How to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Schedule a OPT group appointment with ISSSO counselor
- DO NOT submit and pay for an OPT application online with USCIS at this time
- You are required to be present in the U.S. in order to apply for OPT
- Download the instruction page and academic verification form
- Join the virtual BigMarker OPT group appointment and have the following items available and ready:
- Current I-20
- Passport(s) that is valid for six months into the future and most recent visa page
- Your current I-94 or the change of status approval notice (I-797) if you changed your status in the U.S. and have not left the U.S.
- Prior EAD card(s) if you have any
- Completed Academic Verification form signed by your academic advisor
- One electronic color passport-type photo for filing online. Has to be new and within six months.
- Follow the instructions provided by the counselor during your virtual OPT workshop*
- Submit Payment Coupon and Post Completion OPT alumni fee ($100)
*Our office highly recommends filing the OPT application online through the USCIS website. You must receive the OPT recommendation I-20 from our office before you file the application with USCIS. If you file online with USCIS, the application fee (currently $470) will be paid by credit card or electronic bank debit through the USCIS / PAY.gov website while paper filing includes an additional $50 charge ($520). We will provide further instructions in the OPT group workshop on how to file online. Filing online is more secure and easier to complete. The $100 alumni fee is separate and must be paid by credit card, check, money order, or cash to our office directly. DO NOT send cash by mail.