Office of International Student Services

OPT Application: Next Steps

Thank you for submitting your OPT Application!

Step 6: Wait for an email from the Office of International Student Services

  • Once your application and documents are received, please allow 5 – 7 business days for processing.
  • If additional information is needed during the review process (including corrections to forms), the Office of International Student Services will send an email to your MU email account with the subject “REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.”
  • Be sure to provide any necessary information within 10 days. Incomplete requests may be cancelled after 10 days.
  • If approved, you will receive an email notification to your MU email account letting you know your new I-20 has been issued and you are ready to file Form I-765 online.

Step 7: Receive and sign your Form I-20 with recommended OPT

Once the OPT Application is approved, you will receive a notification to your MU email with the Form I-20 attached.  Be sure to sign the I-20 and save for your records.  You will need the electronic Form I-20 to upload to the Form I-765 online.

Step 8: Complete Form I-765 Online

Once your OPT is recommended in SEVIS by a DSO, you will be ready to file Form I-765 online with USCIS.

File Form I-765 View Form I-765 Guide

Step 9: Wait for your EAD card to arrive

Once your application is submitted and the filing fee is paid online, you will be directed to a confirmation screen that shows your receipt number.  You will be able to use the receipt number to check the status of your case on the USCIS website.  Be sure to check your USCIS online account for updates to your case.

Check my case status with USCIS Check USCIS Processing Times I need to update my address with USCIS

Requests for Evidence

USCIS may send you a REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE (RFE) through regular mail. While it is not common for students to receive a RFE when applying for Optional Practical Training, it does happen sometimes. If USCIS sends you a RFE, be sure to read it carefully and respond as soon as possible. Be sure to send a copy of the RFE to iss@marshall.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions While OPT is Pending

Yes! You can stay in the United States while the case is pending with USCIS.
If you are applying for PRE-COMPLETION or POST-COMPLETION OPT, the answer is NO. You cannot begin working until the start date on the EAD card.

If you are applying for STEM OPT EXTENSION, the answer is YES, you may work for up to 180 days with the I-797 Receipt Notice while the case is pending with USCIS.

That depends. Generally, the answer is yes. However, if you are applying for post-completion OPT AND your I-20 program end date has passed, it is not recommended that you travel outside the US. Additionally, if you are applying for STEM OPT extension AND your standard OPT end date has passed, you should not travel outside the US. For other OPT travel questions, check out our OPT TRAVEL CHART.