OPT Application Fee Increase Now on Hold

9/29/2020 Update: On September 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay on implementation of the 2020 final USCIS fee rule. New fees and form versions associated with that rule that were to be required on October 2, 2020 are now on hold. Read the court's order. Students who plan to mail or ship their OPT application on or shortly before or after October 2 should verify the current status of the lawsuits and their impact on which form version and fee to file, prior to mailing it. As long as the fee increase is on hold, you should use the 08/25/20 edition of Form I-765 and pay the current filing fee, not the new increased filing fee. Applying for Optional Practical Training (F-1 Students) has more information about how and when you can apply for OPT.

On October 1 2020, the USCIS website was updated to reflect the preliminary injunction and stay. The International Center will also post updates to this announcement once additional information is available.

New fees and form versions and other changes associated with the final fee rule that were to be effective on October 2, 2020 and described below are now on hold. The announcement below is now posted for reference purposes only while the injunction is in place.


Effective October 2, 2020, the filing fee for Form I-765 will increase to $550. OPT applications postmarked on or after October 2, 2020, will require the new fee. Please review Applying for Optional Practical Training (F-1 Students) for more information about how and when you can apply for OPT. You must also be sure to use the correct edition of Form I-765 when applying for OPT. Use the 08/25/20 edition for applications postmarked before October 2, 2020. A yet to be published 10/02/20 edition of Form I-765 will be required for all applications postmarked on or after October 2, 2020. The form edition date is the date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

The rule approving the fee increase also authorizes USCIS to use Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery as a method of delivery of secure documents, such as EADs. As part of the new delivery method, applicants must present identification to sign for their documents upon delivery. They also have the option to designate an agent to sign on their behalf by completing the Postal Service's PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order (PDF) or PS Form 3801-A, Agreement by a Hotel, Apartment House, or the Like (PDF). Applicants can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive delivery status notifications. Applicants will also have the option to arrange for pickup at a post office at a convenient date and time by going to the USPS website and selecting ‘hold for pickup.’

 

Last updated: Friday, 10/2/2020, at 9:16AM.