International Students and Scholars Office

• Attend one of the ISSO’s OPT information sessions or watch the OPT video on our website.
• Review the OPT page of the ISSO’s website and schedule an appointment with your ISSO Advisor if you have any questions about the application process.

• Log in to the ISSO Portal with your Brandeis credentials.
• Click on the Request & Documents tab, then click “OPT Request”.
• Complete the OPT Request, including the questionnaires, file uploads, electronic signature documents, and the Academic Advisor Approval section.
• Click “Submit” (not “Save”) to submit the OPT request.
• If your OPT request is approved, you will receive an instructional email and a new Form I-20 recommending you for OPT within 7 business days.

When you have received your new Form I-20 recommending you for OPT, you should begin to prepare the documents required for your application:

• Print out your OPT I-20, verify the information, then sign, and date the first page
• Prepare two new standard (2” x 2”) passport-sized photos. Visit the Department of State website for details on photo requirements
• Download/print your most recent Form I-94 
• Scan/copy your passport identification page
• Scan/copy your old CPT Form I-20(s) and/or OPT Form I-20(s), if applicable
• Scan/copy your F-1 visa
• Scan/copy any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 
• OPT application fee of $410

  • Checks/Money orders should be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Use our sample check for guidance. While a check or money order is the recommended method of payment, you also have the option to fill out Form G-1450 to pay with a credit card. However, if you wish to pay by credit card we recommend that you file your application online.

  • You may pay using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer if you apply online. The credit card must be issued by a U.S. bank.

You must submit your OPT application within 30 days of the issuance date on the bottom of page one of your new Form I-20. You may submit your application online or by mail. 

To File Online:

• Create an account with USCIS at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/. After setting up this account you will be able to:
  • Submit your forms
  • Pay your fees
  • Track the status of your case
  • Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
  • Respond to Requests for Evidence
• Review the ISSO’s I-765 Supplemental Instructions for assistance with completing Form I-765.
• Once you have followed all of the instructions and uploaded all the required documents in your USCIS account, you can submit your OPT application.
• You will be able to download a Receipt Notice immediately. A duplicate paper Receipt Notice will be sent to you at a later date.

To File by Mail, assemble your paper OPT application in this order, from top to bottom:

• Form G-1145 (optional but recommended) to request email or text notification when USCIS accepts your application.
• Photos and check/money order should be paper-clipped to the front of the Form I-765.
• Original, signed Form I-765. USCIS’ website includes instructions that you should refer to in order to complete the Form I-765. Please also check the ISSO supplemental instructions. Typing is preferred, but you may handwrite in areas that you cannot complete on the electronic form. Please ensure the date 08/25/2020 is present in the bottom left corner of the Form I-765 you will submit.
• Copy of page 1 and the travel signature page of new OPT Form I-20 (Do not mail the original)
• Copies of all other Form I-20s for which you have received work authorization (CPT/OPT) (from the most recent to the oldest)
• Electronic Form I-94 or copy of paper Form I-94 
• Copy of U.S. F-1 Entry Visa
• Copy of your Passport Photo ID Page and Passport Expiration Page (maybe same page)
• Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if applicable

Mail your paper OPT application or submit the online application to USCIS within 30 days of the date on your Form I-765 and new OPT Form I-20.

• Please visit the Form I-765 Addresses page of the USCIS website for the most up-to-date mailing address for your application. You can find the information for F-1 OPT in the “Foreign students” box.

Please take note of the following:

• You will receive 3 documents from USCIS: a Receipt Notice, an Approval Notice, and your OPT EAD. 
• The receipt notice is evidence of your pending application to USCIS. You are permitted to remain in the U.S. while your OPT application is pending. 
• After your program end date, you may not work on or off-campus until your OPT has been approved and you have received your EAD. 
• If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), please contact your ISSO Advisor for assistance.