Mailing Instructions

It is the responsibility of the student to assemble a completed​ OPT application and to mail the application to USCIS in a timely manner.

Click here for a visual OPT application assembly guide »

1. Assemble your OPT application with the following items: 

    • Original Form G-1145 (if you wish to receive an e-mail and/or text message confirming that your application has been accepted at a USCIS Lockbox facility)
    • Personal check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for $380
    • Two properly formatted USCIS photographs » (write your name and SEVIS# lightly on the back of each photo)
    • Original Form I-765, typed and signed in blue ink
    • Copy of new Babson College Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
    • Copy of all previously issued Form I-20s (from newest to oldest, including any from another school)
    • Copy of I-94 (arrival/departure record)
    • Copy of F-1 visa (unless you are Canadian or have a Change of Status Approval Notice)
    • Copy of passport identification and expiration page(s)
    • Copy of any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

      Note: We strongly advise you to make a copy of your entire application before mailing.

2. Mail your OPT application to USCIS 

    • Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date OPT is recommended. Depending on how you choose to mail your application, send your application packet to one of the following addresses:

      By U.S. Postal Service (USPS) with delivery confirmation:
      USCIS
      PO Box 660867
      Dallas, TX 75266

      By Express Mail or Courier Service (Fed Ex, UPS, etc.):
      USCIS
      Attn: AOS
      2501 S. State Hwy. 121
      Business Suite 400
      Lewisville, TX 75067

3. After mailing your application, you will receive:

    • E-mail and/or text message (if you submitted Form G-1145):
      Within 24 hours of its arrival, you should receive confirmation that your application was accepted at a USCIS Lockbox facility.
    • Notice of Action:
      Within 2-4 weeks, you should receive a Notice of Action, indicating that your application has been received by USCIS and is being processed. Provide OIP with a copy if you receive this notice directly. Use the EAC Number on this notice to check the status of your application online.
    • Request for Evidence (if applicable):
      You may receive a notice indicating that additional documentation is required for your application. Contact an ISA for assistance should this occur. It may take 2-3 more months from the date USCIS receives the requested materials to approve your application.
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD):
      If there are no problems with your application, you should receive your EAD approximately 2-3 months from the date your application is received. A separate Approval Notice will also arrive a couple days ahead of the EAD. Inspect your EAD for accuracy and contact USCIS Customer Service at 800-375-5283 if there are errors. Make two photocopies of your EAD; send one to OIP and keep the other copy in a safe place.
    • If you lose your EAD you must apply for a replacement by submitting a new Form I-765, another application fee, two photographs, and a copy of your previous application to USCIS.