Step 1: Request OPT Recommendation from International Center
- OPT Request (Pre/Post Completion)
- This form must be completed by you and your academic department.
- Review OPT Presentation
- You will receive a receipt after viewing this presentation. You will need to print the email receipt to include with your request.
- Submit Post-Completion Administrative Fee Payment Receipt
- The Post-Completion Administrative Fee is a one-time fee of $100 for Post-Completion OPT
- I-94 Document
- Print a copy of your most recent I-94 document
- If summer will be your final quarter, you must also submit proof of summer enrollment (Example: email confirmation from UCI Summer Session or screenshot of your study list)
Step 2: Upload Your Request for an OPT I-20
- Upload the documents from Step 1 to the Student Upload Tool
Step 3: Receive your OPT I-20
- Your application will be reviewed by an International Student Advisor, after review of your application, you will receive a new I-20 with an OPT Recommendation on Page 2. Your I-20 visa document will be sent electronically via DocuSign.
- Review Page 1 of your I-20 and look at the Program End Date on your I-20, this should reflect as your final quarter of enrollment at UCI.
- Review the OPT Recommendation on Page 2 of your I-20.
- Review Processing Times
Step 4: Prepare Your Application for USCIS
Apply Online: Create a USCIS online account and submit the form I-765 electronically, uploading electronic copies of documents listed below, and paying fees online.
- Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ to log in or sign up for a USCIS online account
- Access the I-765 application by selecting “File a Form Online”
- Choose Application for Employment Authorization (I-765) and follow instructions on the USCIS website and OPT Presentation in Step 1
- The payment amount for the application will be generated automatically based on your responses on the application.
- Payments can be made from your checking/savings account or credit/debit card
- See the fee schedule for I-765 filing here.
- Once you submit your application you can no longer go back and edit your responses.
| Documents (as listed in online filing system) | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2” x 2” Passport Photo | Upload your photo. See “Photo Requirements” in the online filing system. U.S. Department of State Photo Requirements U.S. Department of State Photo Check Tool |
| I-94 | Upload your most recent I-94. |
| Employment Authorization Document | Upload your previous EAD card.If you have never been issued an EAD card, then upload a photocopy of your valid passport biographical page or most recent F-1 visa. |
| Previously authorized CPT or OPT | Upload any I-20(s) showing CPT or OPT authorization and/or Upload any prior EAD cards*If you have not previously done OPT or CPT, you can leave this blank |
| Form I-20 | Upload all 3 pages of your new I-20 (showing OPT recommendation on page 2)Make sure to sign the I-20 on page 1 |
Step 5: Submit Your OPT Application to USCIS
- USCIS must receive your OPT Application within 30 days of the issuance of your OPT Recommendation I-20 and within your 60 day grace period.
- It is recommended to keep a copy of your application for your records.
- For information regarding the USCIS Premium Processing Option, read below. The International Center highly recommends applying early and to use premium processing only if necessary for your individual situation.
- Beginning February 26, 2024 USCIS will increase premium processing fees for OPT and STEM OPT extensions. Premium processing is submitted through Online Filing of USCIS Form I-907 and is available to F-1 students in categories (c)(3)(B), and (c)(3)(C). Premium processing provides expedited processing services within 30 calendar days. This is a non-refundable fee and can only be submitted at the time of your application to USCIS. Before you seek out this option, check USCIS’s current processing times.
- On April 1, 2024, USCIS will increase filing fees for I-765 filing. Fees vary for online vs. paper filing. The International Center is recommending the use of online filing for all OPT/OPT STEM applications.
Step 6: Wait for USCIS to Adjudicate Your Request
- I-797C Receipt Notice:
- Immediately after applying, your online application will show a case number on the confirmation screen. This case number can be used to track the progress of your application on the USCIS Website.
- USCIS will also mail you a paper I-797 Receipt Notice within 2-4 weeks of receiving your application.
- I-797C Approval Notice/Employment Authorization Card (EAD):
- If your OPT application is approved, you will receive an I-797C Approval Notice/Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to your mailing address.
Step 7: Reporting Requirements
- OPT students are required to report new employment or changes to employment within 10 days of the change to maintain F-1 status reporting requirements. Click here for information about how to update employment during your OPT period.