Cancel/Withdraw OPT

It is your responsibility to submit your application to USCIS, either online or by paper mail. Failing to submit your application does not automatically cancel your OPT recommendation in SEVIS.

Reasons to cancel or withdraw OPT

Have missed the acceptable USCIS application time frame: no more than 90 days prior to program end date and no later than 60 days after program end date.
Unable to graduate on time
Do not want to do OPT
Change your post-graduation plans

CANCEL: Before sending your application to USCIS

Send an email to ISGSS@lewisu.edu to request that your OPT application be cancelled.
Inform our office if you have or have not submitted an OPT application to USCIS.

WITHDRAW: After you send your application to USCIS

Step 1: You must create your own letter to USCIS to request the withdrawal of your OPT application. Include your full name, SEVIS ID number, and USCIS receipt number. You must sign and date the letter. Make a copy of your USCIS I-797C receipt notice.

OPT Cancellation / Withdrawal Letter

Step 2: Email ISGSS@lewisu.edu your letter and I797C copy for review.

Step 3: After your documents are reviewed by ISGSS, you should mail the letter and USCIS I-797C receipt notice copy to the USCIS address on your USCIS I-797C receipt notice. Include your USCIS case status number on the outside of the envelope.

The important things to be mentioned in the letter needed for applying for withdrawal:
- Your name, date of birth, SEVIS ID number
- Application receipt number (A duplicate of the receipt is likewise useful).
- A letter expressing explicitly mentioning your request to withdraw the I-765 application for post-completion OPT. You should put your reasons down for further clarification. In the letter you would need to explain that you misfiled without first getting an OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) and request that the application be withdrawn.
- Express “I-765 Withdrawal” at the top and sign the letter.
- Send these archives to the Service Center recorded on your I-797 Receipt Notice.
Remember, once the withdrawal request goes through, there is no turning back. You can still reapply for a new EAD, under the premise that you are still eligible.
Once you receive the official withdrawal notice, you can refile - this time correctly with the OPT I20.

Note: If your EAD card is approved before USCIS processes the withdrawal request, you have lost your opportunity to re-apply for OPT at a later time at the same degree level.