OPT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

There are two ways to submit your OPT application.

The materials required are different if you mail your paper application to USCIS and if you submit your application through the USCIS I-765 Online Portal.

*For assistance on how to complete the I-765 or the OPT process, please review our in-depth OPT Tutorial.

For online applications:

This is a checklist of the application materials required to upload to the USCIS I-765 Online Portal.

**WARNING** DO NOT Submit your OPT application or your I-765  to USCIS without the new OPT I-20 from OISSS. You will waste your money and delay your OPT.

• One recent color passport-style (2x2 in.) photo saved as PNG or JPG

• Identity page of your Passport

• I-94 Record (available to download online)

• Your New OPT signed I-20 - sent to you from OISSS

• Copies of CPT I-20s (if any)

• Copies of previous OPT I-20s (if any)

• Copies of previous EAD cards (if any)

• Other documents**

For paper applications:

This is a checklist of the application materials required for your paper OPT application to USCIS

• 2 recent passport-style photos
• Check or Money order to pay the required USCIS Fee - must be made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Form G-1145
• Form I-765*
• Copy of new signed OPT I-20 from OISSS
• Copy of the identity page of your valid passport
• Copy of your F-1 visa
• Copy of your I-94 record
• Copy of previous EAD Cards (front and back)
• Copy of previous OPT I-20s
• Other documents**

**Based on your immigration history, you may be required to mail additional documents. Please consult your OISSS international student advisor