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How to Apply

The OPT application process consists of several steps. Each step is discussed in detail at an OPT Workshop, which is mandatory for all OPT applicants.

OPT Application Steps

• Step 1: Attend an OPT Workshop
• Step 2: Apply for graduation (check with your department for application process and deadlines)
• Step 3: Complete the "OPT Application" through Sunapsis
• Step 4: E-file with an OIP advisor & collect new I-20
• Step 5: Wait for USCIS to approve your application
• Step 6: Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in the mail upon USCIS approval
• Step 7: Begin working and report employment to OIP after receiving the EAD

When to Apply

USCIS must receive your OPT application within 90 days before and 60 days after your I-20 program end date. When you begin the process by applying for a new I-20 with OIP, your I-20 program end date will be adjusted to the standard program end date at the end of the month for that graduating term. Graduate students may choose to use their thesis/dissertation defense date instead of the standard program end date.

DO NOT EXIT THE U.S. AFTER GRADUATION IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY E-FILED FOR OPT WITH USCIS. DOING SO WILL DEACTIVATE YOUR F-1 STATUS AND MAKE YOU INELIGIBLE FOR OPT. BORDER COMMUTERS AND STUDENTS WITH UPCOMING TRAVEL PLANS SHOULD APPLY FOR OPT AT LEAST TWO MONTHS BEFORE GRADUATION.

Students who have a job offer or who wish to begin working soon after graduation/defense should submit their application to USCIS as early as possible. Even then, due to USCIS processing times, approval for the desired start date is not guaranteed.

Students who anticipate difficulty finding a job (and therefore may need more time for their job search) can either delay applying until closer to the end of the filing window, or apply early and request a later start date.

USCIS will deny your application if you e-file more than 90 days before or more than 60 days after your new I-20 program end date. It is important that you do not wait until the last minute to start your application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We always recommend that students apply as early as possible to avoid unforeseen delays or problems.

Choosing a Start Date

When you submit the Sunapsis application, you will be asked to choose the date you wish to start your OPT. Please consider the following:

• Your requested OPT start date may be as early as the day after your I-20 program end date, and as late as 60 days after your I-20 program end date.
• Requesting a certain start date does not guarantee you will be able to begin working on that date. USCIS must approve your application and you must receive your EAD before you can begin working, even if the requested start date has passed.
• If you want to start working soon after graduation/defense, apply as early as possible and request a start date of the day after your I-20 program end date.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Although you may be approved for up to 12 months of OPT, when USCIS issues your EAD the latest possible end date will be 14 months after your I-20 program end date. The later you apply, the greater the chance that you will not receive the full 12 months.

Example: If you graduated on May 18 and you submit your application on June 1, and USCIS approves it on October 1, your EAD may only be valid from October 1 through July 17 (14 months after your I-20 program end date).

E-filing with USCIS

Starting in Summer 2021, OIP facilitates e-filing for OPT applications instead of mailing them to USCIS. E-filing reduces mailing and payment issues and provides an immediate receipt notice as proof of submission.

Students will need the following items to e-file:

• A USCIS account — OPT e-file Form I-765 with category (c)(3)(b)
• Filing fee
• A U.S. credit or debit card connected to a U.S. billing address; OR a U.S. checking/savings account number & routing number
• A digital passport-style photo (2 inches by 2 inches). You can create one at
• Copy of new I-20 with OPT recommendation (provided by OIP at e-filing appointment)
• Copy of valid passport biographical page
• Copy of I-94
• Copy(ies) of any previous EAD(s), if applicable

You may encounter some issues with your OPT application while it is pending with USCIS or after it is approved. If this happens, follow the steps below.

1. I did not receive my I-797 receipt notice within 30 days of USCIS receiving my application

Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Be ready to provide details listed on your application, including:

• Full name, date of birth, address
• Date your application was mailed and received
• Tracking information, if available

If asked, your application was mailed to a Lockbox Facility, processed, and forwarded to the Potomac Service Center.

2. My application has been pending unusually long

USCIS typically takes 3-5 months to adjudicate I-765 (OPT) applications. Check your case status using your receipt number ("YSC..." from I-797C) at .

• If your application status indicates your EAD card has been mailed, see the "Card Not Received" section below.
• If your application is still pending, check if it is outside normal processing times at (I-765, Potomac Service Center).
• If your application is outside normal processing times, submit a case status inquiry at , selecting "Case outside normal processing time".

Information to provide in the inquiry:

• Form Number: I-765
• Form Sub Type: I-765 - Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
• Receipt Number: The "YSC..." number from your I-797C receipt notice
• Date Filed: Receipt Date from I-797C
• Name and Date of Birth: Match what you provided on your application
• A-Number: Leave blank
• Mailing Address: Match your application
• Last Action Taken on Case: "I received my receipt notice and have not received any other notices since" or "I received a Request for Evidence and replied to it on [date]."
• Confirmation: Provide your email
• This form is completed by the applicant

3. My application was approved but my EAD card was not received or returned

If USCIS case status shows your card was delivered but you did not receive it, contact USCIS immediately. The card is mailed to the address provided on your I-765 application. If you changed your address and filed Form AR-11, the update may not have processed in time.

To submit a request, visit and select "Did not receive card by mail". It may take 2-3 weeks or more to receive a response.

• Form Number: I-765
• Form Sub Type: I-765 - Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
• Receipt Number: "YSC..." number from I-797C
• Date Filed: Receipt Date from I-797C
• Name and Date of Birth: Match your application
• A-Number: Include only if provided on approval notice
• Mailing Address: Match your application
• Card Type: Employment Authorization Card
• Last Action: Briefly describe the issue and provide dates
• Confirmation: Provide your email
• This form is completed by the applicant

Additionally, contact your local USPS office in case the card was delivered to the wrong mailbox. They may be able to locate it.

STEM OPT Extension Overview

If your degree is in a designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field, you may apply to extend your OPT for an additional two years. The STEM OPT application requires a recommendation from OIP and a USCIS application with filing fee. Students will receive a new EAD valid for two additional years upon approval.

Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension

You may apply if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Your current OPT is based on a qualifying STEM degree as determined by DHS.
• The CIP code on your most recent I-20 matches a code from the DHS list.
• If your current OPT is not STEM-based but you previously completed a STEM-eligible degree and did not use the STEM OPT extension, you may be eligible now—contact OIP for guidance.
• You are currently employed or have a job offer for a paid position related to your major, at least 20 hours per week.
• Your (prospective) employer is registered in E-Verify, or will register before you apply.
• You have not already had two STEM OPT extensions.
• You have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment during your first year of OPT.

Apply for STEM OPT Recommendation / Change Employer

• Complete pages 1–4 of Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, with your employer. Instructions here.
• Submit the "STEM OPT Extension Application" through Sunapsis about 3.5 months before your current EAD expires.
• Collect your new I-20 from OIP upon approval.

E-filing with USCIS

Starting in Summer 2021, OIP facilitates e-filing for all STEM OPT applications. Students are encouraged to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with an OIP advisor to e-file.

Required items for e-filing:

• USCIS account — STEM OPT e-file Form I-765 under category (c)(3)(c)
• Filing fee
• U.S. credit/debit card or checking/savings account number & routing number
• Digital passport-style photo (2x2 inches) — create at
• Copy of new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation (from OIP)
• Copy of passport biographical page
• Copy of I-94
• Copy of diploma or unofficial transcripts
• Copy of previous EAD card(s)

Email a copy of your STEM OPT receipt notice to global@utep.edu immediately after e-filing.

If your OPT card expires while the extension is pending, you may continue working up to 180 days until a decision is received.

Maintaining Status

As with your first year of OPT, you must continue to work and report changes to OIP. Each employment must be paid, at least 20 hours/week, and with an E-Verify employer.

You must submit the "OPT Notification of Changes" e-form through Sunapsis at the following times:

• Every time you START a job (Submit pages 1-4 of Form I-983)
• Every time you END a job (Submit pages 1-4 + Final Evaluation on page 5 of I-983)
• After 6 months of STEM OPT (Form I-983 not required unless employment changes)
• After 12 months of STEM OPT (Submit pages 1-4 + Evaluation on page 5)
• After 18 months of STEM OPT (Form I-983 not required unless employment changes)
• At the end of STEM OPT (Submit pages 1-4 + Final Evaluation on page 5)

Unemployment Limit

During STEM OPT, a total of 150 days of unemployment is permitted (including any used during the first year). Volunteering does not count. Each position must be paid ≥20 hours/week. Take action before Day 150 if nearing this limit.

Comparison: Post-Completion OPT vs STEM OPT