Use this checklist to prepare your documents and complete your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application.
When Can You Apply?
☐ You are within 90 days before your program end date
☐ OR within 60 days after your program end date
☐ Your OPT start date must be within 60 days after your program ends
Step 1: Request Your OPT I-20
Before applying to USCIS, you must first request an OPT-recommended I-20 from the Office of International Services and Study Abroad (ISSA).
☐ Submit the Pre-OPT Review Form (required): https://forms.office.com/r/7JEfxauZ5c
☐ Complete the OPT Request Form
☐ Have your academic advisor or department chair complete and sign their section
☐ Prepare the following supporting documents:
- Digital passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months; professional photo recommended; no selfies; saved as JPEG)
- Passport (biographical page)
- Most recent I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Previous EAD card(s), if applicable (front and back)
- Previous I-20s with CPT or OPT authorization, if applicable
☐ Upload all required documents through the Pre-OPT Review Form
☐ ISSA will review your submission and notify you if corrections are needed before issuing your OPT-recommended I-20
File Preparation
☐ Files are in PDF, JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format
☐ Each file is under 6MB
☐ Files are clearly named: LASTNAME FirstName DOCUMENT
(Example: SMITH John PASSPORT.pdf)
Step 2: Prepare Your USCIS Application
Once ISSA reviews your documents, you will receive your OPT-recommended I-20. You will then apply for OPT through USCIS.
☐ You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT
☐ Create your USCIS account: https://myaccount.uscis.gov
☐ Be prepared to attend an OPT application support meeting (1 hour, screen sharing required)
☐ Have a payment method ready
USCIS Fees (Check Current Pricing Before Filing)
☐ Review the current I-765 filing fee: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
☐ Use the USCIS Fee Calculator for the most accurate total: https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator
☐ Review Premium Processing (optional): https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing
Fees are determined by USCIS and may change. Payments are made directly to USCIS.
Step 3: Submit Your OPT Application
☐ Receive your OPT-recommended I-20 from ISSA
☐ Sign your I-20
☐ Submit your I-765 application within 30 days of I-20 issuance
☐ Your OPT application must be submitted while you are physically present in the United States
Step 4: After You Apply
☐ Check your USCIS account at least once per week
☐ Monitor for updates, including:
- Receipt notice
- Biometrics appointment (if required)
- Request for Evidence (RFE)
- Approval notice
☐ Contact ISSA if you receive a notice you do not understand
Important Rules
☐ Do not begin working until you receive your EAD card and your start date has arrived
☐ Employment must be related to your degree and at least 20 hours per week
☐ You may have up to 90 days of unemployment
Reporting Requirements
☐ Report any changes within 10 days:
- Employment
- Address
- Contact information
After Program Completion
☐ You will have a 60-day grace period after your program ends
☐ Plan for health insurance coverage after your program ends
Helpful Reminders
☐ Apply early; processing times vary (often around 3 months)
☐ USCIS may reject self-submitted photos and require an in-person photo appointment after submission
☐ Travel while your OPT application is pending may be risky; contact ISSA before making travel plans
☐ Keep copies of all submitted documents
☐ Check your USCIS account regularly
Before You Submit, Double Check
☐ Your OPT Request Form is complete and signed by your academic advisor
☐ All required documents are uploaded through the Pre-OPT Review Form
☐ Your passport-style photo meets USCIS requirements
☐ Your OPT I-20 is signed and less than 30 days old
☐ You have reviewed your I-765 application for accuracy and confirmed the correct filing fee
Common Mistakes to Avoid
☐ Submitting the OPT Request Form without your academic advisor’s signature
☐ Uploading unclear, incorrect, or incomplete documents
☐ Using an unacceptable passport-style photo
☐ Forgetting to upload all documents through the Pre-OPT Review Form
☐ Waiting too long to apply within the allowed timeline
☐ Not signing your OPT I-20 before submitting your application
☐ Submitting the I-765 more than 30 days after your I-20 was issued
☐ Entering incorrect information on the I-765 application
☐ Submitting the wrong payment amount
☐ Not checking your USCIS account after submission
☐ Starting work before receiving your EAD card
☐ Working in a position not related to your degree
☐ Failing to report employment or address changes within 10 days
Questions
For questions, contact the Office of International Services and Study Abroad at International@laverne.edu