The International Center has received reports from students that USCIS has begun implementing a new photo policy. You can view the official USCIS Policy Alert and the previous International Center Announcement.
What does the new policy mean for F-1 students applying for OPT?
Until USCIS provides new guidance or updates the OPT I-765 application, students are still required to upload their own photos when filing the application. However, USCIS will pause processing shortly after the OPT I-765 application submission until an official photo is taken.
In most cases, USCIS will issue an “ASC Appointment Notice” to the students' MyUSCIS account. Sometimes the appointment notice is accompanied by a Request for Evidence (RFE). Appointment notices and RFEs may also be mailed directly to the student using the mailing address provided in the OPT I-765 application.
Appointments are scheduled in person at the student’s closest USCIS Application Support Center, and students must be in the U.S. to attend the appointment. Be sure to give yourself plenty of travel time, and also prepare for transportation costs/logistics, as the closest USCIS Application Support Center may be some distance away (such as a Metro Detroit location for a student living in Ann Arbor).
In anticipation of receiving an appointment notice, we recommend that students monitor their MyUSCIS account and their mailbox daily.
When attending the appointment, bring your passport and your physical ASC Appointment Notice with you (remember to fill in the applicant information on page 3). During the appointment, the USCIS employee should stamp your notice with proof of appointment completion.
After your appointment:
- If you receive an RFE, remember to follow the RFE instructions for responding with proof of appointment completion.
- If you do not receive an RFE and do not have other instructions, no further action is needed after your appointment.
Student’s experiences with this process have varied. We encourage you to reach out to the International Center to share your experience and/or to ask questions.