Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. Create an USCIS accountnew window
2. Gather documents below:
   1. 2 inches by 2 inches green card-style photos (write your I-20 number on backs) - see photo composition guidelinesnew window.
   2. Scans of your passport  pages which includes all information about you, your picture, expiration date, and visas pages.
   3. Your most recent I-94new window information. Either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your "change of status" approval notice.
   4. Scans of front and signature pages of EACH I-20 form issued to you by any schools in the United States.
      Graduating students will need to send a copy/scan of the Graduation Verification form with the Application to USCIS. Include a copy of the Graduation Audit you received from the Graduation Coordinator once you applied for graduation through MyMC. You should apply for graduationnew window 3-6 months before graduation and at least one month before applying for OPT.
   5. A letter to USCIS to officially requesting OPT. Include the exact dates you hope to work in the letter. Make the letter concise, professional, and pleasant.  If you are not sure what career fields you may use your degree in, please consult an academic or career counselor. 
      Example:
      Dear Officer, I hope to work and get practical experience in (your major), because...(add your ideas)
      I wish to work (part or full) time from (exact start date. If you are graduating, start date must be 60 calendar days or less after graduation.) to (exact end date). Thank you for your assistance!
3. Make an appointment to obtain a NEW I-20 by email the International Office noted with your OPT request and asked for an appointment to discuss with your DSO before submitting your I-765 online or by mail. Please have required documents ready.
4. $410 Filing Fee: it can be paid with credit, debit, or prepaid cards.

* Additional Information for OPT applicants (PDF, ) .

1. Please read Optional Practical Training (OPT) Handout (PDF, ) . You may find additional information in the  I-765 instructions (PDF, )   from USCIS. You will need to download and complete USCIS form I-765 (PDF, ) . Leave blank for anything that you don’t understand. 
2. Gather documents below:
   1. 2 inches by 2 inches green card-style photos (write your I-20 number on backs) - see photo composition guidelinesnew window.
   2. Copies of your passport  pages which includes all information about you, your picture, expiration date, and visas pages.
   3. Your most recent I-94new window information. Either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your "change of status" approval notice.
   4. Copies of front and signature pages of EACH I-20 form issued to you by any schools in the United States.
      Graduating students will need to send a copy/scan of the Graduation Verification form with the Application to USCIS. Include a copy of the Graduation Audit you received from the Graduation Coordinator once you applied for graduation through MyMC. You should apply for graduationnew window 3-6 months before graduation and at least one month before applying for OPT.
   5. A letter to USCIS to officially requesting OPT. Include the exact dates you hope to work in the letter. Make the letter concise, professional, and pleasant.  If you are not sure what career fields you may use your degree in, please consult an academic or career counselor. 
      Example:
      Dear Officer, I hope to work and get practical experience in (your major), because...(add your ideas)
      I wish to work (part or full) time from (exact start date. If you are graduating, start date must be 60 calendar days or less after graduation.) to (exact end date). Thank you for your assistance!
3. Make an appointment to obtain a NEW I-20 by email the International Office noted with your OPT request and asked for an appointment to discuss with your DSO before submitting your I-765 online or by mail. Please have required documents ready.
4. $410 Filing Fee: make your check or money order (valid for 6 months or longer) payable to "Department of Homeland Security". Include your SEVIS ID and I-20 number in the "memo" or "for" section.
5. Mail your application to USCIS:
   1. Mail all required documents within seven (7) days after the date on your new I-20.
   2. We highly recommend that you send your documents in a way you can prove the date it was received by USCIS.      
      1. Anytime, but especially during the COVID pandemic, students can use UEMS by eShipGlobalnew window to arrange express mail and secure pick up of their application packet to be sent to the USCIS "Chicago Lockbox" for processing OPT.
      2. To send documents through express mail or get a signature showing that the mail was received (by a person) with FedEx, UPS, and DHL or US Postal Service express or registered mail deliveries, mail to:
         USCIS
         Attn: I-765 C03
         131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
         Chicago, IL 60603-5517
      3. If using regular mail, and receipt signature is not desired with U.S. Postal Service (USPS), mail to:
         USCIS
         PO Box 805373
         Chicago, IL 60680

Processing

• If you send G-45 form you will receive your receipt number by phone or mail.
• USCIS will send you a Receipt Number to track your application.
  • If you upload your application, you will get this number in your Portal immediately.
  • If you mail your application, you will get a I-797 Receipt Notice by mail. You can also ask for email or text notification by including a form G-1145 (PDF, ) when you mail your application.
• We recommend you create a USCIS Portal Account and link it to your Receipt Number to get notification promptly. Please watch USCIS videonew window to learn how to create a USCIS online account.
  • You also can use your Receipt Number to check your application statusnew window.
• If practical training is approved, you will receive a Notice of Action Letter and an EAD card soon after the letter. 
• If you receive a "Request for Evidence", contact the Office of International Student Coordinators. 

You are responsible for filing all immigration documents.  You should keep a copy of all application materials and should mail the documents at the U.S. Post Office “Return Receipt Requested” OR send a FORM G-1145 with your application to get a text or email message of its receipt.

Please stack items in this order.  Leave #1 (the G-1145) separate to set on top of the Packet of all the other documents you clip together.  

1. G-1145 
2. Photos (with SEVIS ID number on back)
3. Check or money order (with SEVIS ID number written in the "For" or "Memo" area)
4. I-765 
5. Letter from student
6. I-20 with OPT Request from International Coordinator 
7. Graduation verification form, if graduating this semester
8. Prior I-20 copies, stacked in reverse chronologic order - newest on top and going backward (no need to include the instruction pages) 
9. Copy of current, valid Passport information page 
10. A copy of the entry Visa page (If the entry is in an already expired passport, a copy of that passport) 
11. I-94 "either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your change of status approval notice".

* Additional Information for OPT applicants (PDF, ) .