You can file your Post-completion OPT application with USCIS no earlier than 90-days before and 60 days after your Completion of Studies.

Important note: “Completion of Studies” is not your graduation date or any date after graduation. Your completion of studies date will be the last day you can work on-campus or on CPT until you have been approved for OPT and have your EAD to confirm your OPT start date.

Remember that the IPO’s processing time is 7-10 business days so if you are applying towards the end of your grace period, you should ideally submit your OPT I-20 Request to the IPO no later than 10 days before your grace period ends.  

Completion of Studies Dates:

• Undergraduate Students: Last day of Finals
  • If you are taking online only courses in your final term, the completion of studies date should be the term BEFORE. For example, if you are taking an online winter term course, your completion of studies date will be the last day of finals in the Fall term. This does not impact your graduation date, but you should be mindful of when to apply.
• Graduate Students:
• Non-Thesis track students: Last day of finals
  • If you are taking online only courses in your final term, the completion of studies date should be the term BEFORE. For example, if you are taking an online winter term course, your completion of studies date will be the last day of finals in the Fall term. This does not impact your graduation date.
• Thesis/dissertation students: Decide with your Academic Authority (advisor or GPD) in your department. 

Important note: “Completion of studies” is not to be confused with the date the Graduate School officially “signs off” and administratively confirms completion of all thesis or dissertation formalities (these dates are unrelated to the immigration completion of studies date). You may begin your OPT if your coursework is completed; remaining enrolled at UMass to finish your thesis/dissertation will not impact your OPT application.

Remember: You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT!

Per I-765 instructions, you must be physically in the U.S. at the time you submit your application to USCIS. If you choose to travel after this, please review our OPT Travel information below. 

Step 1. Receive the new OPT I-20 from the IPO. Follow the OPT I-20 Request Process above.

Step 2. Prepare your application documents.

The documents (except for the photos) submitted to USCIS can be in black and white as long as all the information is legible. We suggest you type the information into the I-765.

• Form I-765, A properly completed, signed, and dated I-765 form. Review which form to submit here. You should not sign the I-765 electronically or digitally. Sign with a pen if you are mailing.
  • Tips for completing your paper I-765 are here.
• Two passport-style photographs (name and date of birth written on the back). Instructions on photo size can be found on the I-765 instructions.
• New OPT I-20 attached to the “OPT I-20 is ready” email (you must sign the new OPT I-20 with a real pen to produce a “wet” signature prior to submitting to USCIS). Students are not permitted to sign I-20s digitally or electronically.
• Previously Issued CPT I-20s. You can request these here. The IPO cannot sign old I-20s nor will this be an issue for your OPT application.
• Copy of your biographical page from your passport (it is ok to apply with an expired passport) and copy of your F-1 visa stamp (it is ok if it is expired).
• Copy (front and back) of your prior 12-month OPT EAD (if you have one from a previous OPT approval)
• Print out of your current I-94 record
• Fee (mailing): A personal check or money order made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Review current USCIS fees as they frequently change. USCIS’ fee website can be reviewed here. Remember to send the fee with the application; do not send it in a separate package.
• Optional: Form G-1145 but highly recommended as USCIS will e-mail and/or text you with updates regarding your OPT application if you include this form.
• Optional: Form I-907 for Premium Processing starting April 3. The Premium Processing Fee is considerable and in addition to the regular OPT application fee. Review case processing times in Step 3 to determine if you need Premium Processing.

Tips on Fee Payment

• Personal Checks: remember to have the full amount of the fee in your account until it is cashed by DHS.
• Add your SEVIS number to the memo line in the lower left corner
• Date should be in the mm/dd/yyyy format (12/14/2023) or write it Month Date, Year (December 14, 2023).
• Money Orders: there are many different types of money orders that can be purchased from convenience stores, pharmacies, and the U.S. Postal Service. Basic tips are below:
  • If the money order asks for the recipient’s address, list the USCIS address where you are mailing the application
  • If the money order asks for the purchaser’s address, list your mailing address (#5 on the I-765)
  • Remember to keep the receipt potion of the money order as it is the only way to track your payment
  • Do not sign the back of the money order
  • In the Memo line (if there is one): include your SEVIS number

Step 3. Mail your application to USCIS within 30 days of receiving your new OPT I-20 in Step 1

All mailed OPT applications should be sent to USCIS’ Chicago lockbox.  Please be sure to get tracking on your package to USCIS. If you mail your application to the wrong lockbox, USCIS will transfer your application to the correct location but there will be a delay in your receipt processing.

USCIS processing times can be viewed here (choose Form: I-765, Form Category: Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student, Field Office: Potomac).

Premium Processing is available starting April 3. The premium processing fee is considerable and in addition to regular OPT application fee. If requesting Premium Processing and mailing your application, use Form I-907.

Step 4. Receive I-797 Receipt Notice for Your Pending OPT Application 

You will usually receive an I-797 receipt within 10 business days of USCIS completing the initial processing of your package. If you used the IPO’s address as your mailing address, we will email you a scanned .pdf of your receipt notice. If you used the G-1145, you should receive an email/text message as soon as the case number is assigned.

Check your USCIS case status. You will need your I-797 receipt number.

Step 5. OPT Approval

You will receive an I-797 approval notice and your employment authorization document (EAD) once approved. Both items will be sent to your mailing address on your I-765.

If you used the IPO’s address: Once the IPO has received your EAD and approval documents, you will receive an email notification from us. Please be mindful that while tracking may say it is delivered, that doesn’t mean the IPO has it in our possession yet. Please wait until we contact you with next steps.

Step 6. OPT Reporting and Life After OPT

Report your OPT employment by reviewing the OPT Reporting Requirements. Review the OPT Life after OPT information for additional information.

Students on Post-Completion OPT have specific reporting requirements to follow. Failure to submit these in a timely manner could impact your long-term immigration future in the U.S.

The IPO will extend your access to UMass Amherst systems for 1-3 years after graduation. This will permit you to access SPIRE and UMass VIP to update your address, report your employment, apply for STEM OPT, etc. If you have any issues or need to reset your NetID passport, please see the UMass IT website guides or contact OIT.

Reporting Employment 

Students are required to report changes in their OPT employment within 10 days using the OPT Reporting E-Form. This includes reporting the information listed below but is not limited to this. Students can have multiple jobs while on OPT as long as each one is related to your major and is reported to the IPO. We do not require your job offer letter. You will report the information directly in the reporting form.

• Employer Name
• Address, phone number, job title, EIN (not required), etc.
• Change in work locations
• Start and end date changes
• If there is a change in position (job title, part/full-time)
• Multiple employers are possible if related to your degree and reported

Cap Gap

If you were selected in the H-1B lottery, are eligible for, and have received cap gap to extend your work authorization to September 30, please submit the I-20 Reprint E-Form so we can verify this and provide you with an updated I-20. More information on eligibility for the cap gap extension can be found in the Life After OPT section and on the Study in the States website.

Change of Status

If you are changing your status from an F-1 to an H-1b, Permanent Resident, etc. please submit this information using the Change of Status E-Form.

**If you are no longer a student at UMass and you are on OPT, AT, etc. when you change your status, your NENS access to UMass systems (access to UMass email, UMass VIP, etc.) will be deactivated 30 days after your new change of status begins. Please plan accordingly.

Personal Information

Any change in personal information (address, email, phone, name) should be updated in SPIRE within 10 days of the change.

The Department of Homeland Security has indicated that failure to provide any of the reporting requirements mentioned above can result in the automatic termination of your SEVIS immigration record and corresponding F-1 immigration status. The IPO will not take responsibility for a student’s failure to update information accordingly and to adhere to these considerable OPT reporting requirements.

What visa status will I have during OPT?

You will continue to have your F-1 student immigration status at UMass while on OPT.  Your F-1 immigration status while on OPT is contingent upon you maintaining employment related to your field of study and appropriate to your level of education. You will need to possess a valid F-1 visa in your passport to return to the U.S. as well as an I-20 with a travel signature no older than 6-months. See FAQs OPT Travel for more travel information.  

Am I allowed to stay in the U.S. after my grace period ends and before my OPT is approved?

Yes. If you have submitted your application to USCIS before your grace period ends (by day 60 after your completion of studies date), you can remain in the U.S. since your OPT application is pending and has extended your F-1 status.

What is Cap Gap? Am I eligible? How do I get an updated I-20?

Cap gap is the period between the end of OPT/STEM OPT and the start of your H-1B on 10.1. This extension permits some students to work after your EAD expiration date and until your H-1B starts on October 1. 

Not all students are eligible for and need cap gap if their H-1B is scheduled to begin on 10.1. Please review the Study in the States website for more information.

Should you believe you are eligible and want an updated I-20, please submit the I-20 reprint E-Form so we can verify this and provide an updated I-20.

To ensure your change of status to H-1B is applied correctly to your F-1 record on 10.1, please submit our Change of Status E-Form (found under OPT Reporting Requirements) in early October so the IPO can confirm everything is correct.

** If you are no longer a student at UMass after changing your status, your NENS access to UMass systems (access to UMass email, UMass VIP, etc.) will be deactivated 30 days after your new change of status begins. Please plan accordingly.

I have a pending/approved H-1B and cap gap applied to my OPT. What is my immigration status?

You are an F-1 student until September 30 when your cap gap ends. On October 1, you will change to an H-1b immigration status. Please submit the Change of Status E-Form in the OPT Reporting Requirements section in late September/October so that we can ensure your F-1 record ended correctly.

I have a pending/approved H-1b and will do consular processing. What is my immigration status?

Assuming your OPT has not expired, you are still on your F-1 immigration status. After you leave the U.S., get your H-1B visa stamp, and return on the H-1B visa stamp, your immigration status will change to H-1B. Please submit the Change of Status E-Form in the OPT Reporting Requirements section after you return to the U.S. on your H-1B visa stamp.

Whether traveling within the U.S. or outside, there are certain considerations you need to keep in mind. While you can make plans to depart at any time, you need to make certain that you have the appropriate documentation to return to the U.S.

Inside the U.S.

NOTE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the right to check all documents of any person within 100 miles of the U.S. border. You should carry originals of your documents if you are within these zones.

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) will soon require all air travelers to have a government issued REAL ID to fly within the U.S. If you do not have a REAL ID once required, you will need to use your passport.

Outside the U.S. while on OPT

If you plan to leave the U.S. to visit another country, all F-1 students on OPT and their dependents must have certain documentation to return to the US. If the F-2 dependent is traveling without the F-1 student, the dependent should also carry copies of the F-1 student's documents mentioned below.

F-1 Students on OPT should keep the information below in mind while planning their travels. Any student who wishes to enter the U.S. must have the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Valid Visa (unless you are Canadian) (for other exceptions read Automatic Visa Revalidation)
• I-20 with a valid travel signature on page 2 (signed within the last 6 months)
• Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if on approved OPT (this is technically not a travel document)
• Job offer letter or job confirmation letter

There are numerous scenarios for students pending OPT and on approved OPT with regards to travel. Please read below to determine which scenario fits you best.

Remember: You may leave the U.S. without an updated travel signature. Failure to acquire a travel signature prior to departing the U.S. is NOT an emergency. Do NOT call UMPD. Request a reprint of your document and we can email it to you wherever you are.

• Travel while OPT is pending but before your program end date: 
  Yes, however as with all international travel there is risk. You must ensure your documents (valid passport, valid visa, I-20 with travel signature signed in the last 12 months) are in order and you return to the U.S. before the final program end date listed on your OPT I-20. Prior to your program end date on your I-20, you are still considered a student. After the program end date, you are either on pending OPT or approved OPT when traveling.

• Travel while your OPT is pending and after your program end date:
  Yes, however as with all international travel there is risk. If you travel, be sure all your documents are in order (valid passport, valid visa, I-20 with travel signature signed in the last 6 months). Some ports of entry may request your I-797 notice indicating your OPT is pending, and confirmation of employment but these documents are not technically required for travel.

• Travel once your OPT has been approved and you have a job:
  Yes, however as with all international travel there is risk. International travel for personal and professional reasons while employed on OPT should be routine as long as you have the documents noted above. Working remotely outside the U.S. is permitted as long as your employer has approved it.
   
• Travel while on OPT (pending or approved) and needing to renew your visa:

Yes, however as with all international travel there is risk. Renewing your visa can be quick or can take months if you need administrative processing. If you need to leave the U.S. while on OPT and renew your visa to return, please advise your employer about the potentiality that you might be outside the U.S. for longer than anticipated so alternative work arrangements can be made. As long as you are still employed, you may work outside the U.S. remotely and not accrue unemployment. Please see below for information about renewing your visa.

• Cap-gap and applying for an H-1B: You should confirm with your immigration attorney that you can leave the U.S. while your H-1B (or other immigration status) is pending. Leaving the U.S. is often considered an abandonment of your application so you will need to make alternative arrangements.

Requesting a New Travel Signature

While on OPT, travel signatures are valid for 6 months and must be renewed if it will expire before re-entry to the U.S. Check the travel signature date on page 2 of your most recently issued I-20. You may leave the U.S. without an updated travel signature.

You may request a reprint of your I-20 through the I-20 Reprint E-Form for an emailed I-20 that you will need to print. The approval emails occasionally go into your Spam/Junk folder. Please check this folder if 10-12 business days have passed and you have not received the approval email yet.

Renewing Your Visa Stamp

If your F-1 visa in your passport has expired or will expire prior to your next re-entry to the U.S., you will need to renew your visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad before you can re-enter the U.S.  There is no option to renew a U.S. visa while inside the U.S. Visit this website for updated visa renewal information and procedures at your nearest U.S. consulate in your home country.

Note: If you are currently in the U.S. and your U.S. visa has expired, or will expire, please remember that you do not need to renew your U.S. visa if you do not have actual travel plans.  Your U.S. immigration status remains valid as long as you are maintaining proper F-1 status at UMass. While on OPT, this means you have remained employed, reported personal information changes in SPIRE, and not accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment.  A U.S. visa is only necessary for travel and re-entry to the U.S. but is not necessary if you do not have immediate travel plans.

Passports: Anyone planning to depart from the U.S. and return after a temporary absence must have a valid passport in order to exit the U.S. The passport must also be valid for a minimum of six months into the future at the time of re-entry to the U.S. Some countries have an agreement with the U.S. that automatically extends passport validity for 6 months, for U.S. entry purposes only.

Automatic Visa Revalidation

For a visit of less than 30 days to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean (except Cuba), you are allowed to re-enter the U.S. with an expired visa. This process is known as Automatic Visa Revalidation.

You will need your:

• Valid Passport
• Most recent Visa Stamp
• Current I-20 with a valid travel signature

Please note if you apply for an F-1 visa in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and are denied, you will not be able to return to the U.S. using Automatic Revalidation.

Nationals of Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria are not eligible for automatic revalidation of an expired visa.

Non-U.S. Visas/Immigration

Note: This is for informational purposes only. The IPO cannot advise on non-U.S. visas, immigration statuses, or paperwork.

Schengen Visas

A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that permits travel within specific EU nation states for up to 90 days. More information can be found at the EU’s Schengen Visa.

Canadian Visas

If you plan to visit Canada, a visa may or may not be required depending on your citizenship. Review your Canadian visa requirements here.

Students have several options for Life After OPT. Please review these below:

• Apply for STEM OPT if eligible. 90 days prior to OPT expiration (you cannot apply for STEM OPT after your OPT expires).
• Leave the U.S. within 60 days of OPT expiration. Note: the 60-day grace period also applies to F-2 dependents.
• Transfer to a new institution or start a new degree program at UMass within 60 days of OPT expiration. Students starting a new degree at UMass will be sent an email with instructions a few weeks after you have accepted the offer to attend.
• Change your Immigration Status within 60 days of OPT expiration. Please use the Change of Status E-Form under the OPT Reporting Requirements to report any changes.

Basic Info about an H-1B and Changing your Status:

The H-1B is a specialty occupation work visa sponsored by an U.S. company or other institution on behalf of an international person. You will work with your employer or immigration attorney on this process.

H-1Bs can be filed requesting either Change of Status or Consular Processing. This is at the discretion of the employer filing the H-1B and both have specific implications for your F-1 status.

Questions about traveling after being selected in the H-1B lottery of if you have a pending H-1B should be addressed with your immigration attorney. This website might be helpful in your planning.

What is Cap Gap? Am I eligible? How do I get an updated I-20?

If you were selected in the H-1B Lottery, your OPT authorization may be automatically extended to September 30. Cap Gap is the period between your OPT expiration date listed on your EAD and the start of your H-1B on October 1. This extension permits some students to work after the EAD expiration and until your H-1B starts. 

Not all students are eligible for or need cap gap if their H1B is scheduled to begin on October 1. Please review the Study in the States website for more information.

Should you believe you are eligible and want an updated I-20, please submit the I-20 Reprint E-Form so we can verify this and provide an updated I-20. You must provide an I-797 receipt showing a pending H-1B. We cannot provide a cap gap I-20 with just a lottery registration receipt.

To ensure your change of status to H-1B is applied correctly to your F-1 record on October 1, please submit our Change of Status E-Form under OPT Reporting Requirements in late September/early October so the IPO can confirm everything is correct.

Change of Status – The H-1B approval notice will contain an I-94 card, which will forcibly change your status from F-1 to H-1B on October 1. Depending on your situation, possible benefits include Cap Gap and you may not need to file for your STEM OPT extension. If you believe you are eligible for the Cap Gap, request an I-20 reprint above so the IPO can review it.

Students with a change of status effective October 1, should submit the Change of Status E-form under OPT Reporting Requirements to the IPO around October 1 so we can verify your F-1 ended correctly.

Consular Processing – The H-1B approval notice will contain a consular notification that you can use to leave the U.S. and apply for an H-1B visa stamp in your passport when you are ready to take on H-1B status. H-1B cases filed under Consular Processing cannot benefit from Cap Gap.

Students with Consular Processing, should submit the Change of Status E-form under OPT Reporting Requirements AFTER you have left the U.S., received your H-1B visa stamp, and returned to the U.S. as an H-1B.

** If you are no longer a student at UMass after changing your immigration status, your NENS access to UMass systems (access to UMass email, UMass VIP, etc.) will be deactivated 30 days after your new change of status begins. Please plan accordingly.