Applying for OPT Work Authorization

Option 1: Self-Service Track

The Self-Service Track allows you to view the OPT Information Video and Tutorial online, then complete and mail your application materials to the U.S. government without meeting with an OIS advisor in person.

The video provides information on how to apply for OPT and immigration requirements while on OPT. You will complete a series of e-forms to provide OIS with your program completion date (which is then confirmed by your academic advisor), your requested OPT start date, and to request your new OPT I-20 document.

Who is eligible for the Self-Service Track?

You can use the Self-Service Track if you meet all the criteria below:

  • Are a student with no thesis or dissertation requirements
  • Know your requested OPT authorization start date
  • Fully understand the OPT application process and OPT work requirements after viewing the OPT video presentation and tutorial

Note: You need to be certain of your OPT authorization start date before submitting your OPT I-20 Request to OIS. Detailed information about OPT start date options is included in the online tutorial.

The Self-Service process

Here is a brief summary of the Self-Service process:

  • View the online OPT Video and Tutorial.
  • Submit the OPT Academic Advisor Verification e-form.
  • Submit the OPT I-20 Request e-form.
  • OIS advisor creates the OPT I-20 and emails you when it is ready.
  • Pick up the OPT I-20 and application instruction packet at OIS.
  • Once you have put together your OPT application materials, you will mail them to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

When you pick up your I-20 document from OIS, we will provide instructions on how to complete the application materials, organize them in the correct order, and where to mail the completed application packet. Remember that the OPT application needs to be received by USCIS within 30 days of OIS creating your new OPT I-20.

You still have the option to speak with an OIS advisor if you have quick questions after reviewing the online materials. Students can drop in for a 10 minute meeting without scheduling an appointment during Quick Question Advising from 1–3:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Option 2: Full-Service Track

Anyone who would like in-person assistance can use the Full-Service Track. If you meet any of the below criteria we strongly suggest that you use this track.

  • You are a student with a thesis or dissertation requirement.
  • You are a Performer or Artist Diploma student.
  • Your plans may result in more than 90 days of unemployment.
  • You have multiple questions after viewing the OPT Video and Tutorial.
  • You want to meet with an OPT expert in person for more help submitting your documents.

The Full-Service Track starts when you attend a required in-person OPT Information Session where you will learn how to apply for OPT, as well as your immigration requirements while on OPT. The session is about an hour and a half long and is offered regularly throughout the year. OPT information sessions are offered weekly during fall and spring (more frequently in February and March) and bi-weekly during summer. Sessions are not available during New Student Orientation (the month of August and early January) or during winter break.

After completing your application materials and having an academic advisor confirm your program completion date, you will schedule a 30 minute, in-person OPT intake appointment with an OIS advisor. At that appointment the advisor will create your OPT I-20, organize your OPT application materials, and answer any questions you have. The advisor then gives you the completed OPT application packet and mailing instructions for you to send everything directly to the USCIS Service Center.

The Full-Service process

Here is a brief summary of the Full-Service process:

  • Attend an in-person OPT information session.
  • Submit the OPT Academic Advisor Verification e-form.
  • Wait for your academic advisor to confirm your completion date through the e-form, then call OIS to schedule your intake appointment.
  • Gather all required OPT application materials.
  • Attend your OPT intake appointment (please bring your completed application materials).
  • Mail the final OPT application package to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

During your in-person OPT intake appointment, you can discuss your OPT start date options with an advisor. You can still change your requested authorization date at that time. However, the requested start date needs to be finalized before OIS can create your new OPT I-20.