USCIS Form I-765

The most up-to-date information on the I-765 application process can be found on the USCIS website. UNA OIA is happy to provide this assistance from our experience, but the student bears the ultimate responsibility to submit a complete and accurate application.

USCIS allows F-1 students to submit online or by paper application. International Affairs STRONGLY recommends students use the online application.

If you are filing around your graduation, you should choose Post-completion Optional Practical Training: (c)(3)(B).

Students filing for the STEM Extension after completing their first year should choose STEM Extension (c)(3)(C).

You must receive a new I-20 showing the OPT recommendation on page 2 from a DSO in International Affairs before you submit the application. It must be uploaded with your application. If you file without the OPT recomemndation, your applicaiton will be denied, and you will lose your $410 fee.

Online Application for Initial OPT

https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ (make a free account)

USCIS homepage for Form I-765

Screenshots of the online application to guide you through the online application

OIA's Checklist for Initial OPT online application

 

Online Application for STEM OPT

https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ (make a free account)

USCIS homepage for Form I-765

OIA's Checklist for STEM OPT online application

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview

 

OPT Homepage

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Application Documents and Next Steps'

STEM OPT Homepage