OPT TIMELINE

Latest

Earliest

a complete application can

be received by USCIS.

a complete application can be

received by USCIS.

Travel Restrictions

Note: Dont
Leave U.S.

For information on international

travel while your OPT application is
pending see question 2M here

90 days

before your program

completion date.

10 Days

Attend OPT
Workshop

if your program has ended and

you have not applied for OPT

30 Days

Come and
review

Get a receipt
notice

After getting an email from ISS

that the application is ready

from USCIS

Prepare
Application

Mail
Application

and drop it off at ISS

to USCIS

Make Sure

you dont have more than

90 days of unemployment
(see section 7.1 here)

Remember

you need a vallid F-1 visa,

travel signature, EAD card
and job letter to re-enter
the U.S.

60 days

after your program

completion date.

60 Days

Get an approval notice

followed by EAD card in separate mailer

Report
Employment
To ISS via our website.

Start
Working
Find a job and apply for
an SSN

Attend
Immigration
Seminar
Offered by ISS to learn
about post-OPT options