OPT Pre-Completion 

Required Materials

• Completed PDF version of the USCIS form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.

• Electronic recommendation from academic advisor.

• Photocopies of the identification page of the passport, F-1 visa, and your most recent I-94 record. 

• Photocopies of all CPT I-20s.

• Photocopies of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards.

Procedure

1. You must attend one OPT workshop before you can apply for OPT. 

2. Log in to your My ISS Profile.   

3. Click on “2. Requests.”  

4. Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the request you would like to make. 

5. You will need to upload all required documents listed above. 

6. Complete OPT Student Information Sheet.

7. Electronically sign the OPT Agreement. 

8. Request Electronic Recommendation from your academic Advisor. 

9. Submit

 ​You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your OPT I-20 has been issued.  

Special Considerations

• You must have been in valid student status for one academic year before you may apply to the immigration service for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
   
• Remember, you may not begin employment until you have been issued an EAD by the USCIS. 
   
• Students on pre-completion OPT may not work  more than 20 hours on and/ or off campus during the academic semesters, but may work full-time during the longer vacations.
   
• *NOTE*  Once your OPT I-20 has been created by our office, USCIS must receive the completed application package within 30 days or your application will likely be denied.
   
• The process for receiving employment authorization from USCIS can take up to 130+ days.

To begin this request, login here: International Student Platform