What Documents Are Needed for OPT Application?
Quick Answer
The OPT application requires Form I-765, an I-20 with your DSO's OPT recommendation, copies of your passport, I-94, previous EAD cards (if any), two passport-style photos, and the USCIS filing fee. For STEM OPT, you also need a completed I-983 Training Plan and an updated I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation.
Key Takeaway
Prepare your OPT documents well in advance—request your OPT recommendation from your DSO at least 90 days before your program end date. Double-check every document for accuracy before submitting, as errors can cause significant processing delays.
Required Documents for Initial OPT
Applying for post-completion OPT requires submitting Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS along with several supporting documents. Your DSO must first recommend OPT in SEVIS and issue an updated I-20 with the OPT recommendation before you can file. Begin the process by meeting with your DSO early—ideally 90 days before your program end date—to discuss your OPT request and timeline.
USCIS requires that the I-765 be filed no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. This creates a 150-day filing window. Filing outside this window will result in a denial. Most DSOs recommend filing as early as possible within the window to allow maximum processing time before your desired start date.
You can file online through your USCIS online account or by mailing a paper application. Online filing has become the preferred method as it allows for faster receipt notices, easier tracking, and the ability to upload documents digitally. If filing by mail, use a trackable delivery method and keep copies of everything you send.
Complete Document Checklist
Gathering all required documents before you begin filling out the application will ensure a smooth submission. Missing or incorrect documents are among the most common reasons for OPT application delays and requests for evidence (RFEs). Review each document carefully and ensure names, dates, and SEVIS numbers are consistent across all forms.
Your I-20 is the most important supporting document. It must show the OPT recommendation from your DSO in the remarks section, and all your personal information must be current and accurate. If anything on your I-20 is incorrect—such as your name spelling, program dates, or degree level—ask your DSO to correct it before filing.
- Form I-765 (completed and signed, either online or on paper)
- I-20 with DSO's OPT recommendation (all pages, signed by you on page 1)
- Copy of passport biographical page (valid for at least 6 months recommended)
- Copy of most recent US visa stamp (if applicable)
- I-94 arrival/departure record (print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background, recent)
- Copy of any previously issued EAD cards
- Filing fee payment ($410 as of 2026, check USCIS for current fee)
- Copy of previous I-20s (recommended but not strictly required)
If filing online, you will upload digital copies of all documents. If filing by mail, send copies—not originals—of your passport, visa, and I-94. Always keep your original documents in your possession.
Additional Documents for STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT extension requires all the documents listed above plus additional items specific to the 24-month extension. The most critical additional document is the Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students), which must be completed and signed by both you and your employer before your DSO can recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS.
Your DSO will issue a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation, which replaces the initial OPT I-20 for this filing. The STEM OPT I-765 must be filed no later than the expiration date of your current OPT EAD card. USCIS has stated that filing up to the day of expiration is timely, but most immigration experts recommend filing at least 60 to 90 days before expiration to avoid gaps in authorization.
- All initial OPT documents listed above
- Form I-983 Training Plan (completed and signed by student and employer)
- New I-20 with STEM OPT extension recommendation from DSO
- Copy of your STEM degree transcript or diploma
- Copy of your current EAD card (front and back)
- Employer's E-Verify company ID number (required for STEM OPT)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common filing mistake is inconsistent information across documents. Ensure your name is spelled exactly the same on your I-765, I-20, passport, and I-94. Even minor discrepancies (such as middle name vs. no middle name) can trigger a request for evidence and delay your application by months.
Other frequent errors include using an outdated form version (always download the latest I-765 from uscis.gov), forgetting to sign and date the application, submitting photos that do not meet USCIS specifications, and filing outside the 90-day-before to 60-day-after window. If you file online, double-check all entries before final submission as corrections after filing require additional correspondence with USCIS.