name and I-94 number must be printed in pencil on the back of the photos.  Use the US Department of State Photo Check Tool.
    • Form G-1145 (PDF)
    • On the Form I-765 mark the box indicating that you are applying for renewal of your employment authorization. The code for section 20 is (c)(3)(C). Review the STEM OPT Instructions for the Form I-765 (PDF) for assistance.
    • New form I-20 with the STEM recommendation on page 2.  Make sure to print, sign, and date on page 1.
    • Copies of previous I-20s, passport, visa, form I-94, and copies of any previous EAD’s (including current OPT card)
    • Copy of certification of degree awarded showing the applicant’s major field of study or a final transcript showing the degree awarded
    • Valid email address, employer’s name, employer’s address, and employer’s EIN
    • Evidence that first period of OPT was conducted appropriately – employment was directly related to the major and appropriate for the level of study and no more than 90 days of unemployment (job offer letters, pay stubs, etc.)
  4. Mail all documents to the appropriate Service Center prior to the expiration date on your current EAD.  See the USCIS Web site for filing addresses and which Service Center should receive your application.
  5.  Once the application is received, if there are no requests for additional evidence or information, your extension is automatic and is effective the very next day after your current authorization expires. You do not have to await the arrival of your new EAD in order to continue working for up to 180 days. If 120 days pass and you do not receive your new EAD, please contact us so that we can assist you in following up with the Service Center.
  6. Your application must be mailed and received by USCIS within 60 days of the date printed on your I-20 and also must be received by USCIS prior to your OPT end date.
  7. Students granted a 24-month OPT extension may not accrue an aggregate of more than 150 days of unemployment during a total OPT period, including any post-completion OPT period and any subsequent 24-month extension period.  Therefore, if you used all 90 unemployment days during OPT, you would only have 60 remaining unemployment days during your OPT STEM extension.
  8. The ISS Office has provided you with a recommendation for the OPT STEM extension. USCIS will adjudicate your application and is responsible for the approval of your STEM extension. It is possible that you may receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS.  It is ultimately your responsible to provide accurate information to USCIS and provide further documentation if needed. For more information regarding the OPT STEM extension, please visit the STEM OPT Hub on the Study in the States website.
  9. Once you receive your EAD for STEM, make sure all information is correct, make copies for your records, and keep your EAD in a safe place.  Information regarding corrections and replacements can be found on our Employment Authorization Document webpage.