»OPT Application Process

Students will apply to OPT through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) directly. Before submitting an OPT application to USCIS, students must receive the OPT recommendation from ISS on their Form I-20.

Understanding the application process is vital to ensuring approval of your application. Below are full details on applying for OPT.

OPT Application Window Dates

USCIS must receive your OPT application as early as 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date.

Use OPT Timeline Calculator to determine your OPT application window and requested OPT start date.

(This calendar applies to all programs except the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Fowler School of Law.)
Graduation Term	I-20 Program End Date	Range of Requested OPT Start Date (60-Day Grace Period)	USCIS Application Window
Fall 2026	12/12/2026	12/13/2026 - 02/10/2027	09/13/2026 - 02/10/2027
Spring 2027	05/22/2027	05/23/2027 - 07/22/2027	02/22/2027 - 07/22/2027
Summer 2027	08/21/2027	08/22/2027 - 10/20/2027	05/23/2027 - 10/20/2027

(This calendar applies to the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs.)
Graduation Term	I-20 Program End Date	Range of Requested OPT Start Date (60-Day Grace Period)	USCIS Application Window
Fall 2026	12/12/2026	12/13/2026 - 02/10/2027	09/13/2026 - 02/10/2027
Spring 2027	04/17/2027	04/18/2027 - 06/17/2027	01/18/2027 - 06/17/2027
Summer 2027	08/14/2027	08/15/2027 - 10/14/2027	05/17/2027 - 10/14/2027

Additional resources

ISS has prepared the following resources for you to successfully submit your application to USCIS.

OTP Application Process

Toggle Section

Review OPT Recourses → OPT Request Form → OPT I-20 from ISS

Log in to Canvas using your Chapman email and credentials. You should receive an email from Homebase to set up your account. You can also click ‘forgot password’ to reset the password.
Go to "Courses," "International Student Services," "Modules," and then "Optional Practical Training (OPT)."
- Begin the OPT course by watching the instruction videos and answering the questions.
- While completing the OPT course, use the I-765 OPT Online Application Manual
- Once the course is complete, you will be prompted to submit an OPT I-20 request to ISS.
- ISS will review your request and student record. If approved, ISS will email you the new OPT Form I-20 that you need for USCIS.
- Once you receive the new OPT Form I-20, proceed to apply for OPT with USCIS.
- You may not file for OPT with USCIS without the OPT I-20. Filing without the OPT I-20 will result in application denial.

Allow 3-5 business days to process your recommended OPT I-20 request.

For accuracy, please review the information on your OPT Form I-20 and ensure OPT details are correct on page 2.
Sign and save your new OPT Form I-20. Save the document as a PDF or PNG file.
The new OPT I-20 is only valid for 30 days.
- The new issue date is located on the signature line of the DSO from ISS.
- You must file your OPT application with USCIS within 30 days of the date the I-20 is issued or 60 days of your program end date on the I-20, whichever comes first. Failure to do so will result in application denial.
USCIS must receive your I-765 online application before the OPT I-20 issue date expires.

Create an Online Account with USCIS

Within 30 days of receiving your OPT I-20 from ISS, F-1 students can create an online account at myUSCIS Account.

Complete the I-765 Online Application

Upload supporting documents:

Signed OPT I-20 from ISS
Passport
F-1 Visa (Can be expired)
Most recent I-94
2x2 Passport Photo
Previous EAD card (if applicable)
Previous CPT/OPT I-20 (if applicable)

Review the application and pay the filing fee

After application submission

I-797 Receipt Notice (14-30 days)

After you have successfully submitted your I-765 online application to USCIS, you will receive at your mailing address an I-797 receipt notice with a case number.

If you receive an RFE from USCIS, please email the RFE letter to iss@chapman.edu.

International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.

»OPT Application Process

OPT Application Window Dates

Additional resources

OTP Application Process

Step 1 - Complete OPT Module

Log in to Canvas using your Chapman email and credentials. You should receive an email from Homebase to set up your account. You can also click ‘forgot password’ to reset the password.

Go to "Courses," "International Student Services," "Modules," and then "Optional Practical Training (OPT)."

Begin the OPT course by watching the instruction videos and answering the questions.

While completing the OPT course, use the I-765 OPT Online Application Manual

Once the course is complete, you will be prompted to submit an OPT I-20 request to ISS.

ISS will review your request and student record. If approved, ISS will email you the new OPT Form I-20 that you need for USCIS.

Once you receive the new OPT Form I-20, proceed to apply for OPT with USCIS.

Step 2 - Receive OPT I-20 from ISS

Step 3 - Apply with USCIS

Create an Online Account with USCIS

Complete the I-765 Online Application

Review the application and pay the filing fee

After application submission

I-797 Receipt Notice (14-30 days)

Maintaining Status while on OPT

Have a question about OPT?

Contact ISS