F-1 Student OPT and 24-Month STEM OPT Extension Application Guide

Navigate the F-1 OPT work authorization timeline, Form I-765 online e-filing via myUSCIS, Form I-983 training plan, and strict 60-day filing limits.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

Navigate the F-1 OPT work authorization timeline, Form I-765 online e-filing via myUSCIS, Form I-983 training plan, and strict 60-day filing limits.

Statutory Roadmap & Decision Matrix

Phase / Step	Core Requirement	Governing Agency / Portal	Statutory Fee	Standard Timeline
Step 1	Request OPT Recommendation I-20 from Your Designated School Official (DSO)	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$0	1-2 weeks
Step 2	Create or Log In to Your myUSCIS Account	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$0	15 minutes
Step 3	Select the Exact Eligibility Category	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$0	5 minutes
Step 4	Upload Evidence and Pay Securely via Pay.gov	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services	$470 fee	30 minutes

Step 1

Request OPT Recommendation I-20 from Your Designated School Official (DSO)

You can apply up to 90 days before your academic program end date and up to 60 days after. For STEM extension, apply up to 90 days before your initial 12-month OPT expires.

Step 2

Create or Log In to Your myUSCIS Account

File online at my.uscis.gov. Select "File a Form" -> Form I-765. Online filing reduces human processing errors and eliminates postal delivery delays.

Step 3

Select the Exact Eligibility Category

Post-Completion OPT category code is (c)(3)(B). STEM 24-month extension category code is (c)(3)(C). Pre-completion OPT is (c)(3)(A). Entering the wrong code can lead to denial without refund.

Step 4

Upload Evidence and Pay Securely via Pay.gov

Upload your endorsed I-20 (signed by you in ink), previous EADs, passport, 2x2 photo, and pay the fee online via credit card or ACH transfer.