- After creating your account check your email for a code from MyAccount@uscis.dhs.gov that you will use to log in.
- Log back in and create your password.
- Choose your verify method: email is recommended.
- Select to log into your "My USCIS"
- For account type, select "I am an applicant, petitioner, or requester"
- Select "I-765, Application for Employment Authorization"
- Select "Start Form"
- C3A for pre-completion OPT (OPT used during your academic program)
- C3B for post-completion OPT (OPT used after graduation)
- C3C for STEM OPT extension (used only for students on an active period of post-completion OPT and meeting all other STEM OPT extension requirements)
- Note: Your draft will auto save as you work your way through the application but you must complete and submit it within 30 days of the date you received your Form I-20 with OPT recommendation.
- Make sure that your name matches your I-20 and passport name
- Make sure that your mailing address is an address where you will be able to receive your EAD card at a later date
- Make sure that your date of birth uses the format Month/Day/Year
- Make sure that your travel information that you enter matches your I-94 Travel history, your I-94 can be accessed here
- Make sure that all documents are saved and uploaded as PDF, JPEG, PNG only
- Under 2X2 photo section, make sure to upload a passport style photo
- Under Form I-94 section make sure that you upload your most recent I-94. You can get your most recent I-94 form
- Under Employment Authorization Document or Government ID section, you should upload your passport and any previously issued EAD cards if applicable
- Under Employment Authorized CPT or OPT section, upload any Form I-20s that show previously issued CPT or OPT, and upload any previously issued EAD cards if you have been approved for OPT previously
- Under I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status section, upload your Form I-20 that has your OPT recommendation endorsed by your DSO on page two. Upload all three pages of your Form I-20
- IMPORTANT: This is not just your most recent Form I-20, this Form I-20 must have the OPT recommendation on it from your DSO at the International Programs office. You would have needed to apply to the International Programs office in order to receive this Form I-20. If you are unsure, do not proceed until talking to the International Programs office.
- For STEM OPT applicants there will be additional documents requested such as proof of your STEM College degree and Institution accreditation
- Check that all of your information is correct before submitting. You can download the draft snapshot and send it to the International Programs office to review with you before you submit your application. Once you submit your application you cannot make corrections.
Traveling before receiving your EAD card
- Your passport (valid 6 months into the future from the date you plan to enter the U.S.)
- A valid Form I-20 with a travel signature no more than 6 months old
- A valid F-1 Visa stamp - If you have completed your degree by the time you plan to return to the U.S. travel with the following documents:
- Your passport valid 6 months into the future from the date you plan to enter the U.S.
- A Form I-797C (notice of receipt of OPT application from USCIS)
- A copy of your EAD card
- Name of your employer
- Start date of employment
- Mailing address of your employer
- Your current address
If any of this information changes, you are required to notify International Programs by completing the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Reporting Form within 10 days. Failure to do so is a violation of terms of your F-1 Visa.
- Paid employment: Students may work part time (at least 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT) or full time.
- Multiple employers: Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to each individual student’s degree program.
- Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates, and the duration.
- Work for hire: This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by the Department of Homeland Security, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
- Self-employed business owner: Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program.
- Employment through an agency or consulting firm: Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing that they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
- Unpaid employment Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student’s employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.
Contact your DSO in the International Programs Office to discuss your situation before you complete the required documentation. Your DSO will determine your eligibility and assist you in completing and submitting the application to USCIS. The internship must be with a public international organization that falls within the International Organization Immunities Act, as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 288 59 Stat. 669.
- Form I-765 (write (c)(3)(ii) in item 16)
- Photocopies of any previously-issued EAD cards.
- Photocopy of visa page
- Photocopy of passport identification page
- Job offer letter and written certification from the international organization that your employment is within the scope of their sponsorship
- Photocopy of I-94 card (front and back)
- Two passport style photos
- Photocopy of Form I-20, with DSO recommendation for employment with an international organization
- $410 fee (make your check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Considerations:
Your employer may suggest or require that you change to G-1 status, a non immigrant status reserved for employees of international organizations. If you change your status, your eligibility for benefits based on your F-1 status may be affected. You should consult the International Programs Office for more information.
The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.
To be eligible for the 24-month extension, you must meet the following requirements:- You apply for the OPT STEM extension before the current Post-Completion OPT expires.
- You have earned or completed all coursework towards a degree (bachelor’s or higher) in a qualifying STEM field. The list of qualifying STEM degrees and the corresponding CIP code can be reviewed at this link. You must ensure that the CIP code listed on your form I-20 is in the approved list, do not rely on the major name listed on your I-20.
- You have previously applied for no more than one OPT STEM extension based on a lower degree level.
- Your employer is registered in the E-Verify program and has an E-Verify number.
- Employment during the STEM extension must be paid and at least 20 hours per week.
- The STEM employer must provide you with formal training and learning objectives.
To apply for a STEM extension, please email the International Programs Office for a copy of the OPT STEM Extension Application Guide.
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