International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA), Notre Dame International
105 Main Building, Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 631-1138 issa@nd.edu issa.nd.edu
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Application Process & Checklist
Step One:
Attend an information sessio
n or watch the recording at issa.nd.edu.
Step Two:
Complete the “OPT Application” form at issalink.nd.edu
, found under the F-1 Practical
Training menu. After you submit, your academic advisor will receive a link to a confirmation form.
Step Three: Attend or watch the recording of the I-765 Application Review session.
Gather the OPT
application materials listed below:
• Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
o Fill out the Form I-765 pdf and print off all seven pages, even if blank.
o Do NOT file the I-765 form electronically with USCIS.
• I-765 filing fee of $410USD
o Check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
o USCIS accepts credit card payments with Form G-1450.
• Two passport style photos, which meet standards outlined on travel.state.gov.
• Copy of valid passport biographical page
• Copy of I-94 record
• Copy of current F-1 visa
• Copies of any I-20s with CPT Authorization (if applicable)
• Copies of any previously issued EAD cards (if applicable)
Step Four:
Submit “OPT I-765 Application Draft” form to ISSAlink
Follow the form directions and submit the documents above on ISSAlink.nd.edu. An ISSA advisor will
review your application packet and send you suggested corrections along with a new I-20 with OPT
Recommendation.
Step Five: (Optional)
Schedule a virtual appointment here to discuss your application and questions.
Step Six:
Mail Completed Application Packet to USCIS.
ISSA will issue a new I-20 with OPT Recommendation and send an electronic copy for filing. The advisor
will also provide OPT Application mailing instructions for the USCIS service center. It is your
responsibility to mail the completed paper packet promptly and pay any associated shipping costs.
USCIS will issue a receipt notice within three to five weeks of receiving the application packet.
Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS no sooner than 90 days before your
program end date and prior to the end of the 60-day grace period. Average USCIS processing time is 3-
5 months, but it may take longer.
Revised 01/2021
