OPT document checklist

This page is part of the OPT and STEM OPT — complete guide cluster. For the eight common filing mistakes, read Form I-765 OPT application: the eight common mistakes that get it denied.

Who this is for

An F-1 student assembling the I-765 OPT packet for post-completion OPT ((c)(3)(B)). This checklist is also useful for pre-completion OPT ((c)(3)(A)) packet assembly — the identity and payment exhibits are the same, but the category code and I-20 recommendation language differ. For STEM OPT extension packets, use this page for the core I-765 exhibits, then add E-Verify and I-983 items from STEM OPT 24-month extension checklist. International student advisers and DSOs may also use this page as a reference when preparing OPT packets for students and confirming that all required exhibits are present before mailing to the USCIS lockbox.

The controlling source

Primary controlling source: USCIS Form I-765 instructions; 8 CFR § 274a.13. The Form I-765 instructions control exhibit order, photo rules, and fee payment methods. Section 274a.13 governs employment authorisation applications, including replacement EADs. Always re-check the live Form I-765 page for the current fee and lockbox address before mailing — both change more often than students expect.

The Form I-765 instructions also specify which category codes apply to each OPT type, the acceptable forms of identity and employment authorisation evidence, and the requirements for electronic filing versus paper filing. Students should download a fresh copy of the instructions from the USCIS website on the day they prepare the packet, rather than relying on a previously saved version, because USCIS updates the forms and fees periodically throughout the year.

Packet order

Organise the packet in this order so the USCIS lockbox reviewer processes it without searching:

1. Form I-765 — signed and dated, correct category code ((c)(3)(B) for post-completion). Every field must match your passport name spelling and SEVIS data. Use black ink for handwritten forms. For online filing, upload a scanned signed copy. Double-check the answer to question 1 (full legal name), question 13 (category code), and question 14 (previous EAD information) — these are the most common error sources.
2. OPT-recommended I-20 — DSO endorsement on page 2, dated within the last 30 days. A standard I-20 without the OPT recommendation is not enough. Verify that the DSO has written the OPT start date recommendation and that the recommendation date is clearly visible. If the I-20 was issued more than 30 days before your planned filing date, request a new one from the DSO.
3. Passport identity page — biographical page copy, valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended OPT start where possible. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before filing to avoid RFEs about identity document validity. Include both the biographical page and any pages showing name changes or amendments.
4. Visa stamp copy — current F-1 visa, if available. If you changed status inside the US and never had an F-1 visa stamp, explain that in a cover note. If the visa has expired but you are maintaining status, include the expired visa copy and a note about maintaining F-1 status through I-20 and I-94.
5. I-94 — print from the CBP I-94 website (i94.cbp.dhs.gov); do not rely on the paper I-94 from entry. The electronic I-94 is the official record. Check that the class of admission reads F-1 and the admit-until date is D/S (Duration of Status) or a specific date that covers the OPT filing window.
6. Two passport-style photos — 2×2 inches, plain white background, dated within 30 days. Write your name and SEVIS ID lightly in pencil on the back. Use a professional photo service rather than printing at home to avoid rejection for photo quality issues.
7. All prior EADs — copies of all previously issued Employment Authorization Documents (front and back). This includes any EAD cards from previous OPT periods, STEM OPT extensions, or other USCIS-issued employment authorisation. CPT does not produce a separate EAD card (it is authorised on the I-20), so do not worry about a missing CPT card — but do keep copies of your CPT-authorized I-20s to document your CPT history. If you have lost or never received a prior EAD, include a written explanation.
8. Filing fee — check, money order, or Form G-1450 credit card authorisation. Confirm the current fee on the USCIS website the day you mail. If paying by check, verify that the check has the correct name, address, and signature. Incorrectly made-out checks are a common rejection reason.

Optional but useful: Form G-1145 for electronic receipt notification, and a one-page cover letter listing exhibits if you have prior CPT history, name changes, or multiple prior EADs. Do not bury the OPT-recommended I-20 under academic transcripts USCIS did not request.

Timeline and deadlines

• Before filing: get the DSO recommendation. Do not file before the recommendation is entered in SEVIS and appears on page 2 of the I-20. The DSO may take 3 to 5 business days to process the recommendation, so schedule this meeting at least one week before your planned filing date.
• Filing window: no earlier than 90 days before program end date, no later than 60 days after. USCIS uses the receipt date, not the postmark date. If you file 91 days before the program end date, the application is rejected. If you file on the 60th day after, ensure the packet arrives at the lockbox before midnight on that day.
• Within 30 days of DSO recommendation: I-765 must be received by USCIS — not merely postmarked. File with a trackable courier service and plan a buffer of at least 5 business days between mailing and the 30-day deadline to account for transit delays.
• After filing: save the I-797 receipt notice. The receipt notice contains your USCIS case number, which you can use to track the application status online. Do not work before the EAD start date unless another authorisation covers you (for example, cap-gap). Working without a valid EAD is unauthorised employment.
• While pending: keep your SEVIS record active by maintaining enrollment until the program end date, update your address with the DSO within 10 days of any move, and read OPT travel and re-entry rules before international travel during the pending period.

Worked examples

Wrong I-20 in the packet

A student mails a standard I-20 instead of the DSO-recommended OPT I-20. USCIS cannot verify the school recommendation from that packet and rejects or RFEs the case. The correct I-20 is the one with the DSO’s OPT endorsement on page 2 (Section 5 in older formats), dated within the 30-day window before USCIS receipt.

30-day recommendation window missed

The DSO recommends OPT on March 1. The student mails the I-765 on April 5. USCIS receives it on April 8 — more than 30 days after the recommendation. The application is rejected even though the student is still inside the 90/60 program-end filing window. The fix is to request a fresh DSO recommendation and refile within 30 days, still inside the program-end window.

Passport photo specifications and common rejection reasons

USCIS rejects passport photos that do not meet the 2-by-2-inch federal specification, that are more than 30 days old, or that do not show a clear front view of the face against a plain white background. The most common rejection reason is submitting photos taken by phone and printed at home — even if the dimensions are correct, the resolution, lighting, or background may not meet the standard. Use a professional passport photo service at a pharmacy or shipping store for reliable results. The photo must show the full face from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin centered in the frame. No eyeglasses are allowed in current USCIS photo rules (changed in recent years from previous guidance that allowed glasses in some cases). Hats, head coverings, and uniforms are not permitted except for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement. Write your name and SEVIS ID on the back of each photo in pencil. Attach the photos to the top of the packet with a small envelope or paper clip — do not staple them to the application.

Mailing the packet and tracking delivery

After assembling the complete OPT packet, mail it to the correct USCIS lockbox address. The address depends on the category code and which state you live in — check the current Form I-765 instructions for the exact address. Use a trackable delivery service (FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority Mail with tracking) and keep the tracking number. Do not use regular first-class mail unless you are prepared to lose the delivery trail. If filing online through a USCIS online account, upload the documents in the specified order and pay the fee electronically. Online filing provides immediate confirmation of receipt and faster processing in most cases. After mailing, the USCIS lockbox typically sends a text or email receipt within 2 to 4 weeks if you filed Form G-1145. If you do not receive confirmation within 4 weeks, check the tracking number and contact USCIS customer service.

What to do next

• Review the eight common filing mistakes at Form I-765 OPT application: the eight common mistakes that get it denied.
• Understand travel rules during the pending period at OPT travel and re-entry rules.
• Track unemployment cap from EAD start date at OPT 90-day unemployment cap.

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. A licensed attorney or regulated adviser should review your documents before you rely on a strategy or deadline.