How do I apply for Optional Practical Training?

1. You do not need a job offer to apply. However, once you find a qualifying job, you must notify the Immigration Advisor at UCSB International Programs by contacting them at the Help Center.

2. The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before your program completion date and no later than 60 days after your program end date, as indicated on your I-20.

3. You must fill out the International Programs Request Form first to initiate the OPT request process and specify the start date of your OPT. UCSB International Program's Immigration Advisor will make a request in the government database for your work authorization. The Advisor will provide you with a new, OPT-notated I-20. Print it out and sign it as soon as you receive it.

4. Gather all documents and supporting materials in PDF format to submit with the application for employment authorization, which will include the following:

  • A copy of I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home (Get most recent I-94)
  • A copy of a valid passport (copy of the BIO page)
  • A copy of the F1 visa, if applicable (visa page)
  • A photocopy of your OPT-notated I-20 (don't forget to sign it!)
  • Photocopies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), if applicable
  • Two identical photographs (photograph instructions are found on the Form I-765 instructions under Required Documentation)
  • The $470 filing fee (payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - have your credit card ready)
     

5. Once the Immigration Advisor sends your OPT-notated I-20, you must file Form I-765 "Application for Employment Authorization" within 30 days from the date your Immigration Advisor signed the OPT-notated I-20. The Form will be filled out online; there is no need to download it as a PDF or print it.

6. Go to the USCIS website to start your application. Create an account and follow the instructions. Once you complete your profile, choose "Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization" to be filed. You can upload all the documents online through the USCIS portal.

7. Final OPT decisions are made completely by the US government. UCSB International Programs is not involved in this process. Please DO NOT leave the U.S. if your OPT is not yet approved and you do not have your Employment Authorization Card in hand.+

8. You should also report your status to the SEVP student portal. Students who fail to report or enter their information in the Portal promptly or otherwise fail to comply with their reporting requirements may be deemed to violate their nonimmigrant status. If you have found work that is related to your studies, you are responsible for reporting your employment to us and explaining, in writing, how the job relates to your major area of study so that the information can be reported in SEVIS or otherwise retained.

Feel free to download the Optional Practical Training Guidelines for more details.