OPT Application Process (Online Filing)

Resources

At UCCS, applying for post-completion OPT consists of these steps:

  1. Attend an OPT workshop (required) - ISSS offers 3-4 OPT workshops each fall and spring semester
  2. The student gathers all items on the OPT application document checklist (below)
  3. The student makes an appointment with ISSS to request the OPT I-20, and emails all documents prior to the appointment for review.
  4. At your appointment, ISSS will review all documents for completeness, answer any questions and issue an OPT I-20
  5. The student must print and physically sign the OPT I-20.
  6. The student must upload a scanned copy of the new signed OPT I-20 to their online application.
  7. Review the online application for errors/blanks and submit it with payment
  8. Download receipt notice and retain for your records; send ISSS a copy.
  9. USCIS will issue a notice for a biometrics appointment, which must be attended before your application can resume processing.
  10. If the application is approved, USCIS will issue an approval notice and an EAD card (in about 60-90 days)

Request Checklist – you must prepare all of the following items before making your OPT appointment with ISSS. Bring all items to your appointment:

  1. Memo from your academic adviser or department chair verifying your expected graduation at the end of the current term.
  2. Completed OPT I-20 Request form
  3. Scan of 1 color U.S. passport-style photo. Photos must be taken within the last 30 days, measure 2 inches by 2 inches, and have a plain white or off-white background.
  4. Scan of your most recent I-94 printout (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)
  5. Scan of your passport identity page (and any renewal pages)
  6. Scan of the front and back of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
  7. Scan of any prior I-20s if they show CPT or OPT or a different SEVIS ID
  8. Completed online form I-765 DRAFT (see directions in handout, start here: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/)
  9. (After the appointment with ISSS) Upload a copy of your OPT I-20 (signed in ink) to your online application.

IMPORTANT: It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the application and all materials are complete, accurate, and done according to official USCIS instructions.