{"id":4834,"date":"2026-03-27T13:33:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/issa\/?page_id=4834"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:33:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:33:19","slug":"opt-application-checklist-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/issa\/opt-application-checklist-2\/","title":{"rendered":"OPT Application Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use this <span data-markjs=\"true\">checklist<\/span> to prepare your documents and complete your <span data-markjs=\"true\">Opt<\/span>ional Practical Training (<span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span>) application.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>When Can You Apply?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 You are within 90 days before your program end date<br \/>\n\u2610 OR within 60 days after your program end date<br \/>\n\u2610 Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> start date must be within 60 days after your program ends<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Step 1: Request Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> I-20<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before applying to USCIS, you must first request an <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span>-recommended I-20 from the Office of International Services and Study Abroad (ISSA).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Submit the Pre-<span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Review Form (required): <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/7JEfxauZ5c\" data-outlook-id=\"5886b41d-742a-4d9d-abc6-073ee856bb87\">https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/7JEfxauZ5c<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Complete the <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Request Form<br \/>\n\u2610 Have your academic advisor or department chair complete and sign their section<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Prepare the following supporting documents:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Digital passport-style photo (taken within the last 6 months; professional photo recommended; no selfies; saved as JPEG)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Passport (biographical page)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Most recent I-94 (<a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/\" data-outlook-id=\"462032e1-1db8-4407-883d-9a0441b9b0ce\">https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Previous EAD card(s), if applicable (front and back)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Previous I-20s with CPT or <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> authorization, if applicable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Upload all required documents through the Pre-<span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Review Form<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 ISSA will review your submission and notify you if corrections are needed before issuing your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span>-recommended I-20<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>File Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Files are in PDF, JPEG, PNG, or TIFF format<br \/>\n\u2610 Each file is under 6MB<br \/>\n\u2610 Files are clearly named: LASTNAME FirstName DOCUMENT<br \/>\n(Example: SMITH John PASSPORT.pdf)<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Step 2: Prepare Your USCIS Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once ISSA reviews your documents, you will receive your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span>-recommended I-20. You will then apply for <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> through USCIS.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 You do not need a job offer to apply for <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Create your USCIS account: <a href=\"https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov\/\" data-outlook-id=\"fa74e1a6-256a-4d5c-8da8-0690ed1f368d\">https:\/\/myaccount.uscis.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Be prepared to attend an <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> application support meeting (1 hour, screen sharing required)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Have a payment method ready<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>USCIS Fees (Check Current Pricing Before Filing)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Review the current I-765 filing fee: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\" data-outlook-id=\"acd0bdaf-e3f6-49d7-825b-e6c86694b0fd\">https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Use the USCIS Fee Calculator for the most accurate total: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/feecalculator\" data-outlook-id=\"409f6c81-47ef-47e7-9d1a-6090e9429820\">https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/feecalculator<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Review Premium Processing (<span data-markjs=\"true\">opt<\/span>ional): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/all-forms\/how-do-i-request-premium-processing\" data-outlook-id=\"40a61da4-c9b8-4937-aa10-69edf656c7de\">https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/all-forms\/how-do-i-request-premium-processing<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fees are determined by USCIS and may change. Payments are made directly to USCIS.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Step 3: Submit Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Receive your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span>-recommended I-20 from ISSA<br \/>\n\u2610 Sign your I-20<br \/>\n\u2610 Submit your I-765 application within 30 days of I-20 issuance<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> application must be submitted while you are physically present in the United States<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Step 4: After You Apply<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Check your USCIS account at least once per week<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Monitor for updates, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Receipt notice<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Biometrics appointment (if required)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Request for Evidence (RFE)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Approval notice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Contact ISSA if you receive a notice you do not understand<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Important Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Do not begin working until you receive your EAD card and your start date has arrived<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Employment must be related to your degree and at least 20 hours per week<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 You may have up to 90 days of unemployment<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Reporting Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Report any changes within 10 days:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Employment<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Address<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span>\u00a0<\/span>Contact information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>After Program Completion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 You will have a 60-day grace period after your program ends<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Plan for health insurance coverage after your program ends<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Helpful Reminders<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Apply early; processing times vary (often around 3 months)<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 USCIS may reject self-submitted photos and require an in-person photo appointment after submission<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Travel while your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> application is pending may be risky; contact ISSA before making travel plans<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Keep copies of all submitted documents<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Check your USCIS account regularly<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Before You Submit, Double Check<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Request Form is complete and signed by your academic advisor<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 All required documents are uploaded through the Pre-<span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Review Form<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Your passport-style photo meets USCIS requirements<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> I-20 is signed and less than 30 days old<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 You have reviewed your I-765 application for accuracy and confirmed the correct filing fee<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Submitting the <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Request Form without your academic advisor\u2019s signature<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Uploading unclear, incorrect, or incomplete documents<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Using an unacceptable passport-style photo<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Forgetting to upload all documents through the Pre-<span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> Review Form<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Waiting too long to apply within the allowed timeline<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Not signing your <span data-markjs=\"true\">OPT<\/span> I-20 before submitting your application<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Submitting the I-765 more than 30 days after your I-20 was issued<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Entering incorrect information on the I-765 application<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Submitting the wrong payment amount<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Not checking your USCIS account after submission<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Starting work before receiving your EAD card<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Working in a position not related to your degree<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u2610 Failing to report employment or address changes within 10 days<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">For questions, contact the Office of International Services and Study Abroad at <a href=\"mailto:&#73;n&#116;&#101;rna&#116;i&#111;n&#97;&#108;&#64;la&#118;e&#114;n&#101;.e&#100;u\" data-outlook-id=\"80ff2e5c-dfdc-4fa6-b1f0-fd8ebe1ea0e5\">I&#110;&#116;ern&#97;&#116;&#105;&#111;&#110;al&#64;&#108;av&#101;r&#110;e&#46;e&#100;&#117;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Use this checklist to prepare your documents and complete your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application. When Can You Apply? \u2610 You are within 90 days before your program end date [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4834","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.8 (Yoast SEO v23.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>OPT Application Checklist | University of La Verne<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/issa\/opt-application-checklist-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"OPT Application Checklist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Use this checklist to prepare your documents and complete your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application. 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