Resolving Common OPT Issues Post Application

Contact your ISSO advisor immediately to explore options. Usually, you’ll need to register for the next semester and request a program extension in SEVIS before your current I-20 expires. You may also withdraw your pending OPT application to reapply later or delay your employment start date until after your new completion date. Promptly consulting your ISSO advisor is essential.

You may withdraw your OPT application only before USCIS approval. Timely withdrawal may preserve your OPT eligibility at the same academic level, but filing fees are non-refundable.

To withdraw your I-765 OPT application, submit:

1. A signed, dated letter requesting withdrawal
2. A copy of your OPT receipt notice (Form I-797)

Submit by:

• Uploading the same documents to your USCIS Portal under “Unsolicited Evidence”
• Also provide copies to your ISSO advisor who are able to send a courtesy e-mail with your withdrawal request to USCIS.

Keep for your records:

• Original receipt notice and withdrawal letter copy
• Official withdrawal notice from USCIS (once processed)

These documents should be retained as part of your immigration history for any future applications. Once your request to withdraw has been processed, you will receive an official withdrawal notice from USCIS in your portal.

• Use the USCIS online Change of Address tool to notify them of your new address.
• Be aware that if you update your address very close to your application approval, your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) may still be sent to the old address. Be sure you also complete and submit a change of address request with the post office so your mail will be forwarded.

1. Check if a tracking number is posted in your USCIS online case status.
2. If no tracking number, open an inquiry using the USCIS Non-Delivery of Notice online tool with your receipt number.
3. If tracking shows the EAD was delivered but you haven’t received it, check with neighbors, roommates, or landlord.
4. Contact USPS to report the missing mail and follow their instructions.
5. If the card cannot be located, contact your ISSO Advisor who can assist you in requesting a replacement EAD. Unfortunately, a new I-765 fee will be required for a replacement.

Important:

You cannot start or continue employment without your EAD card or a receipt notice for your replacement I-765 application. Contact your ISSO Advisor promptly for assistance.

USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) when your application needs clarification or extra documentation. ISSO can help interpret the RFE, identify documents BU or campus partners can provide, and advise what you may need to obtain (sometimes with an immigration attorney).

For a complex RFE and for any NOID, ISSO encourages applicants to seek counsel from an experienced immigration attorney. Here is a list of immigration attorneys in the Boston area. 

Key points

• An RFE is not a denial, but missing the deadline causes denial. Respond fully, accurately, and on time.
• Common reasons: missing documents; questions about employment history or employer relationships; maintenance-of-status concerns; required biometrics.
• An RFE includes: the evidence requested, response instructions, and a deadline.

How to respond

• Read the RFE and address each item.
• Consult your ISSO advisor for clarification.
• Include the RFE notice on top of your response.
• Submit before the deadline.

NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)

A NOID signals USCIS believes the application may warrant denial and gives a shorter response window. Consult an immigration attorney promptly. Here is a list of immigration attorneys in the Boston area.

As of December 12, 2025, all OPT applications require a USCIS ASC biometrics appointment while the application is pending. Expect appointment details in your USCIS portal or by mail.

Confirming and managing your appointment

• You may get an RFE and then an appointment notice, or only an appointment notice. Follow the instructions exactly.
• You can view RFE and appointment notices in your USCIS online account before mail arrives.
• Appointments can be rescheduled through USCIS per their instructions.

What happens at the ASC appointment

• Routine collection: digital fingerprints, photo, and signature.
• No interview or questioning.
• Appointment lasts about 15–30 minutes.
• Bring the ID documents listed in your appointment notice and follow any instructions.

After the appointment

• Biometrics are checked through FBI systems; a background check is completed.
• Some RFEs require you to upload proof of your appointment; others do not—follow the RFE instructions.
• If you must respond to an RFE after biometrics, upload a single PDF to your MyUSCIS account containing: the coversheet, the full RFE (all pages), and the ASC receipt.
• Many OPT cases are approved within weeks after biometrics, but timelines vary.

If you have questions or receive conflicting notices, consult your ISSO advisor.

If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by submitting a NEW I-765 application form, and selecting “Replacement…” box in the first question. A new filing fee is required with the application.

Prepare your documentation to submit to USCIS:

• New passport style photograph (do not use the same photo used for your original OPT application)
• Pdf of most recent I-94 arrival record
• Copy of your printed and hand-signed current I-20 with OPT recommendation
• Copy of your passport data page
• Copy of Form I-797 approval notice (or receipt notice in case of non-delivery) and/or copy of your lost EAD
  USCIS filing fee payment

USCIS may take 3–5 months to issue a replacement EAD. After applying, you’ll receive a new Form I-797 receipt notice immediately if you apply online, or within 2–3 weeks if you file by mail. You may be eligible to work temporarily for up to 90 days using this receipt notice to prove I-9 employment eligibility. (See USCIS for details.)

If your EAD has errors caused by USCIS—such as misspelled name, incorrect country of birth, or wrong work authorization dates—contact your ISSO Advisor for assistance. To review the error, you’ll typically need to provide:

• The original EAD with the error
• A letter explaining the error and the correction needed
• Supporting documents confirming the correct information (e.g., passport for name, I-20 for dates)

Errors due to USCIS can usually be corrected without submitting a new application or paying a fee. However, errors caused by the applicant (e.g., name order reversed, wrong option on I-765) generally require filing a new I-765 and paying the filing fee.