USCIS today announced flexibilities for F-1 students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities apply only to applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive.

14-month OPT Period Flexibilities

F-1 students may participate in up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, which must be completed within 14 months from the end of their program. Due to the delays at the lockbox, some applicants may only be eligible for a shortened period of OPT within that 14-month period. To allow F-1 students to complete the full period of requested OPT (up to 12 months), USCIS will allow the 14-month period to commence from the date of approval of the Form I-765 for applications for post-completion OPT.

What does this mean? USCIS will approve applications for post-completion OPT with validity dates reflecting the same amount of time originally recommended by the OISS on your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.

If you received a post-completion OPT approval that is valid for less than the full amount of OPT time requested (not to exceed 12 months) due to the requirement that the OPT be completed within 14 months of the program end date, you may request a correction of the EAD due to USCIS error. USCIS will issue a corrected EAD with a new end date, as requested, to cover the full amount of OPT time recommended in the original application. You do not need to complete a new I-765 and there is no fee. To request a correction based on USCIS error, you would need to submit the following:

• The original card containing the error,
• A detailed explanation of the card error, and
• Supporting documentation on the correct information. 

Applications for corrections must be submitted to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved your latest Form I-765.

You can read the full USCIS announcement here. Should you have any questions related to this announcement, do not hesitate to call, email us, or make an appointment with an advisor.

Warm Regards,
Yocasta Brens-Watson
Director, OISS