Quick Answer

To apply for OPT, you need Form I-765, a new I-20 with OPT recommendation from your DSO, passport copies, I-94, passport photos, and the $410 filing fee. You must file within 90 days before and 60 days after your program end date.

Critical Deadlines

90 days

Earliest you can file before program end

60 days

Latest you can file after program end

30 days

After DSO recommends in SEVIS

Step 1: Before Applying (Pre-Filing)

Confirm your program end date with your academic advisorAttend the OPT information session at your international student officeRequest an OPT recommendation from your DSO (Designated School Official)Wait for your DSO to issue a new I-20 with the OPT recommendationPay the SEVIS I-901 fee if required (varies by institution)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Form I-765 (completed and signed)

File online at uscis.gov for faster processing

New I-20 with OPT recommendation from DSO

Pages 1-3, signed by you and your DSO

Copies of all previous I-20s

Every I-20 you have ever received

Passport biographical page (copy)

Must be valid; renew if expiring soon

Most recent F-1 visa stamp (copy)

Even if expired — entry stamp counts

I-94 arrival record

Download from i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Previous EAD cards (copies, front + back)

If you had any prior employment authorization

Two passport-style photos

2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days

Filing fee: $410

Check, money order, or online payment

Step 3: File Form I-765

Select eligibility category (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPTEnter your SEVIS ID accurately (starts with N followed by 10 digits)Verify your I-94 admission numberUpload all required documents (if filing online)Pay the $410 filing feeSubmit and save your receipt number (starts with IOE, EAC, WAC, etc.)

Step 4: After Filing

Save your receipt number (I-797C notice)Track your case status on TrackMyOPT or USCIS.govComplete biometrics appointment (if requested)Do NOT start working until you have your EAD card AND your OPT start date has passedStart tracking unemployment days from your OPT start dateBegin job searching using TrackMyOPT's H-1B sponsor database

Top 5 Mistakes That Cause OPT Delays

Mistake #1: Wrong eligibility category

Fix: Use (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT, not (c)(3)(A) for pre-completion or (c)(3)(C) for STEM.

Mistake #2: Passport photos don't meet specs

Fix: Must be 2x2 inches, white background, taken within 30 days. Use a professional service.

Mistake #3: Missing I-20 signatures

Fix: Both you and your DSO must sign the I-20. Missing signatures = automatic RFE.

Mistake #4: Filing too late

Fix: USCIS must receive your I-765 within 30 days of DSO SEVIS recommendation AND within 60 days after program end.

Mistake #5: Address mismatch

Fix: The address on your I-765 must match your current physical address. Update if you've moved recently.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for OPT?

You can file Form I-765 up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after. Most experts recommend filing 60-90 days before graduation for the best timing.

How much does OPT cost in 2026?

The I-765 filing fee is $410. Premium processing is available for an additional $1,685. No additional SEVIS fee is required for OPT itself.

Can I track my OPT application status?

Yes. Use your receipt number (from the I-797C notice) to check status at uscis.gov/case-status, or use TrackMyOPT for real-time alerts and timeline tracking.

Ready to Apply for OPT?

TrackMyOPT guides you through every step — from I-765 filing to EAD tracking to your first job search.

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Written by the TrackMyOPT Team

Our team includes former F-1 students who navigated OPT, STEM OPT, and H-1B transitions firsthand. We combine lived immigration experience with data from USCIS, ICE.gov, and 2,500+ student users to create the most accurate and practical guides for international students in the US.

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OPT Application Checklist 2026: Complete I-765 Filing Guide