Application Procedures
Applying for Optional Practical Training Online:
You can now file 1-765 form online if filling in the one of the following categories:
- (c)(3)(A) - Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) -- 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.
- Create an account with USCIS.gov
- Items you will need (accepted file formats: JPG, PDF, JPEG):
- Copy of your most recent 1-94
- Recent passport-style photograph of yourself
- Copy of bio page in passport
- Copy of any previous EAD cards (front and back)
** You only have 30 days from starting I-765 application to submit it to USCIS. Application will be removed from account after 30 days
- Fill out forms
- The application will not alert you if you miss any of the required information.
- Upload recent passport-style photo
- Upload most recent 1-94
- Upload-Government ID or Employment Authorization Document
- If this is your first time applying for Employment Authorization, this is where you will upload your passport
- If you have previously applied for Employment Authorization, you will upload your previous EAD cards
- Upload copies of previous 1-20's that reflect any authorized CPT or OPT
- Upload page 1 & 2 of 1-20's
- Click save and send OPT Academic Advisor Form and OPT Date Selection Form to OIS
- Schedule an appointment and meet in person to receive new 1-20 and review application
- Bring laptop and form of payment with you
- Upload 1-20 (all three pages) given to you by DSO at Catholic University
- Submit form filing fee of $410 with credit card or U.S. bank account information
- Submit application and receive receipt number
Important! If you are applying for post completion practical training then:
Please be aware that the your I-765 form and supporting documents can be filed up to 90 days before the program end date and up to 60 days after the program end date provided that it is filed within 30 days of the date the DSO enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS (on your I-20). Please note that your requested employment start date MUST fall within the 60 day grace period following your program completion date.
It is always recommended to apply well in advance of the date that you are hoping to begin your employment as it is likely to take 2 to 3 months before the EAD card arrives and you are not allowed to start working before you receive that card nor are you allowed to start working before the authorization start date.
If you are a first year student and hoping to work during the semester or the summer before you’ve completed your program or if you are likely to finish your degree program in just one year… in either of these cases you may submit your OPT application no earlier than 90 days prior to having been enrolled for one full academic year!
For more information about working while you study, please stop by the Office of International Services (OIS) 202-319-5618.