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  5. Applying for Post-Completion OPT

Applying for Post-Completion OPT

After reviewing the Post-Completion OPT information and confirming their eligibility to apply for this employment authorization, students will complete the following steps to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training - category (c)(3)(B). 

Application Process for Post-Completion OPT
1.

In ISSAlink, under F-1 Practical Training, submit the Request Initial OPT I-20 (Post-Completion) form.

  • The student's academic advisor will receive an email from ISSA with a link to the OPT Advisor Recommendation form. It is the student's responsibility to ensure their advisor submits this form.
2.

ISSA issues an updated Form I-20 with OPT Recommendation and email the student an electronic copy.

  • The student is responsible to review the program and OPT Recommendation information; if accurate, they will print and sign it.
3.

The student will prepare electronic copies of the following documents to upload to the online I-765 application:

  • updated I-20 with OPT Recommendation
  • passport biographical page (color or black and white)
  • 2X2 color passport style photo that meet US guidelines*
  • most recent I-94 record
  • Any I-20s with CPT Authorization (if applicable)
  • Any previously issued EAD cards (if applicable)
  • Credit card information for online payment of filing fee
4.

After creating a free online USCIS account, file the I-765 application online at the USCIS I-765 Online Application

  • Review notes here for filing the I-765 application.

Special note: Premium Processing is available for the Post-Completion OPT application, which asks USCIS to respond to the petition within 30 calendar days; that 30 days timeline is reset after the biometric appointment. PP does not guarantee approval. Students can pay for Premium Processing immediately or at any time after submitting the I-765.

Students must file from within the U.S. If they exit the U.S. after their program end date and have not completed this step, they are no longer eligible to file for OPT authorization based on this program.
5.

After submitting the OPT online application, the student monitors their MyUSCIS portal for notices from USCIS, including a receipt notice, any Requests for Evidence, the biometrics appointment details, and the approval or denial notice.

  • Generally, USCIS will issue a receipt notice within 48 hours when filing online.
  • The notice regarding the biometrics appointment is generally posted to the USCIS portal within 2-3 weeks of filing
  • The biometrics appointment resets the Premium Processing timeline.
6. 

Attend biometrics appointment. 

  • Most students will be assigned a biometrics appointment in Michigan City (the South Shore Line goes from SBN to Michigan City)
  • Students must attend the appointment on the day and time assigned OR work with USCIS to rescheduel IN ADVANCE of the appointment. 
7. 

Student waits for USCIS to process, continuing to monitor their MyUSCIS portal. 
8.

Student receives Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card issued by USCIS.

  • The student is not authorized to begin working until they receive the EAD and the start date has been reached.
  • Student begins reporting all employment information via ISSAlink or the SEVP Portal.