STAGE 2: SUBMITTING OPT APPLICATION TO USCIS

OPT Application Filing Options

Students can submit their OPT application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through two methods:

eFile: Creating a USCIS Online Account and submitting Form I-765 electronically, uploading electronic copies of applicable documents, and paying fees online.
Mail: Downloading, printing, and mailing Form I-765 and other applicable documents and fees to a direct filing address associated with a USCIS Service Center

Make sure that you do not submit duplicate OPT applications using two different filing options!

USCIS must receive your OPT Application no later than 30 days after we issue your OPT I-20;
- Submit a Replacement I-20 Request in iPortal if you need to restart the 30-day window.
USCIS must receive your OPT Application within your 5-month eligibility window;
- no earlier than 90 days before the end of your program completion date.
- no later than 60 days after the end of your program completion date.
Do not submit duplicate OPT applications using two different filing options!
If filing online close to any deadlines, note that USCIS operates on Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) which is 7 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). Ensure all applications are complete and submitted before 4:59 PM PST of the current day in order for it to be considered as submitted on that day.

*NOTE: On the USCIS's Form I-765 webpage , scroll down to the "Forms and Document Downloads" section to download the most updated version of Form I-765. Review the edition date instructions on the USCIS website carefully for which I-765 edition should be used.

Make sure:
- you filled out the correct edition of Form I-765 - carefully review the edition date instructions on the USCIS website;
- you signed your Form I-765 on page 5;
- your check/money order is payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security";
- your application fee payment amount is correct: currently $410;
- USCIS receives your OPT Application no later than 30 days after we issue your OPT I-20;
  - Submit a Replacement I-20 Request in iPortal if you need to restart the 30-day window.
- USCIS receives your OPT Application within your 5-month eligibility window;
  - no earlier than 90 days before the end of your program completion date.
  - no later than 60 days after the end of your program completion date.
- you do not submit duplicate OPT applications using two different filing options!
It is recommended that you make a copy of the entire application packet and keep it for your records.

USCIS must receive your OPT application:
- Within 30 days of the date that we issue your OPT I-20, and
- Within your 5 months eligibility window (90 days before or 60 days after your program completion date).
If your application package does not arrive to USCIS on time, USCIS will deny your application. Make sure to plan accordingly.
If you are not able to have your OPT application delivered to USCIS within the 30-day window from the date the OPT I-20 was issued, then you must request a Replacement I-20 in iPortal to restart the 30-day window.

Students must mail OPT applications to USCIS from within the U.S.
The U.S. Postal Service will not forward mail from USCIS if your address changes.
Always visit USCIS website for the most up to date mailing location for your Form I-765 Application.

What courier service will you be using?	Address that you should use:
USPS	USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374
FedEx, UPS, or DHL	USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517