Following the previous article on what you need to know about OPT/CPT, today the editor has compiled a detailed guide to OPT online and mailed applications!
To apply for OPT, you usually need to meet the following requirements:
Legally maintain F1 student status in the United States for more than 1 year.
You must apply during the final semester of your course.
CPT has not accumulated for more than 12 months.
The application time for OPT is no earlier than 90 days before graduation and no later than 60 days after graduation. Be sure to calculate the time when submitting the application! The entire OPT application process takes about 3-4 months, which means that if you graduate in May, you must plan to apply for OPT in February, because you cannot work without an EAD card, and you cannot start work even if you have an offer! After successfully applying for OPT, if there is no formal job offer, OPT will expire in 90 days. Everyone must remember the time and do not overstay, which will cause some unnecessary trouble for future entry into the United States.
OPT Online Application
According to USCIS, you can start applying online for OPT work permit (Form I-765 >> https://www.uscis.gov/i-765). The types of OPT that meet the online application requirements include:
(c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT: Students who are enrolled in school for at least one year and cannot work more than 20 hours per week, except during the summer vacation, can apply for full-time employment.
(c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT: Graduate students who work at least 20 hours per week.
(c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students:
OPT Online Application Steps
The materials you need to prepare for the online OPT application include:
Online application fee: $410
I-94 Information (For electronic version, please click here >> https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94)
Passport or other travel document
A recent EAD card (if applicable)
Recent color passport photo
When you enter the web application (>> https://www.uscis.gov/i-765), you will first enter the login page (>> https://myaccount.uscis.gov/). If you already have a USCIS account, you can log in here. If you don’t have an account, you can go to the USCIS website to register an account.
After entering your email address, you will receive a link from USCIS. Click the link in the email according to the prompts to complete the registration.
After registration is complete, follow the prompts to go to the USCIS My Account homepage (>> https://myaccount.uscis.gov/)
Log in to USCIS, select My USCIS, and then select account type: I am an applicant.
File a form: Select Application for Employment Authorization (I-765).
Basis of eligibility and Reason for applying: choose according to your own situation.
Reasons for application
Pre- or post-OPT applicants should select Initial permission to accept employment.
STEM OPT Extension should select Renewal of permit to accept employment.
Preparer and interpreter information: International students generally don’t need translators.
Your name: first name and last name. Single-character names are generally fine. For example, for "李明", just write Ming and Li in the given name and family name fields respectively. For double-character names, such as 李小明, Xiao Ming can be written in the given name field. Do not write Ming in the middle name field.
Your contact information: phone number and address. The address is divided into mailing address and physical address. The mailing address can be a PO Box. Remember to fill in the physical address. The physical address is the U.S. address where you actually live.
Describe yourself: Gender and marital status. Gender is limited to male and female.
When and where you were born: the city, province, country, and date of birth where you were born.
Your immigration information: nationality, I-94 number, passport information, etc.
Other information: A-number, foreigner number, starting with A, if you don’t have it, just check “No”; USCIS Online Account Number, some people who have submitted certain forms before have this number, if you don’t have it, just check “No”.
Do you have an SSN? Some people who have worked on campus may have an SSN. If you don’t have an SSN and want one, check “Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?”.
Upload a 2×2 size ID photo. CVS can print it immediately after taking the photo.
Upload I-94: You can just take a screenshot of the electronic version of I-94, which can be in jpg or pdf https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
Upload a previous EAD or passport or government issued ID: The ID must have a photo, name, and birthday.
Send your previous CPT or OPT authorizations (if any): It is in your SEVIS record and can be in jpg or pdf format.
Upload I-20
If you have additional information for the information you filled in previously, please upload it here.
It's done!
OPT Mailing Steps
Extracted from Upenn official website https://global.upenn.edu/isss/opt-uscis
Guide to OPT mail application: Please prepare the following documents:
1. I-765 Application Fee
The fee is currently $520; see https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 under Filing Fees
Please note that OPT does not charge a biometric fee.
Include a personal check or money order payable to "US Department of Homeland Security."
Do not use starter checks (those that do not have your name/address printed on them).
We do not recommend using a credit card to pay for Form G-1450.
2. Two U.S. passport-style photos
Taken recently (no more than 30 days old). Not a selfie; no photo filters.
Lightly sign your name in pencil on the back of each photo.
3. Complete Form G-1145
For receiving email notifications
4. Form I-765 [Important!!]
Please read the OPT Form I-765 Visual Guide. https://global.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/isss/ISSS%20%20OPT%20I-765%20Visual%20Guide%20(March%202021).pdf
5. Copies of documents [Please do not mail originals. Can be in black and white or color] :
New OPT I-20 (make sure to sign and date before copying)
Passport ID page and VISA page
A recent I-94 record can be found at www.cbp.gov/i94
All previous EADs (if any), front and back
Copies of all previous I-20s - If you are missing an I-20, please refer to https://global.upenn.edu/isss/f-1-opt-faqs
Final Steps
1. Check all documents for completeness and accuracy.
2. If applicable, keep a complete copy of your application Express Mail receipt and money order receipt. All documents should be single-sided. Do not use staples. You can use paper clips or binder clips to secure the pages.
3. Mail all documents to the corresponding USCIS office address. The address can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses
4. We recommend that you mail your application via express mail such as UPS, Federal Express, or via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested so that you have a record of delivery.
5. Finally, if you decide not to apply for OPT or use your OPT benefits, please notify your ISSS advisor.
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