To Request an OPT I-20 from the International Center

  1. Meet with your academic advisor or graduate program coordinator to request an OPT recommendation letter (sample provided on our website Links to an external site.).

    The academic advisor letter must meet these criteria:

    • On U-M departmental letterhead
    • Indicate the major(s) and degree level at which the student will be applying for OPT
    • The final term in which the student is registered for required credits

    *Note for PhD students: Ph.D. candidates who wish to request a post-completion OPT start date earlier than the standard I-20 program end date should obtain an OPT recommendation letter which specifies the date of dissertation defense or program completion

  2. You must have completed this OPT Certification Course within 2 months of requesting the OPT I-20, and print the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Certificate.
  3. Prepare your OPT I-20 request packet to include ALL of the following:
    • Optional Practical Training (OPT) Certificate (available for download after you complete this certification course)
    • OPT recommendation letter from academic advisor or graduate program coordinator
    • Copies of all previously issued CPT and/or OPT I-20s (all pages except instruction page). If you have never had CPT or OPT, you may submit your most recent I-20
    • Copy of Most Recent I-94 Links to an external site. (online print-out or I-94 card)
    • Copy of any previous OPT EAD cards (front and back) and corresponding OPT I-20
      • Write the degree level for which the previous OPT was granted on the copy of the EAD card (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral)
    • Unofficial transcript from Wolverine Access
  4. If applying for Post-completion OPT, submit your OPT I-20 request via the M-Passport portal Links to an external site.. Pre-completion OPT I-20 requests can only be submitted after meeting with an advisor during virtual drop-ins. Links to an external site."
  5. The International Center will review and process your OPT I-20 request in approximately 2 weeks and will notify you when your new I-20 is available.
  6. Once your I-20 is ready, please review your program dates and OPT requested dates for accuracy. You will need to print your I-20 and hand sign your name (on page 1, under student attestation).
  7. Submit your complete OPT application to USCIS (discussed in the next module).