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

If you have questions, schedule an appointment with your ISSO Advisor

F-1 students must request approval and a recommendation from an ISSO Advisor to apply for OPT.  To do this, you must request a new Form I-20 recommending you for OPT:

• 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 your request is approved, you will receive an email from the ISSO with instructions on how to download your new OPT Form I-20 and the 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 online 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.
• The 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 F-1 visa
• Copy of previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) (if applicable)
• OPT application fee of $470 - 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 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.
• The 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 $520 - 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. 

According to the USCIS I-765 instructions, students must be physically present in the U.S. to submit an OPT application.

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 before 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 (Refer to Step 3 for additional information)
• Pay your fee
• Submit your OPT application online
• Download a Receipt Notice immediately.  A duplicate paper Receipt Notice will be sent to you by mail at a later date.
• Track the status of your case
• Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
• Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

If You File by Mail

Assemble your OPT paper application in this order:

• Complete your forms and include your documents (Refer to Step 3 for additional information)
• Include a check or money order for the OPT application fee
• 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 F-1 students applying for OPT/STEM OPT. Premium Processing provides expedited processing (30 calendar days) for OPT/STEM OPT applications for an additional fee of $1,685 filed with Form I-907.

We recommend that you give careful consideration prior to submitting a Premium Processing application to USCIS and check the current USCIS processing times.

The 30 calendar day premium processing timeframe does not include the time it takes to produce an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD will be produced within 1-2 weeks after the OPT/STEM OPT approval.

• Go to USCIS My Account
• Choose “File a Form Online”
• Choose “I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service” in the drop-down menu under “Select the form you want to file online.”
• Click “Start Form”
• Your pending OPT case should display under “Add Premium Processing to a Case."

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. 

You can use the USCIS' Case Status Online page to find the USPS tracking number for your EAD delivery. If you do not receive your EAD within 30 days from the OPT/STEM OPT approval date you can submit an online case inquiry to ask about your missing EAD.

If You Change Your Address

If you change your address after submitting your OPT application, you should update your address with USCIS to ensure you receive all notices and documents in a timely manner and avoid possible delays related to your case. Individuals should notify USCIS as soon as possible and no more than 10 days after a change of address.

• Update your address using your USCIS online account (the account used to submit your application)
• Update your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)