Filing Form I-765 online for your STEM OPT extension requires careful attention to detail. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth process. For official instructions, refer to the USCIS guidance.
Preparation Before Filing
Gather the necessary documents to streamline the process:
| Required Documents | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S.-style passport photo | Recent, taken within the last 6 months. |
| Form I-94 | Your latest arrival record. |
| Passport Identification Page | Include extension pages if applicable. |
| Current EAD Card | Scan both front and back. |
| STEM OPT I-20 | Must be issued within 60 days of filing. |
| Degree Documents | Include diploma and/or transcript for your STEM degree. |
| Accreditation Evidence (if applicable) | Required only if based on a previously earned STEM degree. |
Creating a USCIS Account
- Create an account: Sign up for a USCIS online account if you haven’t already.
- Start your application: Under the “File a Form Online” section, choose Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and click Start Form.
Completing the Application
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form I-765 for STEM OPT
Note: For fields not applicable on the electronic application, leave them blank. Follow the detailed instructions below to complete the form accurately.
Eligibility Information
- What is your eligibility category?
- Select c(3)(C) STEM Extension.
- What is your degree?
- List the degree level and major field of study for your STEM OPT qualifying degree, as shown on page 1 of your I-20.
Employer Information
- What is your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify?
- Obtain this information directly from your employer’s Human Resources department. For University employees, list ‘The University of United States Name’.
- What is your employer’s E-Verify company identification number or client company identification number?
- Obtain this from your employer. Note: This is not the company’s EIN.
- For University, the E-Verify number will be emailed to the supervisor listed on your online STEM OPT I-20 request form.
Reason for Applying
- Select ‘Initial permission to accept employment’.
- The renewal option applies only to extensions within the same employment category, whereas STEM OPT (c)(3)(C) is different from post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B).
Personal History
- Have you previously filed Form I-765?
- Select ‘Yes’, and upload evidence of previous filings, including scans of your post-completion OPT EAD card (front and back).
- Is someone assisting you with completing this application?
- Most students should select ‘No’, unless you are working with an immigration attorney or employer representative.
- What is your current legal name?
- Enter your name exactly as shown in your passport.
- Have you used other names since birth?
- Include any aliases, maiden names, or nicknames used in official documents or university records.
Contact and Address Details
- How may we contact you?
- Provide your daytime telephone number, mobile phone (if any), and email address.
- What is your current U.S. mailing address?
- Use an address valid for at least 6 months to ensure uninterrupted mail delivery. If using a friend or family member’s address, include their name in the ‘In care of name’ box.
- Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?
- Select the appropriate option and provide your physical address if different.
Biographic Information
- What is your gender?
- What is your marital status?
- What is your city, state, or province of birth?
- What is your country of birth?
- What is your date of birth?
- Use the format MM/DD/YYYY.
- What is your country of citizenship or nationality?
- List all applicable countries.
Immigration and Travel Information
- What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number?
- Retrieve and print this from the I-94 website.
- Date of arrival
- Record the last date you entered the U.S.
- Place of arrival
- Select your port of entry from the dropdown menu.
- Status at last arrival
- Choose F-1 – F1 – Student, Academic or Language Program, unless your status changed after your last U.S. entry.
Passport Information
- What is the passport number of your most recently issued passport?
- What is your travel document number (if any)?
- Leave blank if you have a valid passport.
- Expiration date of your passport or travel document
- List the expiration date, even if your F-1 visa is in a prior passport.
- What country issued your passport or travel document?
- Enter the country information based on your most recent passport.
SEVIS and Identification Numbers
- What is your current immigration status?
- Select F-1 – F1 – Student, Academic or Language Program.
- What is your SEVIS Number?
- Found in the top left corner of your I-20. It begins with N00….
- What is your A-Number?
- Located on your post-completion OPT EAD card under USCIS #.
- What is your USCIS Online Account Number?
- Provide it if you have one.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Information
- Has the SSA issued you a Social Security card?
- Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?
- If yes, consent to disclosure and provide your parents’ names.
Evidence Upload Requirements
- 2×2 Passport Photo
- Use a recent (within 6 months) U.S.-style photo. Avoid reusing old photos.
- Refer to the State Department’s Photo Tool for guidance.
- Form I-94
- Include your most recent I-94 document.
- EAD Card
- Upload scans of both front and back.
- STEM OPT I-20
- Ensure the details on pages 1 and 2 are accurate. Sign and date the form (MM/DD/YYYY). Upload it within 60 days of issuance.
- Degree Documents
- Include a diploma and/or transcript showing the degree level and major field of study.
- Institution Accreditation
- For previously earned STEM degrees, upload your I-20, school accreditation, and SEVP certification documentation.
Submission and Payment
- Review Your Application
- Check for accuracy before submitting. The system may allow incomplete submissions.
- Applicant’s Statement and Digital Signature
- Acknowledge that you understand and agree with the application. Type your full legal name as a digital signature.
- Payment
- Pay the application fee via bank account (ACH), debit, or credit card.
After Submission
- Receive confirmation of submission.
- Track your application and review the I-765 receipt notice in your USCIS online account.
For further guidance, refer to the USCIS website.
Contact Us if you need help with filing your Form I-765 for OPT / STEM-OPT.
Leave a Reply