Outline
How to File your I-765 Online for OPT Application
April 16, 2024
Who Is Required to Submit Form I-765?
USCIS has clarified that only the following students pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) can file your I-765 Online:
- Students seeking Pre-completion OPT – (C)(3)(A) eligibility category;
- Students pursuing Post-completion OPT – (C)(3)(B) eligibility category;
- Students applying for a 24-month extension based on their STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) degrees – (C)(3)(C) eligibility category.
Individuals applying under all other eligibility categories must submit a paper application to file their Form I-765.
Essential Documents for Filing Form I-765 Online
While USCIS has introduced an online application option for specific OPT applicants, the document requirements remain consistent – you need to have the following documents prepared for submission with your online application:
- Form I-94
- Any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card, if applicable
- Passport identification pages
- F-1 Visa page
- All previous I-20 forms containing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) information
- 2 digital US passport-style photographs
- OPT I-20 provided by your university’s Designated School Official (DSO)
it’s crucial to emphasize that you no longer need to acquire a money order. USCIS now directly accepts ACH and debit/credit card payments through the online application. Additionally, you bypass the hassle of physically visiting a USPS/UPS/FedEx location to send your paper OPT application to USCIS’ lockbox facility!
How to File your I-765 Online
Kindly access this website for instructions on initiating and setting up an online account with USCIS. The process of creating a USCIS online account is detailed step-by-step, accompanied by a video tutorial provided by USCIS for better comprehension.
Upon successful account creation, you can proceed to electronically submit your Form I-765 and apply for work authorization seamlessly, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork!
Should you encounter any difficulties while completing your application, the online form allows you the flexibility to pause and return at a later time to resume your OPT application from where you left off!
Once you have completed the online submission of your application and paid the $410 USCIS application fee, you will promptly receive an OPT Receipt Number. This number enables you to monitor the status of your case online. Additionally, you will receive an email containing your OPT Receipt Number and a payment confirmation for the $410 USCIS application fee. Below is a screenshot of the dashboard within your online account, accessible after submitting and paying for the OPT application.
TAGS：
