F-1 OPT Application Checklist

1. You must schedule a 15-minute appointment with ISSS staff for the OPT application and instruction at ISSS@gallaudet.edu.  During the appointment, you will get information about the application procedures and fill out the required forms with your signature.

1. You must schedule a 1 ½ hour appointment with ISSS staff to review your completed OPT application package and bring your immigration documents to isss@gallaudet.edu. You will get a new I-20 Form for the OPT request during the appointment.  

1. Contact your Academic Advisor for Section 4 on the form
2. Completed Academic Advisor’s Recommendation Form

1. Draft and Completed Form I-765. Use Blue ink and sign your name with the Blue ink pen. 
2. For Question 5:  Address for delivery of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card:  You may use a residential address.  The residential address may be your own address or a friend or family member who can send the EAD Card to you when it arrives.
3. Answering Question 27:  The answer for question 16 depends on the type of OPT authorization you are applying for:
   • Pre-Completion OPT (before you graduate) – (c) (3) (A)
   • Post-Completion OPT (after you graduate) – (c) (3) (B)
   • Stem OPT Extension (STEM Program graduates, OPT after initial 12-month OPT) – (c) (3) (C)
4. Answering Question 28: Only answer the question in Item Numbers 28. a - 28. c if you are applying for the 24-month STEM extension and meet the eligibility requirements.

1. $410.00 check or money order made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
2. Fill out a check or money order and write your signature
3. Two Photos with the background * 
   • *Be sure to read the important instruction on the photo requirement on the back side of this page.
4. 2 Copies of the letter of Certification (Major & Graduation Date) from the Registrar’s Office (Student Academic Certification Request Form)

1. Your current Form I-20 including all previous Forms I-20 you have ever had
2. Your I-94 Form
3. Your passport

1. Copies of most recent I-94 card (both sides) or electronic I-94 record
2. Copies of the identity pages of your passport which include your picture
3. Copies of any previous EAD card (both sides) if applicable
4. Copies of your current I-20 Form, pages 1 and 3, and all other previous I-20s issued to you from Gallaudet University
5. Copies of all I-20s issued to you by the other United States school you attended.
6. Original of your Form I-20 after International Student and Scholar Services endorse it.
7. Cover letter from PDSO to USCIS​

1. Review all your documents and check for your signature on I-765, the new I-20 Form, and check.