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OPT application process and requirements

Total processing time is at least 15 business days from initial OPT application review request to receiving the updated I-20 with OPT recommendation.

IMPORTANT

• A minimum overall GPA of 3.25 is required to receive a recommendation for OPT. Students who do not meet the GPA requirement may apply ONLY AFTER completing their degree.
  
  
• Your F-1 visa will be at risk and your OPT application could be forfeited if it is submitted and you fail to graduate on the program end date listed on your updated I-20.
  
  
• USCIS OPT application fee is non-refundable. For a complete list of all USCIS fees, see the .

STEPS ON HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR I-20 WITH OPT RECOMMENDATION

STEP 1: Review and watch the OPT application guide

(links will be added mid-February 2026)

1. Spring 2026 OPT application workshop recording
2. Spring 2026 OPT application PPT presentation
3. OPT online application video tutorial
4. Guide to filing for OPT online through USCIS

STEP 2: Graduation application

1. Apply for the current semester’s graduation. See complete instructions here.
2. If you missed the graduation application deadline, contact the registrar’s office (email: registrar@lewisu.edu).
3. You will not be able to continue with the next steps if you have not applied for graduation.

STEP 3: OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation Form

1. The form must be completed by BOTH the student and their academic advisor.
2. A minimum overall GPA of 3.25 is required to receive a recommendation for OPT. Students who do not meet this requirement may apply ONLY AFTER completing their degree.
3. Section 1 should be filled out by the student.
4. Section 2 should be completed by the academic advisor and returned back to the student.
5. The completed OPT academic advisor recommendation form should be uploaded as one of the requirements in STEP 5 below.

STEP 4: USCIS Online Account

1. Go to and create your USCIS online account (only if you have not made an account already).
1. Use a personal email address when creating the account.
2. Do not use your ÐÔÊÓ½ç email address when creating the account.
3. If you already have an USCIS account, proceed to STEP 4b.
2. When the USCIS account is created, you will need to start entering information to start your I-765 Employment Authorization Application (category C03B) so that you can generate a snapshot/draft of the form I-765 that is one of the required application documents for review. Once you have saved a copy of your draft/snapshot of the form I-765, proceed to STEP 5.
   
   
   Review the online application guide on STEP 1.
   
   

STEP 5: Requesting I-20 with OPT Recommendation

1. ISGSS has the right to deny your application if documents are incomplete.
2. You must have ALL of the following documents ready before starting the form.
1. OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation Form (see STEP 3a)
2. Form I-765 (draft snapshot from your online application – see STEP 4b)
3. Copy of your valid passport & F-1 visa
4. Copy of your most recent I-94
5. New/ most recent 2x2 photo..
6. Copy(s) of your previous I-20s with CPT or OPT authorization (only if you did CPT/OPT)
7. EAD Card (only if you have an EAD card before)
3. Upload ALL required documents here: .

4. Processing time is at least 15 business days upon submission of the google form to receiving the I-20 with OPT recommendation.

STEP 6: Final review of OPT documents by ISGSS

1. ISGSS will review your documents and will contact you with any required changes or updates within the 15 business day timeline.
2. When everything is complete, your documents will be assigned to a DSO for processing.
3. ISGSS will send you an email attaching your new I-20 with OPT Recommendation with further instructions to follow.

STEP 7: Submission and payment of OPT application to USCIS

1. An ISGSS DSO will email you attaching your I-20 with OPT Recommendation.
2. You should then print and sign your I-20 in ink.
3. Scan and upload your signed I-20 with OPT Recommendation under the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status section in the USCIS online application.
4. Once you upload ALL requirements including your signed I-20 with OPT recommendation from a DSO, you can now pay and submit your application.

NOTE: USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the time the I-20 was issued for OPT recommendation or it will be DENIED.

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