This page outlines common issues students encounter after submitting their OPT applications and how to resolve them.<\/p>\n
Contact your ISSO advisor<\/a> immediately to explore options. Usually, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n To withdraw your I-765 OPT application, submit<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Submit by:<\/strong><\/p>\n Keep for your records:<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Important:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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).<\/p>\n For a complex RFE and for any<\/em> NOID, ISSO encourages applicants to seek counsel from an experienced immigration attorney. Here is a <\/strong>list of immigration attorneys<\/strong><\/a> in the Boston area.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Key points<\/p>\n How to respond<\/p>\n NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny)<\/p>\n A NOID signals USCIS believes the application may warrant denial and gives a shorter response window. Consult an immigration attorney promptly<\/strong>. Here is a list of immigration attorneys<\/strong><\/a> in the Boston area.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n Confirming and managing your appointment<\/p>\n What happens at the ASC appointment<\/p>\n After the appointment<\/p>\n If you have questions or receive conflicting notices, consult your ISSO advisor.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by submitting a NEW I-765 application form<\/a>, and selecting \u201cReplacement\u2026\u201d box in the first question. A new filing fee is required with the application.<\/p>\n Prepare your documentation to submit to USCIS:<\/p>\n USCIS may take 3\u20135 months to issue a replacement EAD. After applying, you\u2019ll receive a new Form I-797 receipt notice immediately if you apply online, or within 2\u20133 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<\/a> for details.)<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI changed my mind and don\u2019t want to apply for OPT, but my application has been received by USCIS.<\/h3>
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Change your mailing address with USCIS while your OPT application is pending.<\/h3>
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Online case status says that my OPT was approved, but my EAD hasn\u2019t arrived. What do I do?<\/h3>
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I received a \u201cRequest for Evidence\u201d (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) from USCIS. What do I do?<\/h3>
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What to expect at an Application Support Center (ASC) biometrics appointment (requested by an RFE)?<\/h3>
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How do I replace an EAD that was lost or stolen?<\/h3>
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\nUSCIS filing fee payment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMy EAD card has errors. How can I get those corrected?<\/h3>