Optional Practical Training (OPT) Checklist

Office of International Programs

1. To Receive an OPT I-20

Complete the forms below and send the completed forms to oip@uttyler.edu.

1. OPT I-20 Request Form
2. $50 administrative fee
   1. Pay online (directions) through myUTTyler or in person to the Cashiers in the One-Stop Shop.
3. Submit a receipt with your I-20 request to OIP.

 

Once your forms are reviewed you will be issued an OPT Request I-20. 

2. USCIS I-765 OPT Application 

Once you have received your OPT I-20, follow the steps below to complete your OPT application with USCIS. 

Recommended Steps for Completing the I-765 Application Online: 

1. Create your online USCIS account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ 
2. Gather the following documents:
   1. Digital 2x2 color passport photo with white background
   2. A scan of your passport photograph page
   3. A scan copy of your visa
   4. A scan of the front and back of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
   5. A digital copy of your I-20 with OPT recommendation
      1. Must be issued within the last 30 days for post-completion OPT.
      2. You MUST consult with OIP to receive a new I-20 before filing for your OPT online.
      3. The I-20 must be signed by an advisor at OIP and by you.
   6. Your most recent form I-94.
      1. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home 
      2. Select “Get Most Recent Form I-94”
   7. A credit card with which you can pay the filing fee
3. File a form online
   1. Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
      1. Select (c) (3) (b)

As a reminder, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when the OPT I-20 was created and no later than the 60th day from the program end date noted on your I-20, whichever comes first. Applications received late may be denied. If your application is returned for any reason and you must re-send it with corrections or further evidence, first contact our office to see if a re-issue is necessary prior to mailing back your application, as you may fall out of status if you send back your original OPT Request I-20 if it has been 30 days since it was issued. 

USCIS processing time is 3-4 months for OPT applications.

3. Reporting Requirements

You will receive an email from SEVP Portal with instructions on creating an account on the start date of your OPT. The SEVP Portal is an important tool where F-1 students on OPT must report the following within 10 days: 

1. Update their physical home address.
2. Update their mailing addresses.
3. Update their telephone numbers.
4. Update employer information.
5. Monitor their employment authorization.
    

If you do not receive the link by the start date of your OPT, please contact our office so we can reset your account. It is very important that you report and update all information listed above within the 10 days of the change.