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OPT Application Filing Timeline

We recommend that you apply as early as possible. Processing times range up to 3 to 5 months.

• The earliest date to apply is 90 days before the completion of your program.

We recommend that you apply as early as possible.

• USCIS must receive your complete OPT application within 60 days after your program end date.

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Steps to Apply for OPT

Step 1

Review the information in this OPT Confluence page to learn about the process to apply for OPT.

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To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from International Programs, submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF.

The earliest start date you can select is the day after your program end date - based on your semester of program completion. . 

• If you graduate early, your program end date will be changed to reflect your graduation date.
• You must choose a start date within 60 days of your program end date. 

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A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application to USCIS.

Step 5

Compile Complete Form I-765 and compile supporting documents for the OPT application.

Refer to For more information, see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation for at the list of items to include in your applicationbottom of this page. 

• Checklist is belowhas notes on each required item. Be sure to read these carefully.
• For more information, please refer to the USCIS website https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.
• See pages 19-20 in Form I-765 Instructions for how to assemble your documents in the correct order.

Important Note:

USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization. International Programs usually advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months. In this current epidemic, processing may take longer. Therefore, it is important that the address on your I-765 be valid as long as possible. You can discuss your options and concerns with your international advisor.

Step 6

Schedule an advising appointment with an international programs advisor to review your OPT application.

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1. Check that the Form I-765 is complete, signed in blue ink and dated.
2. Make certain that the copies of all Forms I-20 are signed and dated.
3. Double check that your application includes all items on the OPT Application Checklist.
4. Make a complete copy of your application for your records..

Where to send the application: 

If your address on the I-765 is in Florida, mail the complete application by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to:

USCIS Texas Service Center

P.O. Box 660867

Dallas, TX  75266

• International Programs recommends the United States Postal Service to ship these documents. 
• If you submit your application near the deadline (60 days after your program end date), be aware of shipping timelines and select overnight service with the United States Postal Service.

Important Information

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to Review before you apply for OPT

• Processing time can take up to 90 days or longer.
• You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
• You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
• If you move while your application is being processed, you must complete an AR-11 form to update your address.
• USCIS will not forward your mail or EAD card to a new address.
• Employment is permitted only during the time period specified on the EAD card.
• Post-completion OPT is considered full-time, more than 20 hours per week.
• You may have multiple employers, but all employment must be related to your major field of study.
• International Programs will send important OPT updates to the email on record in MyUWF.
• International students who rely on recruitment agencies to obtain OPT placements should ensure those agencies are trustworthy and reputable. 
  Reputable recruiters will not modify a student’s resume or academic background to secure OPT placement.
• International students who encounter fraudulent activity tied to OPT should contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ICE.gov/tips immediately and make a report.

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The travel signature on your I-20 must be within 6 months of re-entry to the US.is valid for six months. 

For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US:

• a valid passport and visa
• Form I-20 with travel signature (within 6 months of re-entry to the US)
• EAD card
• job offer letter/letter from your employer that you are on approved leave

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You can work without pay where this does not violate any labor laws, and this time does not count against the 90 days of unemployment.. This is considered employment. 

• You must work (where this does not violate any labor laws) full time, more than 20 hours per week, in your major area of study.
• You must report employment information for unpaid positions.
• You should be able to provide evidence from your employer to document that you have maintained legal status.

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• You can use the case number to track your OPT application on the USCIS website.

Contact International Programs if there is an error on your receipt notice or if you receive a Request for Further Evidence. 

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