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Monday – Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (appointment required)
Contact Us
Phone: (615) 322-2753
Email: isss@vanderbilt.edu
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Application Materials
Compile the OPT application documents listed below to submit via the . We recommend filing your application with USCIS at least 3 months in advance of your requested OPT start date. ¹ú²ú´«Ã½ students must attend an OPT informational workshop prior to submitting an OPT application for processing. You can view the complete list of application materials on the .
Please follow the application instructions in the OPT application to submit your request for an OPT recommendation.
Once your OPT I-20 has been issued, you are responsible for filing your application with USCIS. Keep in mind that processing times vary and can be difficult to predict.
USCIS Processing
I-797 Receipt Notice: Within approximately two weeks of receiving your application, USCIS will send out your I-797 Receipt Notice. Review your I-797 carefully. Check the spelling of your name and your date of birth. If you notice any errors, contact ISSS right away.
I-797 Approval Notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD): USCIS will review your application and return a decision in writing to the mailing address listed on your I-765. Processing times fluctuate and can take 90 days or longer. Once your I-765 application has been approved, USCIS will send out a paper I-797 Approval Notice and your Employment Authorization Card (EAD) separately. Remember that you do not have permission to begin employment (paid or unpaid) until: 1) your OPT application has been approved 2) you have received the EAD and 3) the start date printed on it has arrived.
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