Filing OPT? Don’t guess.

$470

$470 includes the $370 form fee + $100 ASC biometric fee for OPT applicants. Online filing same fee, paper filing same fee. Check USCIS for latest, fees occasionally adjust.

• Form I-765 (signed, original)

  Use ink pen. Match name on I-20 exactly. Do NOT staple, paperclip only.

• Form G-1145 (optional but recommended)

  Free. Get email/SMS notification when USCIS receives your filing. Top of the stack.

• Copy of I-20 with OPT recommendation

  DSO signs the page 2 'Employment' section. Must be dated within the last 30 days.

• Most recent Form I-94 (electronic copy)

  Download from i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Print color copy.

• Passport biographic page

  Color photocopy. Must be valid for 6+ months past expected EAD start.

• F-1 visa stamp (if any)

  Color photocopy from passport. Skip if entered visa-free (rare).

• Prior EAD cards (front + back)

  If you've had OPT/CPT EADs before. Color photocopies.

• Two passport-style photos

  2×2 inches. White background. Taken within 30 days. Lightly pencil your name + I-94 number on the back. (Walgreens / CVS will print to spec for ~$15.)

• Filing fee, $470

  Check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security' (NOT 'USCIS' or 'DHS'). Or use Form G-1450 for credit card.

• Cover letter (optional but recommended)

  Brief one-pager listing what's enclosed. Speeds up adjudication. We have a template.

• Size: 2 × 2 inches (5 × 5 cm)
• Background: Plain white or off-white
• Age: Taken within the last 30 days
• Quality: Color, sharp, unaltered. Inkjet acceptable if dye is properly cured.
• Back: Lightly pencil your name + I-94 admission number on the back

Walgreens / CVS print to spec for ~$15. Or use the State Department's online photo tool.

USCIS publishes 'historical' processing times for I-765 (c)(3) categories. Currently 1-3 months for paper filings, 30-90 days for online. Check below for live numbers, your case follows whatever's posted on filing day.