As you start your summer and prepare to apply to participate in optional practical training with U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS), be sure to connect with your designated school official (DSO).

You may only file the Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” for OPT within the 30-day period after your DSO: 

• Authorizes you for OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and
• Provides you with an updated Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” endorsed for OPT.

Please note that your DSO must complete these two steps above before you file the Form I-765. Visit the OPT for F-1 Students page on USCIS.gov for additional instructions on applying for OPT.