Pre-OPT Application Process
To allow for the 7-day ISSC processing time and the 90-day USCIS processing time, the ISSC recommends applying for Pre-OPT at least 97 days prior to the date you wish your employment authorization to begin. This will maximize your opportunity to receive your EAD card on time.
Pre-OPT recommended I-20s will be issued no more than 90 days prior to the recommended Pre-OPT start date.
We recommend that you attend an OPT Information Session prior to beginning the application process.
Post OPT Application Process
It is recommended that you apply for Post OPT at least 97 days prior to your program end date, or degree conferral date.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing time is approximately 90 days for all OPT applications. This will allow the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) 7 business days to process your application and USCIS 90 days to process your application.
We recommend that you attend an OPT Information Session prior to beginning the application process.
24-Month STEM Extension Application Process
To allow for the 7-day ISSC processing time and the 90-day USCIS processing time, the ISSC recommends applying for 24-Month STEM OPT no more than 97 days prior to the end date of your Post-OPT. This will maximize your opportunity to receive your EAD card on time.
Filing a timely 24-month STEM OPT Extension application helps to ensure that you will be able to continue employment while your extension application is pending. Students with a pending STEM Extension application submitted to USCIS prior to the end of their Post OPT will be permitted to continue working for a period of up to 180 days past their Post OPT expiration date while their application is being adjudicated.
We recommend that you attend an OPT Information Session prior to beginning the application process.
Related Article: What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
