Temporary USCIS Flexibility For Post-Completion OPT Filing Dates

On August 2, 2021, USCIS announced extended flexibilities to certain applicants filing Form I-765 for Post-Completion OPT. Included in those flexibilities is the following, “For applications received through October 31, 2021, applicants can file Form I-765 up to 120 days before the program end date.”  This flexibility allows students who are completing their degree requirements and/or who will not be enrolled after 12/15/2021 to apply for post-completion OPT 120 days before their last day of enrollment in their final semester. If your last date of enrollment in your final semester is December 15, 2021, you can apply for post-completion OPT as early as August 17, 2021. Please understand that this is a temporary flexibility provided by USCIS and that this flexibility is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2021. Please note: This flexibility is only for post-completion OPT applications.