Applying for OPT

Step 1: Attend an OPT session

• Sessions will take place by Zoom and the link will be emailed to the international student listserv before each session; the same Zoom link will be used for each virtual session. Spring 2024 sessions will take place on:
  • Thursday, February 15, 11 am – 12 pm
  • Friday, February 23, 3 – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, March 6, 12 – 1 pm
  • Tuesday, March 19, 3 – 4 pm
• A session explaining the basics of H-1Bs (a common work authorization that some people do after OPT) will be offered virtually on Friday, February 16 from 3 - 4 pm.

Step 2: Select OPT dates

• Your OPT start date must begin within 60 days of the program end date on your I-20 and end 12 months after this date. 
• Refer to the OPT slides for information on selecting dates.
• You may also contact an ISSP advisor for guidance on selecting your OPT dates.

Step 3: Request OPT I-20

• Request your OPT I-20 through iStart.
• Log into iStart with your W&M ID and password.
• Select F-1 Practical Training and click on OPT I-20 Request.
• You will be issued an OPT I-20, which will list your desired OPT dates. You must include this in your application. Please review the OPT packet for an application checklist and tips.
• Your OPT application will be denied if you do not include an OPT I-20 that was processed by ISSP within the past 30 days. 

Optional appointment to discuss OPT

• If you would like to discuss your OPT, you can schedule an appointment with an ISSP advisor. Do this using the East Coast timezone.
• If you have scheduled an appointment:
  • Review the Form I-765 (click on "File Online") so you can ask questions during your OPT appointment.
  • Your OPT I-20 will be issued after the appointment and emailed to you.

Step 4: Apply for OPT online

• OPT packet - application checklist and tips from ISSP
  • Look at the packet for information about additional documents you will need to submit, including an I-20 that lists your OPT dates. If you do not submit this I-20, your OPT will be denied, and your fee will not be refunded by USCIS.
• Form I-765 (click on "File Online")
• You must submit your OPT application within 30 days of when ISSP processed your OPT I-20 in SEVIS.
• You must be physically in the U.S. when you submit your application to USCIS.

Step 5: After filing OPT application

• While we are available to discuss the OPT process with you, you are ultimately responsible for what you submit to USCIS, and the outcome.
• If you file your OPT online, you will immediately get your receipt number (starting with IOE).
• Within 2-3 weeks after filing your application, USCIS will also send you a paper Receipt Notice.
• You can use the receipt number to check your case status online.
• It takes several months for your OPT application to be approved. For current processing times, see the USCIS website for more information. 
  • Select the I-765 form, and then Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)].
  • Most W&M students' forms are processed by the Potomac Service Center. You can determine the service center processing your application by looking in the lower left corner of your receipt notice.

Step 6: Your OPT is Approved

• Once your OPT is approved, USCIS will create and mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to the mailing address you submitted in your application. 
• You may begin working once you receive your EAD card and the start date on the card has arrived.