When Should You Apply for OPT?
Quick Answer
You can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after it. USCIS must receive your Form I-765 within this window. Since processing takes 2 to 5 months, it is strongly recommended to apply as early as possible—ideally the full 90 days in advance—to receive your EAD card before your desired work start date.
Key Takeaway
Apply for OPT exactly 90 days before your program end date to maximize processing time. Missing the 60-day post-graduation deadline means you permanently lose your OPT eligibility for that degree.
The OPT Application Window
The OPT filing window is defined by federal regulation and is strictly enforced. For post-completion OPT, students may file Form I-765 with USCIS no earlier than 90 days before their program end date and no later than 60 days after it. The program end date is the completion date listed on the student's I-20, not the date of the graduation ceremony or the last day of classes.
It is critical to understand that this window is absolute. If USCIS receives your application even one day outside this window, your application will be denied. There is no appeal or exception for late filings. Students who miss the deadline permanently lose their OPT eligibility for that degree level.
Your DSO must enter the OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issue your updated I-20 before you can file with USCIS. Because DSO processing can take 2 to 4 weeks, students should initiate the process with their international student office well before the 90-day window opens—ideally 3 to 4 months before their program end date.
Why Filing Early Matters
Filing as early as possible within the 90-day window is strongly recommended for several practical reasons. USCIS processing times for OPT applications typically range from 2 to 5 months, and there is no premium processing option available. Students who file late in the window risk graduating and entering the job market without their EAD card, unable to legally begin working.
Early filing also provides a buffer against potential delays. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for additional documentation, you will need time to respond. Applications filed close to the deadline leave little room for correcting issues. Additionally, postal delays can cause an application mailed near the deadline to arrive late, resulting in denial.
Your DSO needs time to process the OPT recommendation before you can file. Contact your international student office at least 3-4 months before your program end date.
Choosing Your OPT Start Date
When filing for post-completion OPT, you must request a start date that falls within 60 days after your program end date. You cannot request a start date that is more than 60 days after your completion date. Many students request a start date that is their program end date plus one day, which maximizes the amount of usable OPT time.
Keep in mind that your OPT employment clock and unemployment clock both begin on your OPT start date, regardless of whether you have received your EAD card. If your EAD card is delayed due to USCIS processing and your OPT start date passes, those days may count toward your 90-day unemployment limit. This is another reason to file as early as possible.
- Earliest filing date: 90 days before program end date
- Latest filing date: 60 days after program end date
- OPT start date must be within 60 days after program end date
- DSO processing: plan for 2-4 weeks before you can file with USCIS
- USCIS processing: typically 2-5 months after filing
Special Timing Considerations
Several situations require special attention to timing. Students who complete their degree requirements early (before the I-20 program end date) should work with their DSO to determine the correct completion date for filing purposes. Students with pending program extensions or changes of education level should resolve those issues before applying for OPT.
Students planning to apply for the STEM OPT extension should note a separate timing requirement: the STEM OPT extension application must be filed before the initial 12-month OPT period expires. Students can file the STEM extension up to 90 days before the initial OPT end date. Again, early filing is advisable to take advantage of the 180-day automatic extension that covers the gap while USCIS processes the STEM extension application.