How to Apply

All F-1 students who plan to apply for either pre-completion or post-completion OPT must follow the following procedure. There are three steps in an OPT application:

1. Review the HIO's application instructions and watch the OPT instructional video to learn how to prepare to file your OPT application.
2. Submit an application to the HIO for an OPT recommendation I-20. To do so, you must complete and submit the HIO OPT Request Form for an OPT recommendation. You must complete the form, upload all required documents, and pay the maintenance fee via Touchnet. 
3. After receiving your OPT I-20 from the HIO, you will submit your final I-765 OPT application with USCIS via the USCIS online e-filing system. Please note, you must be in the U.S. in F-1 status to submit the application to USCIS.

​DO NOT FILE YOUR I-765 APPLICATION BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FINAL I-20 WITH THE OPT RECOMMENDATION FROM THE HIO.  Filing your case without the new OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your OPT application.

Step 1: Application Overview

The HIO will not be reviewing individual I-765 OPT application forms or supporting documentation. It is your responsibility to review our detailed step-by-step instructions, OPT application video, and guides to prepare your final OPT application. Failure to follow our detailed instructions could result in a rejection, delay, or denial of your OPT application by USCIS.

• You are expected to watch the HIO's OPT instructional video (or attend a live OPT session with your HIO Advisor), complete the required forms, put together the application, and submit the application to your HIO advisor through the online HIO OPT Request Form.
• The HIO will provide the OPT recommendation in the form of a new I-20. The HIO will be sending the I-20 to you via email.  You will need to print this new I-20, sign, and include as part of your final OPT application to the USCIS. Be sure to sign the I-20 document on the proper signature line on page 1. The HIO processing time is 5 - 7 business days.
• This email will also include detailed instructions on how to complete your application and instructions on how to submit the application to USCIS via the USCIS e-File system and what to expect after filing.
• In most cases, provided that you have obtained the required recommendation from your HIO advisor and submitted the required documents to USCIS, OPT is not denied by USCIS. However, problems occur when the application guidelines are not followed (e.g. incorrect mailing address, wrong photograph format, etc.).
• Students who apply for post-completion OPT and then fail to graduate on the date indicated in their applications risk violating their student visa status and possibly forfeiting their OPT. Students who do not graduate as planned must contact their HIO advisors immediately.

Step 2: HIO Application

Students must submit the electronic HIO OPT Request Form to request an I-20 with an OPT recommendation. The form will require that students upload the following documents:

1. The HIO Date Verification Form.
2. A copy of your I-94 record.
3. For post-completion OPT only, proof of payment for the HIO maintenance fee. Include the Touchnet Order # (a seven digit number) in the my.Harvard request form in the appropriate field.
4. PhD, DrPH, and DDes Students:  As part of the required documents, you will also need to upload a Doctoral Degree Confirmation Date form signed by your department or dissertation advisor confirming your defense and diploma award dates when you submit the HIO OPT electronic form request.

Please remember, you cannot submit your final OPT application to USCIS more than 90 days before your program end date (Form I-20 end date) or your application will be rejected.

Step 3: USCIS Application

The OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible.  Please use the OPT resources to complete your final application.  If you have questions or need clarifications, please contact your HIO advisor directly BEFORE filing your application with USCIS.

DO NOT FILE YOUR I-765 OPT APPLICATION BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR FINAL I-20 WITH THE OPT RECOMMENDATION FROM THE HIO.  Filing your case without the new OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your OPT application

Now that you have received your OPT I-20 and instructional email from the HIO, please review the following links in order to compile your final application to USCIS.

• Consult the USCIS OPT Application Checklist for a full list of documents to include in your final OPT application that you will submit to USCIS.
• To complete the online Form I-765 OPT Application, you must consult the HIO's e-file I-765 Guide
• This application requires documentation from previously-authorized CPT and OPT. If you no longer have the applicable I-20s or OPT EAD cards, you should include a letter explaining the missing documentation. Please use this template.