Option 1) Online Submission for OPT Extension:

On April 12, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that F-1 students pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the 24-month STEM OPT extension now have the opportunity to submit their applications electronically. Please refer to this link for the complete announcement.

Submitting your application online is a simpler and more convenient process compared to traditional mail filing, as it requires fewer documents. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary documents are included before submitting your application online to USCIS.

Please be aware that you must obtain a recommended I-20 for the STEM OPT Extension from CISP before proceeding with online filing through USCIS. Do not initiate your online filing until you have received your recommended I-20 for the STEM Extension OPT.

The following suggestions are not intended as legal advice but rather general guidance on how to proceed with completing the online I-765 application:

The online filing option for OPT Extension enables F-1 students to apply for the STEM OPT Extension EAD, upload supporting application documents, pay the $410 filing fee, monitor the status of their application, communicate with USCIS via a secure inbox, and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE).

First: Create your online USCIS account: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/

Second: From the student’s myUSCIS account, navigate to the “File A Form” section and choose “Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)”. For the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, select option (C)(3)(C). Please note that it is the student’s duty to thoroughly and accurately fill out the Form I-765 application as per USCIS guidelines. Students can refer to the following guide for further support.

Third: Students must have copies of the following documents ready to upload when filing the Form I-765 through myUSCIS:

• Recent passport-style 2×2 color photograph (JPG, JPEG, or PNG) must adhere to the U.S. Department of State passport photograph standards.
• A copy of the OPT EAD card and a copy of the passport page containing the photo, passport number, and expiration date (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, TIFF) are required. The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the application date.
• The most recent electronic Form I-94 (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, TIFF) is necessary.
• Verification of Degree/Graduation (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, TIFF) can be fulfilled by providing a copy of the official transcript or a copy of the diploma indicating the earned degree and program of study.
• A signed STEM OPT Extension Recommended I-20 (all pages) (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, TIFF) is essential. The student should print the I-20 and sign the Student Attestation section in ink. It’s crucial to verify the expiration date of the OPT EAD and the Date Issued on Page 1 of the STEM OPT Extension I-20. If USCIS receives the application after the OPT EAD expiration or more than 60 days after the Date Issued on Page 1 of the STEM OPT Extension I-20, the STEM OPT Extension may be denied.
• Institution Accreditation (JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, TIFF) applies to most students seeking STEM OPT Extension based on their most recent degree from CSU. This upload requirement does not pertain to CSU graduates. If applying for STEM OPT Extension based on a previous degree, students must provide supplementary documents.

1. Explanation Letter from Student: This correspondence should detail that the student is applying based on a previously acquired degree. It should include the date, student’s name, SEVIS ID, I-94 admission number, STEM-eligible degree name with CIP code, a list of the accompanying documents for review, and the student’s handwritten signature.
2. School Accreditation Approval Letter from Previous Institution (or alternative proof of current accreditation): Verify your school’s accreditation status on the Higher Learning Commission website. Print the confirmation letter or contact your former academic institution to determine how to obtain accreditation evidence.
3. Evidence of STEM-Eligible Prior Degree: Photocopy of I-20 for Previous Degree with STEM OPT Eligible CIP Code. This could be an I-20 from a prior school other than CSU.
4. SEVP Certification Documentation from Your Institution or Visit Here (must be currently certified): https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search.

Final Step: Before filing Form I-765, the student will be instructed to make the $470 filing fee payment online. Payment options include electronic bank transfer or using a credit or debit card.

Relate Post: Questions for STEM OPT Extension

Option 2) Mailing your OPT Extension to USCIS:

When you receive new STEM OPT Extension recommended I-20 from DSO advisor:

• Sign the new I-20 at the bottom of page 1.
• Photocopy after signing; you will send the photocopy, not the original I-20
• Please email your DSO for all questions regarding STEM OPT.

Gather the following documents

• Copy of Form I-20 with your signature and STEM Extension endorsement by your DSO must be received by USCIS within 60 days of issuance.
• Ensure to include your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify and the E-Verify Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number on Form I-765.
• Job offer letters and pay stubs should be provided as proof of employment; Form I-20 alone is not sufficient.
• Include a copy of your transcript, Form I-94 (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov), and your current EAD card (front and back).
• Attach 2 passport-style photos with your name and I-94 number lightly written on the back of each, following USCIS photo instructions.
• Submit a $520 filing fee for Form I-765 paid by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Optionally, complete Form G-1145 to sign up for email/text message notifications of your application’s arrival at USCIS.
• Note that the I-983 Training Plan is not required to be submitted to USCIS unless requested during STEM OPT extension processing. However, it should be retained for personal records, and your DSO will also keep a copy.

Mail your application to USCIS

FOR THE APPLICATIONS BELOW:

MAIL YOUR APPLICATION TO:

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)NOTE: Do not write (c)(3)(i) as your category on your application. Use one of the following categories instead:(c)(3)(A), Pre-completion OPT(c)(3)(B), Post-completion OPT(c)(3)(C), 24-month extension for an F-1 student who has received a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that appears on the STEM designated Degree Program List published on the SEVP website

USCIS Chicago LockboxU.S. Postal Service (USPS):USCIS PO Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:USCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517