OPT Checklist

• Please note that you will need to take a quiz connected to the OPT presentation as part of the OPT I-20 request process in iNorthTX.

Submit the following via iNorthTX:

• Complete Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request for a new I-20
  • You must receive the ISSS issued OPT I-20 with OPT listed on page 2 BEFORE you apply to USCIS
• Proof you have applied for degree conferral
• Copy of $100 OPT payment receipt (OPT Payments)
• Complete the Post-Completion OPT Quiz in iNorthTX
• Copy of EAD card (only if you received an EAD in the past)

ISSS will review your application and prepare your OPT I-20 in SEVIS. This may take up to 7 business days. 

• During this time, it is advised that you begin Step 2.
• ISSS will notify you via email when your OPT I-20 has been issued.
• Your OPT I-20 will be electronically signed and sent to you by email.

Pay the USCIS Fee

• If filing online, you can pay the USCIS filing fee by credit card, debit card, or ACH (automatic withdrawal from funds from your bank account) as the last step before submitting your application.
• If filing by mail, you will need a check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security OR signed G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
• Please note that filing fees may change without notice. It is recommended that you verify the current filing fee on the USCIS website before sending in your application.

Gather application documents:

Passport Style Photo

• Color photo with white background taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS.
• Photo must be be unmounted; glossy and unretouched.
• Photo must be a full-front-facing pose, as in a passport photo.
• Your head should be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order to which you belong.
• A photographer familiar with "passport photos" can help. For additional information see the Department of State website for details.
• If filing via the mail-in option, you will need two (2) color passport-style photos. Lightly print your name and your I-94 number on the back of each photo with a pencil. We recommend you place both photos in a small plastic bag or envelope.

Completed Form I-765 

• If filing via mail, check online at http://www.uscis.gov to ensure you have the latest version.
• If filing online, you will complete the I-765 by answering the questionnaire on the website.  An I-765 will then be auto-generated for you to review as part of the online application. The code for Post-Completion OPT is (c)(3)(B).
• If filing by mail, respond to Question #27 by writing (c)(3)(B) within the parentheses.

Include a U.S. mailing address that will be valid for at least 6 months on USCIS form I-765.

One of the most important choices you will make when preparing the I-765 is the U.S. Mailing Address!

• Changing your mailing address while your OPT application is still pending may result in your EAD card being lost and cause  a delay to your work authorization.
• Federal mail cannot be forwarded, so a U.S. Postal Service forwarding request will not forward your EAD card.
• If you expect that your U.S. address may change while your OPT application is pending, you may wish to open a U.S. Post Office address (PO Box or personal mailbox through a private company).
• If you use a friend or family member's address, list their name in the 'In care of name' box, if applicable.
• If you have to change your address while your application is pending, you need to report your change of address with USCIS as soon as possible and also with UNT by updating your address in your my.unt portal. 

Copy of pages 1 and 2 of the new I-20 showing the OPT recommendation.

• Make sure to sign the I-20 (the “STUDENT ATTESTATION” on page 1 before you make a copy) by hand in ink.

• Verify that your I-20 has your OPT Authorization listed on page 2. If you don't see the OPT authorization at the top of page 2, DO NOT use that 1-20 to file and contact our office as soon as possible! 

• The Post OPT recommendation must have been entered in SEVIS within the last 30 days. Failure to observe this requirement will result in the denial of your application by USCIS. 

Print out your I-94  (If you travelled before April 2013, make photocopies of both sides of your I-94 card. If you have one, it will be a white paper card in your passport.)

Copy of your passport identity, expiry, and visa page(s).

Copy of previous EAD Card(s) (only if received in the past)

CPT Screenshot (Required only if you have had CPT at this degree level)

G-1145 (only if you are mailing your application)

• This form will allow the Lockbox facility to send you an email or text message when they receive your application.
• Place G-1145 on top of your application packet.
• This form is encouraged but not mandatory.

You may file your application online OR mail hard copies of your application to USCIS. 

For the Mail-In Option: