Avoiding OPT Application Mistakes

Pay close attention to the details of your application. Your application may be rejected or denied by USCIS if your documentation is incomplete or in error.

Common mistakes include, but are not limited to, errors such as:

• Applying for OPT prior to obtaining an OPT I-20 from the International Center
• Applying for OPT more than 30 days after the International Center issues your OPT I-20
• Using passport photos that are older than 30 days and/or are incorrectly sized
• Forgetting to hand sign the OPT I-20 before making a photocopy of it
• Failing to include the full set of required supporting documents

Please visit our website Links to an external site. for an up-to-date list of application materials.

If you realize after filing your OPT application with USCIS that you have made an error in your application packet, please immediately consult Links to an external site. an advisor with the International Center.