International Students and Scholars Office

• Review the ISSO OPT webpage
• Attend one of the ISSO’s OPT Information Sessions or watch the OPT video 
• Review the  Form I-765 USCIS Instructions
• Review the Form I-765 Brandeis Supplemental Instructions

• Log in to the ISSO Portal with your Brandeis credentials
• Click on the Request & Documents tab, then click the “OPT Request” icon
• 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"
• Your request will be processed within 5-7 business days. If you request is approved, you will receive an email from the ISSO with instructions on how to download your new OPT Form I-20 and next steps in the application process.

Once you have received your new Form I-20 recommending you for OPT, you must decide if you will submit your OPT application by mail or online.

Online

If you are filing your OPT application online,  follow the on-line instructions carefully.  You may need to prepare the items below:

• OPT Form I-20-Review the information for accuracy, sign, and date the bottom of page 1
• Two new standard (2” x 2”) passport-sized photos. Visit the Department of State website for details on photo requirements.
• Most recent copy of Form I-94
• Copy of passport identification page (if applicable)
• Copies CPT Form I-20(s) and/or OPT Form I-20(s) (If applicable)
• Copy of previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) (If applicable)
• OPT application fee of $410- You may pay using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.  If you use a credit card, the card must be issued by a U.S. bank.

By Mail

If you are filing your OPT application by mail,  prepare the items below:

• Form I-765-USCIS’ website includes instructions that you should refer to in order to complete the I-765. Please also check Form I-765 Brandeis 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.
• Form G-1145
• OPT Form I-20-Review the information for accuracy, sign, and date the bottom of page 1
• Two new standard (2” x 2”) passport-sized photos. Visit the Department of State website for details on photo requirements.
• Most recent copy of Form I-94
• Copy of passport identification page
• Copies CPT Form I-20(s) and/or OPT Form I-20(s) (If applicable)
• Copy of F-1 visa
• Copy of previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) (If applicable)
• OPT application fee of $410-Check or money order.

  • 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 U.S.-issued credit card. 

Do not begin your application with USCIS until you receive the new OPT FORM I-20 recommending you for OPT from the ISSO. Submitting your OPT application prior to obtaining the OPT Form I-20 will lead to the denial of your OPT application.

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.

 If  You File Online:

• Create an account with USCIS. After setting up this account you will be able to:
  • Complete your forms and upload your documents
  • Pay your fee
  • Track the status of your case
  • Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
  • Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Once you have followed all of the online instructions and uploaded all the required documents to 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 by mail at a later date.

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

• Form G-1145 (pdf) (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 Form I-765.
• Original, signed Form I-765. 
• Copy of New OPT Form I-20 (Do not mail the original)-Signed by you at the bottom of page one
• Copies of  Form I-20s which indicate that you were authorized for employment (CPT/OPT) from the most recent to the oldest
• Copy of most recent Form I-94 
• Copy of F-1 Visa
• Copy of your Passport Photo ID Page and Passport Expiration Page (maybe same page)
• Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) (if applicable)
• Visit the Form I-765 address page of the USCIS website for the most up-to-date mailing address for your OPT application. 

Premium Processing

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) offers Premium Processing for certain F-1 students applying for OPT.  Premium Processing provides expedited processing (30 -calendar days) of an OPT application for an additional fee of $1,500 filed with Form  I-907.

• Starting now, USCIS will accept requests for a pending Form I-765, for pre-completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT. 
• Starting April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept requests for new Pre-Completion OPT, or Post-Completion OPT, when your Form I-907 is filed concurrently with your Form I-765. Please note that USCIS will reject any premium processing request for an initial or concurrently filed Form I-765 received before April 3. 

We recommend that you give careful consideration to current USCIS processing times prior to submitting a Premium Processing application to USCIS. Monitor USCIS I-765 processing times and consider the points below before deciding to pay for premium processing:

• The date your OPT application was received by USCIS
• Requested OPT start date
• Potential travel plans

Once you have submitted your OPT application to the USCIS within the required timeline, you are eligible to remain in the U.S. in F-1 status until your OPT application has been processed. You should receive three documents from the USCIS: First, a Receipt Notice, second, an Approval Notice, and finally your Employment Authorization Document (EAD.) 

• The Receipt Notice is evidence that USCIS has received your OPT application. 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, you have received your EAD and your OPT start date has been reached.
• If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), please contact your ISSO Advisor for assistance. 
• After you have submitted your OPT application you must follow the Stage 4 instructions on Maintaining F-1 Status on Post-Completion OPT.