Pursuant to a July 2021 court order, students who apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) before October 31, 2021 may file their application up to 120 days before their I-20 program end date, rather than 90 days before their program end date. This change only applies to post-completion OPT applications (not STEM OPT applications). We expect this filing window to return to the usual 90 days after November 1, but will monitor SEVP guidance and update this page as needed.
OIS recommends that you include this PDF document with your OPT application so that USCIS is reminded about the additional flexibility given to students who submit their OPT applications before October 31, 2021. Please keep in mind that USCIS must still receive your OPT application no later than 30 days from the issuance date of the OPT I-20. Be sure to review all resources in My OIS as you prepare your OPT application.