Duration of Status Update August 19, 2026

ISSS NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026

Important Regulation Changes for New OPT Applications


The Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule that is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. That rule will change the filing deadline for Post-completion OPT to 30 days after the program end date on your I-20. Students who are graduating in Summer 2026 or later MUST ensure USCIS receives their application within 30 days of their program end date. 

Summer 2026 Graduating Students

    • If you are graduating in Summer 2026, you need to file your complete OPT application with USCIS by September 14, 2026.
    • If you are graduating in Summer 2026, you should begin the OPT application process now. Review the ISSS OPT page for details about applying for Post-completion OPT. Attend the ISSS workshop on Friday, August 21 (see registration information below) for additional details about the OPT filing process and timeline.
    • We encourage students graduating in Summer 2026 to submit a complete OPT request to ISSS by Monday, August 24, 2026 to ensure ISSS processing before the filing deadline.
    • After you receive an I-20 showing an OPT recommendation based on your summer graduation, you will need to submit a complete Form I-765 application to USCIS. You must receive an OPT recommendation I-20 from ISSS before submitting your application to USCIS.
    • If you have already filed your OPT application with USCIS, no additional action is needed at this time. 

ISSS OPT Workshops for Summer and Fall 2026 Graduates

How to Prepare Your Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application

During this workshop, participants will learn how to:

  • Prepare and complete all documents needed to apply to USCIS for OPT authorization
  • Understand the two-step application process and filing deadlines
  • Learn how to pick an appropriate OPT start date

To better prepare for this workshop, review our OPT webpage prior to participation. Event dates, times, and location can be found below.


The information and timelines covered in these workshops will be specific to students who are graduating in the appropriate semester. If you are graduating in the Summer 2026 semester, be sure to attend the first session, which is only for summer graduates. If you are graduating in Fall 2026, sign up for one of the fall sessions. See the email sent by ISSS for links to sign up for upcoming workshops. 

If you have any questions about this workshop or registration, please email intlwork@binghamton.edu.