Optional Practical Training updates: fall 2020

Sept. 22, 2020



Credit card payments in myStatus

In an effort to make applying for OPT and STEM OPT more accessible for students, International Student and Scholar Services will now accept credit card payments in myStatus for all OPT and STEM OPT processing fees.

We hope this new feature will make the application process easier for students and reduce the need for extra trips to the bank and campus. At this time, there will not be an increase in the processing fee that is paid to International Student and Scholar Services.

USCIS increasing I-765 processing fee

On Oct. 2, 2020, USCIS will increase their I-765 processing fee from $410 to $550. This change in fees will apply to all I-765 applications postmarked on or after Oct. 2.

If you are graduating in December and plan to apply for OPT, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible before the fee increase on Oct. 2.

Your academic adviser will need to complete a recommendation in myStatus and your international student adviser will need to review your application materials, recommend you for OPT and provide you with an updated I-20 before you mail your documents to USCIS. If your request is submitted in myStatus, we will make every effort to return your OPT materials to you so that they can be mailed to USCIS on Oct. 1.

If you have questions, please reach out to your international student adviser.