OPT Application Checklist-COVID Lockbox backlog
APPLICATION MATERIALS
  1. Online OPT Student Request (submitted via the ISSS portal)
  2. Online OPT Academic Confirmation (completed by academic or program advisor)
  3. Check or money order of $410 made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (see USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment Guide​)
    • For all forms of payment, please make sure your SEVIS ID appears in the "memo" field.
    • For personal checks, the account holder’s name and address must be printed on the check.
    • Note: Check the USCIS I-765 page to confirm the application fee prior to shipping your application.
  4. Two identical immigration-style/passport photos—taken within the last 30 days
    • Write your full name & I-94 number on back of each photo.
      • If you have an EAD from a previous period of OPT, write your USCIS number on the back of the photos instead of the I-94 number.
    • See Department of State photo requirements.
  5. Form G-1145 (original) - used to request E-mail and/or text notification.
  6. Form I-765 (original) - consult the sample I-765 below for assistance in filling in the form
  7. Most recent I-94 admission record (photocopy)—electronic or paper, include front and back if you have a paper I-94  
  8. Passport (identify and expiration pages from current passport (photocopy)—include the page(s) with your biographical info and the passport expiration date
  9. Most Recent F-1 Entry Visa Stamp OR F-1 Entry Stamp from passport for Canadian students (photocopy)
  10. Signed OPT I-20 (copy, 1st and 2nd pages only) - This will be provided by ISSS with the OPT Recommendation listed on page 2. The application must be received by the USCIS within 30 days of when the I-20 was issued.
  11. CPT Information Page from SEVIS record (provided by ISSS) 
  12. Previous OPT I-20s, if any (photocopy of front and back)
  13. Previous EAD card(s), if any (photocopy of front and back)
  14. Previous CPT I-20s from other schools (if any)
  15. Previous I-20s issued under different SEVIS IDs (if any)
SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO USCIS
You are responsible for sending your application to USCIS. We strongly recommend that you use a courier services such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. If you choose to send it via USPS you should use the express mail option. It is important to be able to track the application and document that it was delivered. The filing addresses are below. 

**UPDATE** Due to the recent backlog in USCIS receipt notice issuance for F-1 OPT applications, USCIS has temporarily changed the filing address for all F-1 OPT applications.
 
USCIS Chicago Lockbox filing address for FedEx, UPS, DHL  USCIS Chicago Lockbox filing address for USPS Express Mail
USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517​
Phone: 800.375.5283		 USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680

REVIEW ALL COMMUNICATION FROM USCIS
Within two weeks of sending your application you should receive an I-797 Notice of Receipt for your application to the address on your I-765. Please submit a copy of this to ISSS via the OPT Document Upload. Please be sure to review your receipt notice carefully. Check the spelling of your name and your date of birth. If there are any errors, contact an ISSS advisor immediately.
 
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Denial Notice, upload a copy of the communication and contact ISSS right away. These are time sensitive and have the potential to impact your legal F-1 status and your permission to remain in the US.

When your EAD card has arrived, submit a copy of the I-797 Approval Notice and the front and back of your EAD to ISSS via the OPT Document Upload. Remember that you cannot begin employment until the OPT has been approved, you have received the EAD card and the start date printed on it has arrived.