May 8, 2023

New Tip Sheet For F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training

Dear Stakeholder,

We have released a new tip sheet on How F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) Can Avoid Form I-765 Delays in response to feedback from stakeholders. These tips can help students avoid delays with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Key Points in the Tip Sheet

• Check USCIS’ website for updates before you submit Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
• Make sure Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is signed, dated, and endorsed for the correct type of employment authorization.
• Apply online.
• Submit your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date listed by the designated school official (DSO) in the Date Issued section on Form I-20 (or within 60 days for an OPT extension for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students).
• Submit a properly completed Form I-20 together with Form I-765 at the same time.
• Update your mailing address with both USCIS and the U.S. Postal Service.

More Information

View USCIS’ Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students page for further guidance.

The CIS Ombudsman is committed to helping DSOs, F-1 students, and other stakeholders address concerns related to the OPT and STEM OPT process. In August 2022, we hosted a webinar on international student issues, and you can find follow-up questions and answers on the Interagency Engagement on International Student Issues page. We continue to meet with stakeholders on this topic and raise their feedback with USCIS, and we will develop additional resources as the need arises.

For more information on our office, please visit www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Please complete the CIS Ombudsman Customer Satisfaction Survey. We appreciate your feedback.

Resources

• Public Engagement
• Case Assistance
• Annual Report
• FAQs
• Immigration Resources

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