You must request an OPT I-20 from the Office of International Education before starting your application to USCIS.

Submit the four forms/documents below and a printed copy of the email receipt showing payment of the Management and Processing fee (see instructions below) to international@uta.edu. We recommend that you type the I-765. A sample of a filled I-765 is available here.

Please allow up to 7 business days for processing. During that time, the OIE will issue a new I-20 and email it to your @mavs.uta.edu email address.

After you have signed the I-20, you will need to mail your application to USCIS. See the eShipGlobal mailing instructions on the F-1 & J-1 Office procedures page here. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the recommendation being added to the I-20. USCIS is currently denying requests where the OPT recommendation is more than 30 days old on the date they receive the application.

The OIE will contact you when your card arrives. You may:

• Pick up the card yourself.
• Schedule a shipment via e-ShipGlobal.

$470 for online filing or $520 for paper filing. Please consult the USCIS fee calculator on the day you mail the application to confirm current fees.

Management and Processing Fee - $150

• I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization (Section - Forms and Document Downloads)
• Sample of I-765
• OPT Post-Completion Form
• OPT Completion of Program Form
• OPT Status Maintenance Form
• 24-Month OPT STEM Extension
• OPT H1-B Cap Gap
• Report OPT Employment

An OPT Processing and Case Management Fee will be charged when students apply for post-completion OPT and/or the 24-month STEM extension. This fee will be used to subsidize the costs associated with the mandatory case management for students on Optional Practical Training after graduation.

The following fees will apply:

• 12 Month OPT: $150
• 24 Month OPT Extension: $175

This fee is not for expedited processing. Please allow up to 7 business days for processing.