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OPT Workshops

The International Center regularly offers workshops for For F-1 students interested in applying for Optional Practical Training. See our calendar for upcoming workshop dates.
Home / Come to MU / Students / Employment / F-1 employment off campus / OPT extension checklist

OPT extension checklist

F-1

Application Process

Please send the following materials to USCIS, along with the $380 application fee and 2 passport-sized photos (Write your I-94 number and name on the back of the photos in pencil):

  • Review CIP Code for eligibility:  52.1304, 11.xxxx (does not include 11.06xx), 14.xxxx, 15.xxxx, 26.xxxx, 27.xxxx, 29.0101, 40.xxxx, 41.xxxx, 51.1401 (MS, PhD only).
  • Request E-Verify number from employer for I-765.
  • Letter from employer confirming employment related to STEM degree, title, supervisor, and employers contact information.
  • I-765 with the appropriate information in questions 16 (c3C) and 17.
  • Copy of diploma.
  • Copy of Extension I-20, you keep the original.
  • Copy of current OPT 1-20.
  • Copy of front & back of I-94 card, EAD card, visa, and passport.
File with the USCIS Service Center serving the area of your current residence (see below).

Please note:

  • You can work during the pending period as long as you filed this application before your current OPT expires
  • You can change employers as long as your new employer is E-Verify.  Remember that you have a total of 120 days of unemployment from your original OPT start date or April 8, 2007, whichever is later.  You must update your current employment information with the International Center immediately.
  • You cannot travel outside the US before receiving your new EAD card and you must have a valid visa to travel back into the country.  You must continue to receive travel signatures on your I-20 and travel with a letter from the employer.
  • You must continue to update your residential addresses within 10 days of moving with the International Center.

USCIS Service Centers

Mail your application to the correct USCIS Service Center, based on the area of your current residence.

USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

If you live in:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Address for U.S. Postal Service (USPS) deliveries:

USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036

Address for Express mail and courier deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

USCIS Dallas Lockbox

If you live in: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, or West Virginia.

Address for U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:

USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266

Address for Express mail and courier deliveries:

USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067