Optional Practical Training: Overview & Application Process

A student can apply for OPT if they:

• Currently hold F-1 status.
• Have finished at least one academic year as a full-time student at a US institution.
• Have not participated in full-time CPT for 12 months or more at their degree level.

Students who re-enter the US using a new SEVIS record after their previous record was "closed" (terminated), will need to complete another academic year of full-time study before they can apply for OPT. See ISSS' Leave of Absence & Withdrawal page for more information.

• Job Offer Not Required to Apply:
  • Students do not need to have a job offer when they apply, but they are required to begin working on post-completion OPT within 90 days of the OPT start date (as listed on the EAD) in order to maintain valid F-1 status.
     
• Part-Time vs. Full-Time:
  • Pre-Completion OPT
    • When classes are in session, pre-completion OPT can only be part-time (up to 20 hours per week)
    • During summer and other breaks, pre-completion OPT can be full-time.
  • During Post-completion OPT
    • Is full-time work authorization.
    • Students must work 20 hours or more per week.
    • Students may work with multiple organizations, as long as each position is directly related to their major field of study and cumulatively add up to at least 20 hours per week.
       
• Unpaid Internships/Positions:
  • Financial compensation is not the only indicator of employment.
  • Students may use OPT to take part in an unpaid internship or position.
  • ISSS recommends students obtain written verification from an HR representative at the hiring organization. The letter should explain that the unpaid position does not violate any local, state, and federal labor laws. 

Students must submit their OPT application to USCIS after receiving their new OPT I-20 from Emory ISSS and within the following timeframes:

No Earlier Than 90 Days Before:

• completing 1 full academic year or before the expected employment start date, whichever is later (pre-completion OPT); OR
• the program completion date (post-completion OPT)
• the post-completion OPT end date (STEM OPT Extension)

No Later Than:

• 30 days from the date the OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS; AND
• 60 days from the student's program completion date.

USCIS rejects or denies I-765 OPT applications received outside these timeframes and does not refund application fees. Depending on the situation, a student whose OPT application was denied may not be eligible to reapply.

Thesis/dissertation students can apply for post-completion OPT once they have completed all course requirements for their degree except for a thesis or dissertation. However, prior to applying for post-completion OPT, students should consider the pros and cons to participating in OPT before degree completion.

Pros and Cons

•  Pros:
  • Students can begin working in their field of study full-time anywhere in the US.
  • Students are not required to maintain full-time enrollment.
     
• Cons:  
  • An F-1 student’s on-campus work benefit ends as of their I-20 program end date as listed on page 1 of I-20. 
    • Students who apply for post-completion OPT will have their I-20s shortened to their new program completion date. 
    • As of this date, F-1 students are no longer permitted to work on-campus (including graduate research and teaching assistantships) until they have presented a valid EAD. 
    • Note: Students who work as graduate assistants in exchange for tuition and stipends may no longer receive these benefits once their on-campus work permission ends, and thus, should consider their options carefully.
  • I-20s cannot be extended if students do not complete their degree within the one year of OPT. 
    • In order to complete the degree, students must travel and reenter with a new I-20.
    •  Note: If a student is otherwise eligible for the STEM OPT extension, they can apply for the extension even if they did not graduate within the one year of post-completion OPT.
  • Students are subject to the 90-day unemployment rule
    • Students who accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during their one year of OPT are not considered to be maintaining status.

Program Completion Date for Thesis/Dissertation Students

1. The End of Term/Graduation Date for the semester for which the degree will be granted as listed on the Office of the University Registrar's website.
2. The student's defense date as provided by the student's advisor in the OPT Request e-form.
3. The last day of full-time enrollment.  
   • Students who choose to apply for post-completion OPT based on completion of all course requirements except for thesis/dissertation will have their I-20s shortened to the last day they were full-time enrolled.
   • ISSS will use the End of Term/Graduation Date as listed on the Office of the University Registrar's website as the new I-20 end date.

I-20 will be shortened to this new program completion date, and the student may request an OPT start date within 60 days of this new I-20 end date.

Other Off-Campus Employment Options

If eligible, students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students who are not eligible for CPT may want to consider applying for pre-completion OPT. However, students should be aware that pre-completion OPT requires a separate application to USCIS and any approved period of pre-completion OPT is deducted from the twelve months of post-completion OPT.

Students who have any additional questions should contact their ISSS advisor.  

Pre-Recorded Online OPT Workshop

F-1 students must complete an OPT workshop prior to submitting an OPT request in ISSS Link. ISSS offers a pre-recorded online workshop that can be viewed at the student's convenience.

The link below requires the student to log in using their Emory NetID before connecting to the online OPT workshop which includes a series of videos. Once all five videos have been watched, the student can login to ISSS Link-Limited Services to complete the OPT Request e-form which includes the OPT assessment. 

Click here to access the pre-recorded Online Workshop.

Live OPT Workshops (Via Zoom)

In addition to the online pre-recorded workshop, ISSS offers a live, interactive session (held via Zoom) with an international student advisor where students may ask questions.

Students must register if they plan to attend a live OPT workshop. Students can sign up by selecting the desired workshop below:

There are two methods by which a student may file their OPT I-765 with USCIS after receiving the OPT I-20 from ISSS:

1. Online by creating a myUSCIS account and completing the online I-765; OR
2. By mail which requires completing a paper-based I-765.

Students should not submit both a paper and an online application as USCIS rejects or denies duplicate applications.
The USCIS processing time is the same for the paper and online I-765 applications. USCIS processing time varies, but the typical processing time is about 90-100 days.

There are many benefits to submitting an OPT application online including:

• You can submit your application using a phone, tablet, or computer.
• Common mistakes are avoided such as failing to respond to a form question or failing to sign the application.
• You can save your draft application and complete it at your own pace.
• You can pay the application fee easily and securely online.
• You receive immediate confirmation that USCIS received your application instead of waiting for it to be delivered by mail.

OPT start and end dates cannot be changed after submitting your I-765 OPT application. When selecting a desired OPT start and end date, students should consider the following:

Pre-Completion OPT: 

• The start date should be the expected position start date, and the end date should be the expected position end date.
• Students who do not have a position yet or who have a position but the dates have not been determined, should estimate an expected start and end date.
• *Note: If applying for full-time pre-completion OPT, the requested dates cannot overlap with a fall or spring semester. Review Emory's academic calendar for semester start and end dates (referred to as End of Term/Graduation date).

Post-Completion OPT: 

• The start date can be any day within the 60 days immediately following a student's program completion date.
  • For example, if a student’s program end date is 5/09/2024, the start date can be any day between 5/10/2024-7/08/2024.
  • Review Emory's academic calendar for program completion dates (referred to as End of Term/Graduation date).
• Unless a student has been approved for pre-completion OPT at the current degree level, the end date should be 1 year from the OPT start date.
  • For example, if the start date is 7/08/2024, the end date would be 7/07/2025.
• F-1 students can be authorized for up to 1 year unless previously approved for pre-completion OPT.
  • Part-time, pre-completion OPT is deducted from post-completion OPT at a half-time rate.
  • For example, 4 months of part-time, pre-completion OPT deducts 2 months from the 12 months of post-completion OPT. 

Still Not Sure?

• Students who are actively seeking employment may want to consider picking an earlier start date within the 60 day window with the assumption that they will have a position shortly after graduation.
• Students who are waiting until after graduation to begin their job search may want to select a later start date as it takes time to apply, interview, and receive a job offer.
  • Students cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment while in a period of post-completion OPT.
• Students who are still not sure may want to consider selecting a middle start date, sometime around 30 days after the program completion date.
  • Selecting a middle date gives the student some flexibility without accruing too many days of unemployment.

Students who are still unsure what dates to request should contact their ISSS advisor.

After participating in an OPT workshop, students may begin the OPT I-20 request process outlined below. 

1. Decide on an OPT Application Filing Method (Online or By Mail) and Desired OPT Start and End Date (see above)
    
2. Prepare the OPT Application
   • I-765 Application Draft
     • Depending on how the OPT application will be filed with USCIS (online or by mail), refer to one of the following ISSS resources:
       • Online: Online I-765 Guide
       • By Mail: Step-by-Step Instructions
     • USCIS also provides Form I-765 instructions.
   • Required documents - See the "Document Checklist" section below.
      
3. Complete the "OPT Request" E-form in ISSS Link-Limited Services.
   • Students who do not have an active Emory NetID can access ISSS Link using Limited Services. For detailed instructions on how to obtain Limited Services Access, click here.
   • Log into ISSS Link, navigate to the "F-1 Practical Training" tab, and click on "OPT Request."
   • The request consists of two e-forms:
     • OPT Assessment E-form
       • Students must earn a minimum score of 80% on the "OPT Assessment."
       • Once the student passes, they will have access to the "OPT Request" e-form.  
     • OPT Request E-form
       • In this e-form, the student will provide the type of OPT they are requesting (pre or post-completion), desired OPT dates, and other information needed by the ISSS advisor to create the OPT I-20. They also have the option to upload a draft of their I-765 for ISSS to review.
       • Post-Completion OPT Only:
         • The e-form prompts the student to enter their departmental reviewer’s name and email address (provided in the e-form).
         • Once the student submits an "OPT Request" in ISSS Link, the departmental reviewer will receive an email with instructions on how to complete their portion of the e-form.
           • The departmental reviewer may be delayed in completing their portion of the OPT request if a graduation application has not been submitted by the student. Therefore, students should submit their application for graduation in a timely manner.
              
4. Wait for ISSS to Reviews the Request
   • ISSS will process the request within 5 business days of receiving a completed "OPT Request" e-form.
     • Pre-Completion OPT: The request is considered complete once the student portion of the e-form is submitted.
     • Post-completion OPT: The request is considered complete after both the student and departmental reviewer portions of the e-form are submitted.
        
5. Receive the New OPT I-20 and Prepare the Application for USCIS Submission
   • If the OPT request is approved, ISSS will email the new OPT I-20 to the student as a password protected PDF.
   • Print, hand sign and date the new OPT I-20.
   • Make a copy to include with the I-765 OPT application.

IMPORTANT: 

30 days - USCIS must receive the I-765 OPT application within 30 days of the date the OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS.

• USCIS rejects or denies I-765 OPT applications received more than 30 days after the date OPT was recommended in SEVIS and does not refund application fees.
• Students may not be eligible to reapply if USCIS denies their OPT application.
   

Students who plan to file their OPT application online should prepare digital files of all the required documents (listed below) and refer to the Online I-765 Guide for file format requirements.

A digital copy of the new, hand signed and dated OPT I-20 must be submitted with the I-765 OPT application.

Online I-765 Document Checklist 

1. New I-20 with OPT Recommendation
   • Hand sign and date the OPT I-20. Digital or electronic signatures are not permitted.
   • Make a digital copy. The instructions page is not required.
   • Ensure the program end date on page 1 is correct.
   • Ensure the OPT recommendation on page 2 is correct (start and end dates are correct, pre-completion vs. post-completion, and full-time vs. part-time).
      
2. US-Passport Style Photo
   • US passport photo requirements
   • Must be taken within 30 days of submitting the I-765 OPT application.
   • Should not have been used for a previous application or document such as a visa or passport.
   • US passport-style photos can be obtained at businesses near campus such as CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx.
      
3. Most Recent I-94
   • Retrieve the most recent I-94 from the I-94 website.
   • If a student's most recent entry to the US was through a land port of entry, they may have a paper I-94. Make a digital copy of the front and back to submit with the I-765 OPT application.
   • Confirm that the information on the I-94 is correct.
   • Students should contact their ISSS advisor if there is an error on the I-94.
      
4. Most Recently Issued Passport Biographical ID Page
   • The passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at the time USCIS receives the I-765 OPT application. If necessary, renew the passport before submitting the OPT application.
   • Include any passport extension pages if applicable.
   • Students who have received a new passport since last entering the US should review the relevant "Online I-765 FAQ" (below) for guidance.
      
5. Previously Issued EAD Cards (if applicable)
   • If applicable, include copies of the front and back of each EAD.
   • F-1 students would have a previous EAD (employment authorization document) if they participated in OPT or STEM OPT in the past or if they submitted an I-765 application for another reason in the past.
   • In the "Evidence" section of the online I-765 application, students will be prompted to upload a copy of their last EAD, or if they were not previously issued an EAD, upload a copy of a government-issued identity document showing their picture, name, and date of birth. ISSS recommends students upload a copy of the biographical details ID page of their most recently issued passport.
      
6. Previously Issued CPT and OPT I-20s (if applicable)
   • Including I-20s issued by other institutions (if applicable).
   • The instructions page is not required.
      
7. All Other Previously Issued I-20s (Recommended but Not Required)
   • Including I-20s issued by other institutions (if applicable).
   • The instructions page is not required.
      
8. Form I-907 Request for Premium Processing (optional)

Notes:

• OPT Filing Fee: The last step of the online I-765 application is paying the required fee using the government's secure payment website, Pay.gov. After completing the online I-765 and uploading the required documents (listed above) the student will provide their billing information as well as their credit/debit card or US bank account information. 
   
• Visa: The online I-765 application does not require students to upload a copy of their visa. If they wish, students may upload a copy of their visa as "Unsolicited Evidence" in their myUSCIS account after submitting their online I-765 application.

Students who plan to file their OPT application by mail should prepare single-sided copies of all the required documents listed below. Copies may be grayscale or color. Do not staple documents together.

A copy of the new, hand signed and dated OPT I-20 must be submitted with the I-765 OPT application.

Paper I-765 Document Checklist

1. Original, Typed I-765 Form, Signed in Blue Pen
   • For assistance completing the paper I-765, refer to ISSS' Step-by-Step Instructions.
   • Include all original, single-sided pages of the form.
   • Students should sign their name in blue ink in the "Applicant Signature" field. Digital or electronic signatures are not permitted.
   • Select the correct "Eligibility Category Code" - (c)(3)(A) for pre-completion OPT; and, (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT.
      
2. Copy of New I-20 with OPT Recommendation
   • Hand sign and date the OPT I-20. Digital or electronic signatures are not permitted.
   • Make a single-sided copy. The instructions page is not required.
   • Ensure the program end date on page 1 is correct.
   • Ensure the OPT recommendation on page 2 is correct (start and end dates are correct, pre-completion vs. post-completion, and full-time vs. part-time).
      
3. Two (2) US Passport Style Photos
   • US passport photo requirements
   • Must be taken within 30 days of submitting the I-765 OPT application.
   • Should not have been used for a previous application or document such as a visa or passport.
   • US passport-style photos can be obtained at businesses near campus such as CVS, Walgreens, and FedEx.
   • In pencil, on the back of each photo, lightly write the student's full name and I-94 number.
   • Enclose the two photos in a small envelope and paperclip it to the front of the I-765 OPT application.
      
4. Copy of Most Recent I-94
   • Retrieve and print the most recent I-94 from the I-94 website.
   • If a student's most recent entry to the US was through a land port of entry, they may have a paper I-94.  Make a single-sided copy of the front and back to submit with the I-765 OPT application.
   • Confirm that the information on the I-94 is correct.
   • Students should contact their ISSS advisor if there is an error on the I-94.
      
5. Copy of Most Recently Issued Passport Biographical ID Page
   • The passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future at the time USCIS receives the I-765 OPT application. If necessary, renew the passport before submitting the OPT application.
   • Include any passport extension pages if applicable.
      
6. Copy of Most Recent Visa
   • Not required by citizens of Canada or Bermuda.
   • The visa may be expired at the time the I-765 OPT application is submitted to USCIS.
      
7. Copies of Previously Issued EAD Cards (if applicable)
   • Include copies of the front and back of each EAD.
      
8. Copies of Previously Issued CPT and OPT I-20s (if applicable)
   • Including I-20s issued by other institutions (if applicable).
   • The instructions page is not required.
      
9. Copies of All Other Previously Issued I-20s (Recommended but not Required)
   • Including I-20s issued by other institutions (if applicable).
   • The instructions page is not required.
      
10. G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance form (Recommended but not Required)
    1. Students have the option to include this form to request a text and/or email when USCIS accepts the I-765 application for processing.
        
11. Form I-907 Request for Premium Processing (Optional)
     
12. OPT Fee 
    • Can be paid by personal check, cashier's checks, money order or credit card.
    • For the most up to date fee amount, visit the USCIS website. 
    • NOTE: Biometrics fee is not required.
       
    • If paying by check or money order:
      • Enclose the check or money order in an envelope and paperclip it to the front of the I-765 OPT application before mailing it to USCIS.
      • Make it payable to "US Department of Homeland Security."
      • In the memo section, write "OPT I-765: (Student's full name), (Student's I-94 number)"
      • Personal checks only:
        • Ensure sufficient funds are available in the account at least 2-3 weeks after mailing the application.
        • Do not use a "starter check" that does not have the student's name and address printed on it.
        • Do not cross out the address on the check if it is outdated. Leave the check as is.
        • Sign and date the check using this format, MM/DD/YYYY.
           
    • If paying by credit card:
      • Requires the Form G-1450
      • Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted
      • USCIS will not make a second attempt to process a credit card if the payment request is declined and will reject or deny the I-765 OPT application.
      • In the past there were some reports of issues with credit card payments that resulted in USCIS processing delays.

General Information

• Submit the I-765 OPT application to USCIS either online or by mail. Be sure to include:
  • Copy of the OPT I-20
    • USCIS must receive the OPT application within 30 days of the date the OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS by ISSS
  • Additional required documents listed in the "Document Checklists" above.
• Do not submit both the online and paper I-765 applications. 
  • USCIS processing time for online and paper applications is the same.

Options for Submitting the OPT Application to USCIS

Online:

1. Create a myUSCIS account. 
    
2. Use the Online I-765 Guide to learn how to prepare and submit the online I-765 application.
    
3. Pay the I-765 filing fee and submit the application.
   • The last step of the online I-765 application is paying the required fee. 
   • When ready to pay and submit the application to USCIS, students will click the “Pay and Submit” button and the form will redirect them to the secure government payment website, Pay.gov. 
   • On Pay.gov, the student will provide their billing information as well as their credit/debit card or US bank account information. Once entered, submit the payment. The online I-765 application is considered submitted after the fee is paid.
      
4. Print and/or save a copy of the submitted online I-765 application (optional).
   • ISSS recommends students save a copy of their online I-765 application for their personal records.
   • To obtain a copy of the application:
     • Go to the "Review and Submit" section of the online application to print a summary of all the information provided in the application.
     • Download a draft snapshot of the application. This is the I-765 form generated with the information provided in the online application and a summary page of the files uploaded in the online application. 
        

By Mail:

1. Make a digital and/or paper copy of the entire OPT I-765 Application (optional).
   • ISSS recommends students save a copy of their entire application for their personal records.
   • Include copies of all supporting documents, photos, and fee payment.
      
2. Select a Shipping Method (ISSS recommends using delivery confirmation and saving the confirmation with the copy of the I-765 OPT application packet for the student's personal records).
   • Express Shipping Service
     • Examples: FedEx, UPS, or DHL, USPS Priority Mail and USPS Priority Express Mail.
     • These services provide tracking numbers to confirm delivery.
   • USPS First-Class Mail: 
     • Less expensive than an express delivery service.
     • Does not include a tracking number.
     • Students may purchase an add-on service called Certified Mail to confirm delivery.
        
3. Determine the correct mailing address, decide on a return address, and ship the application.
   • Paper I-765 OPT applications are mailed to a USCIS lockbox from which they are routed to a USCIS service center. 
   • Determining which lockbox mailing address to use will depend on the shipping method (USPS versus express courier such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL).
   • Find the mailing address:
     • Visit the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization webpage.
     • Select the "Foreign Students" tab.
     • Locate the Category Description and Filing Location for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) [includes (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B) and (c)(3)(C)].
     • Determine the lockbox mailing address based on the preferred shipping method (USPS versus express courier).
   • Decide on a Return Address
     • Use an address that will a valid and secure place to receive mail up to at least 5 months from the date the I-765 OPT application is submitted to USCIS. 
     • Students may use their own mailing address, the address of a friend, or the Emory ISSS Office address below: 
       Emory ISSS, MSC 1784 001 1AV
       1784 N. Decatur Rd., Ste. 130
       Atlanta, GA  30322
        
4. Confirm the application was received by USCIS and save confirmation of delivery at least until the EAD is received.
    

The EAD is the document issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after approving an OPT application. The EAD looks like a driver's license, and is the document an F-1 student would present to their employer as proof of employment authorization.

No, a job offer is not required to apply. Note, students in a period of post-completion OPT cannot accrue more than 90 days of unemployment once the approved OPT period begins. 

Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per higher degree level. For example, an F-1 student will be eligible for 12 months of OPT with the completion of a bachelor's degree. After completing a master's degree, the F-1 student will be eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT. 

However, if a student uses 12 months of OPT after completion of a master's degree, the student will not be eligible for an additional period of OPT after completion of a second master's degree or a subsequent bachelor's degree. 

The student would need to complete a PhD degree to be eligible for another 12 months of OPT.

The current fee is listed on the USCIS website under “Filing Fee.” NOTE: Biometrics fee is not required.

ISSS processes complete OPT Request forms within 5 business days of submission.

• Pre-completion OPT: The OPT Request is considered complete after the student portion of the form is submitted.
• Post-completion OPT: The OPT Request is considered complete after both the student and the departmental reviewer (academic advisor, ADAP, thesis advisor, etc.) portions of the form are submitted.

USCIS processing time varies, but the typical processing time is about 90 days. The USCIS processing time is the same for the paper and online I-765 applications. Current USCIS processing times are posted on their website. Students who would like to request premium processing (expedited processing) by filing Form I-907 should speak with their ISSS advisor. 

Yes, students can request "premium processing" with their OPT application by filing a Form I-907 with Form I-765. Premium processing provides expedited processing but there is an additional fee to request this service. Students who would like to discuss the advantages/disadvantages of adding premium processing are welcome to contact their ISSS Advisor. 

Students can access ISSS Link using Limited Services. For detailed instructions on how to obtain Limited Services Access, click here.

The Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a US government form used to apply for permission to work in the US. Eligible students applying for OPT must submit the I-765 along with a new OPT I-20 and additional supporting documents to USCIS. The application can be submitted either online or by mail. Do not submit both.
The form and additional information can be found on the USCIS website.

Completing the I-765

Depending on how the OPT application will be filed with USCIS (online or by mail), refer to one of the following ISSS resources:

• Online: Online I-765 Guide
• By Mail: Step-by-Step Instructions

USCIS also provides Form I-765 instructions.

• The OPT I-20 is issued by an ISSS advisor after approving the student's "OPT Request" in ISSS Link and recommending OPT in a student's SEVIS record.  
• It contains the following on page 2:
  • OPT recommendation.
  • Requested OPT start and end dates.
• A copy of the hand signed and dated OPT I-20 must be submitted with the I-765 OPT application. 
• USCIS will reject or deny an OPT application if:
  • The OPT I-20 is not included with the I-765 OPT application.
  • USCIS receives the OPT application more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation is entered in SEVIS.
• If USCIS rejects or denies an OPT application, the application fee may not be refunded and the student may not be eligible to reapply.  
• Students should contact their ISSS advisor immediately if they:
  • Submitted an I-765 OPT application without the new OPT I-20.
  • Are not sure what date the OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS.
  • Failed to submit the OPT application to USCIS within the 30 day timeframe.

See "Request the OPT I-20 from ISSS" section above to learn how to request the OPT I-20. 
 

No, digital student signatures are not permitted. Students need to print their new OPT I-20, hand sign and date it with an ink pen. Once signed, they should:

• create a digital copy of it to upload with their online I-765 application (if filing online); or 
• make a single-sided copy to include with the I-765 application (if filing by mail)

Students are required to submit copies of all previous I-20s with CPT and/or OPT authorizations issued by Emory and/or any other institutions attended. It is recommended but not required that students also submit copies of all other previously issued I-20s.

Obtaining Missing I-20s

For I-20s Issued by Emory: Students can email their ISSS advisor to request copies of any Emory-issued CPT/OPT I-20s that the student is missing.

For I-20s Issued by an Institution Other Than Emory: Students may contact the international student office at their previous institution to request copies of the missing I-20s.

Students who are unable to obtain copies of any previously issued I-20s: Students should write a letter to USCIS that includes the following information: 

• Student's full name
• Student's SEVIS ID(s)
• Name of the previous institution(s)
• Dates of attendance
• Degree level and major
• If the I-20 contained employment authorization, details of the CPT and/or OPT authorization(s) including:
  • Start and end dates
  • If it was full-time or part-time
  • If the authorization was for CPT, pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, and/or STEM OPT. 

Submitting I-20 Copies to USCIS

CPT/OPT I-20s

• Filing online: Upload copies of the CPT/OPT I-20s in the appropriate field. If a student is unable to obtain copies of these I-20s, the letter can be uploaded in the "Evidence" section of the online I-765 where it asks for copies of previous CPT and OPT I-20s. Students should also provide the CPT and/or OPT authorization details in the "Additional Information" section.
   
• Filing by mail: Include single-sided copies of the I-20s/letter with the application.

All Other I-20s

• Filing online: Students may upload these documents as "Unsolicited Evidence" in their myUSCIS account after submitting their online I-765 application.
   
• Filing by mail: Include single-sided copies of the I-20s/letter with the application.

USCIS rejects or denies online I-765 OPT applications submitted without a new OPT I-20, and application fees may not be refunded. Students who submitted an I-765 OPT application without their new OPT I-20 should contact their ISSS advisor immediately.

USCIS rejects or denies I-765 OPT applications submitted or received more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation was entered in SEVIS.

• Students who failed to submit their application on time should contact their ISSS advisor immediately; and
• Submit the "I-20 Update/Replacement Request" e-form in ISSS Link-Limited Services to obtain a new OPT I-20 with a new OPT recommendation (if eligible).

Eligibility to apply for post-completion OPT expires 60 days after one's program completion date. If USCIS rejects or denies a students' application because it was received after the 60-day grace period, the student will not be eligible for a new OPT recommendation to re-apply.
 

This is a personalized USCIS online account. From their myUSCIS account, students can:

• Submit the online I-765.
• Print their receipt notice immediately upon submitting their application.
• Check the case status and history of their application.
• Send and receive secure messages from USCIS.
• Upload additional documents not requested by USCIS.
• Respond to a USCIS request for evidence.
• Inquire about a typo or missing mail.
  
  Learn more about the benefits of a USCIS online account and how to create a USCIS online account.

Information for USCIS online filing support can be found here. 

Students should enter the details of their most recently issued passport in their online I-765 application and upload a copy of that passport in the "Evidence" section of the application where it requests the student to upload a copy of their EAD or a government-issued ID.

Though not required, students may provide their expired passport details in the "Additional Information" section of the application. They can also upload a copy of their expired passport as "Unsolicited Evidence" to their I-765 case in their myUSCIS account after submitting online I-765 application.
 

No, the online I-765 application does not require students to upload a copy of their visa. However, students may upload a copy of their visa as "Unsolicited Evidence" in their myUSCIS account after submitting their online I-765 application.

No, students cannot make changes to the online I-765 after they have paid the fee and submitted the application.