Please follow each of the steps below to ensure that you apply for OPT correctly. If you have any questions throughout the process, please email your appointed OISS advisor or oiss.advisor@unh.edu
Application Documents (in order from top to bottom):
We recommend single-sided photocopies and do not staple your documents together.
Meet with your OISS advisor to review the application and the remaining timeline of the application process.
Submit a complete application to the USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your graduation date.
(Effective January 21, 2021)
For Priority Mail (USPS) deliveries:
USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680
For FedEx, UPS, & DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn. I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
NOTE: OPT Filing Online – At this time, OISS does not recommend the use of the USCIS online filing system for OPT applications. Students that chose to file online do so at their own risk and must understand that OISS is unable to provide assistance with online filings.
Students are advised to submit paper copies of the I-765 and supporting documents to USCIS for processing. This long-standing application method has proven to be reliable and successful.
With the online filing system being new, there is an increased risk for complications and difficulties. Therefore, until reliability data is available and supports the use of online filing, paper filing is the advised application method.
If you do wish to file online, you can do so only after you complete Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.
NOTE: Once authorization to engage in OPT has been granted and an EAD has been issued, authorization may not be rescinded or canceled. Consult with OISS before taking any action that may jeopardize your OPT.