Stage 1: Your Timeline & OPT Request I-20

Understanding Your Application Timeline

Getting approved for OPT can take months, so it's important to know when to apply and how to understand your application timeline.

You can apply for Pre-Completion OPT:

  • no earlier than 90 days before you complete the One Academic Year Requirement.  
  • no earlier than 90 days before your requested OPT start date.  
  • no later than 30 days after the “Date Issued” on your OPT I-20. 

Students who submit their application outside of their eligibility window will receive an OPT denial from USCIS. 

Overview of a Pre-Completion OPT Application Timeline

  1. Request your Pre-Completion OPT I-20

    • Please allow 3-5 business days for process.

  2. Submit the online OPT application (Form I-765) to USCIS

  3. Attend your USCIS Biometrics Appointment (if required)

    • Within a few weeks of USCIS receiving your application, they will assign you a date and time for an in-person Biometrics Appointment. Make sure to attend your appointment! 

    • USCIS will not begin reviewing your OPT application until after you have completed your Biometrics Appointment (if required).  

  4. Wait while USCIS reviews your OPT Application

    • After you have completed your Biometrics Appointment (if required), USCIS will begin processing your application.  

      USCIS has two processing time options, which you could select when submitting the online Form I-765:  

    • Premium processing: For premium processing, USCIS will do their best to review your application within 30 business days. Adherence to the 30-business-day window is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of USCIS. Check the USCIS website for premium processing  fee information. 

    • Standard processing: USCIS’ standard processing time is approximately 3-5 months. Some applications may take longer for them to review.  

    • If USCIS sends a Request for Evidence/Information (RFE, RFI), this will delay processing of your application.  

  5. Receive your I-797 decision notice

    • When USCIS makes a decision on your application, they will issue a paper notice, Form I-797, to your mailing address. They may also post a notice in your USCIS online account.  

    • If approved for pre-completion OPT, USCIS will require an additional 2-4 weeks from the decision to print and mail your EAD card.  

  6. Recieve your EAD Card

    • Expect to receive your EAD card within approximately 4 weeks of receiving your OPT approval notice (I-797).  

    • Once you have received your EAD card and the EAD Start Date arrives, you may begin working.  

Choose your Requested Pre-Completion OPT Start & End Dates

To request your Pre-Completion OPT I-20, you must indicate your requested OPT start and end dates on the request form.

  • Requested OPT Start Date: Your requested Pre-Completion OPT start date is up to you. Your requested start date must be a date after you have completed the One Academic Year Requirement.
    • Example: A student who begins their program of study with the Fall semester, and remains enrolled full-time during the Fall & Spring semesters, becomes eligible for Pre-Completion OPT the day after the Spring semester ends. The day after the Spring quarter ends is the earliest OPT start date the student can request. 
    • Be sure to keep  Pre-Completion OPT processing times in mind when choosing your requested start date. If USCIS cannot complete processing prior to your requested start date, they will assign you a later start date based on when they complete review of your application.  
  • Requested OPT End Date: Your requested Pre-Completion OPT end date must not be:
    • 364 days from your requested OPT start date; NOR 
    • past your Form I-20's program end date.  

IMPORTANT!  

You cannot change your requested OPT start and end dates after you submit your Form I-765  application to USCIS. 

Submit your Pre-Completion OPT Request I-20