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International Student Services

OPT Application Process

ยป 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

Timeline layout for applying for OPT

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.

Graduation Term

I-20 Program End Date

Range of Requested OPT Start Date

(60-Day Grace Period)​

USCIS Application Window

Fall 2023​

12/31/2023​

01/01/2024 - 02/29/2024​

10/02/2023 - 02/29/2024​

Spring 2024​

05/18/2024​

05/19/2024 - 07/17/2024

02/18/2024 - 07/17/2024

Summer 2024​

08/17/2024​

8/18/2024 - 10/16/2024​

05/19/2024 - 10/16/2024

Fall 2024

12/14/2024

12/15/2024 - 02/12/2025

09/15/2024 - 02/12/2025

(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 2023​

12/31/2023​

01/01/2024 - 02/29/2024​

10/02/2023 - 02/29/2024​

Spring 2024​

04/13/2024​

04/14/2024 - 06/12/2024

01/14/2024 - 06/12/2024

Summer 2024​

08/10/2024​

08/11/2024 - 10/09/2024​

05/12/2024 - 10/09/2024

Fall 2024

12/14/2024

12/15/2024 - 02/12/2025

09/15/2024 - 02/12/2025

(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.)  

Additional resources

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

OTP Application Process


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After application submission

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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.


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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.

Have a question about OPT?


Visit the OPT Frequently Asked Questions page to find your answer.

Contact ISS


Visit our contact page to email us, call us or make an appointment with a team member.