This page gives detailed instructions for submitting your application for Optional Practical Training online instead of by mail. Please review the information very carefully if you are planning to submit your application by yourself. Detailed instructions for completing the I-765 are also available through the USCIS website. You can also set up an appointment via Zoom or in-person to help submit your application online.

Collect your documents for the OPT Application

You will need:

  • Digital files to upload your documents into the USCIS system.
  • All files should be in English and in the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.
  • No files should be password-protected or encrypted.

Required files:

  • Passport-Style Photograph: Photos must be taken within the last 30 days and cannot have been used for your passport, visa, or other US government-related application.
  • Most recent I-94 record: This should have your status as F-1/DS, if it says something else — please check in with ISL before submitting your application.
  • Passport/Travel Document Biographical Page or Previous EAD Card: Front & back (if applying for STEM).
  • Most Recent I-20 with your OPT/STEM OPT recommendation (you need to sign and date it). You can get this from ISL by submitting the OPT application form and/or the completed I-983 (STEM OPT).
    • Post-OPT: All applications need to be submitted within 30 days of the OPT recommendation. If you are beyond 30 days, you should contact ISL for a new recommendation.
    • STEM OPT: All applications need to be submitted within 60 days of the OPT recommendation. If you are beyond 60 days, you should contact ISL for a new recommendation.
  • Any previous I-20s with CPT (or pre-completion OPT): If you are missing any, please contact ISL.
  • Official Transcript showing your STEM degree: for STEM OPT application only.

Create a myUSCIS account:

At the USCIS website, create an account or sign into an already existing account. Details on how to create an account are also available at the USCIS website.

Complete your I-765 Application Online:

  • Select Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
  • Eligibility Category:
    • For Post-Completion OPT, select (c)(3)(B).
    • For STEM OPT (after 1 year of Post-Completion OPT), select (c)(3)(C):
      • You will need to include your academic level (Bachelors) and your CIP code (located on the first page of your I-20)
      • Employer’s name on eVerify
      • Employer’s eVerify number. This is usually 4-7 digits and different from the EIN.
  • Reason for Applying:
    • Post-Completion OPT: Initial permission to accept employment.
    • STEM OPT: Renewal of permission to accept employment.
    • Lost EAD: Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document NOT DUE to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) error.
  • Previously filed form I-765:
    • Post-Completion OPT: No (unless you have previously applied).
    • STEM OPT: Yes.
  • Preparer: NO
  • Name:
    • Legal Name should be your passport name, written as first name, middle name (leave blank if you don’t have one), and then last name.
    • Other names:
      • If no, select NO.
      • If yes, list ANY aliases you have used, i.e. English nicknames, nicknames, etc.
  • Contact Information:
    • Enter phone number twice if you only have a mobile phone.
    • Mailing address:
      • You can list c/o Liz Cody, 1 N College Street, Northfield, MN 55057 here if you don’t know where you’ll be after graduation.
  • Current Address:
    • Select NO (if you are mailing to ISL) and include 300 N College Street, Northfield, MN 55057 as your address.
    • If yes, select YES.
  • Gender, select box to match passport.
  • Marital Status, select appropriate box.
  • Birth Information:
    • Fill in City/Town, State/Province, and Country of Birth. This should closely match your passport (though may be more detailed).
    • Write birthdate in MM/DD/YYYY format.
  • Immigration Status:
    • Country of Citizenship (this should match your I-20/passport): If you are a dual citizen, list ALL citizenships by clicking the + icon.
    • I-94 record number — should match the document that you upload.
    • List your arrival date, place of arrival, and status at arrival per your most recent I-94 record. If your ‘status’ listed says anything other than F-1, please contact ISL for assistance!
    • Passport number — can be found on your Biographical Information page.
    • Travel Document number — this would be used only if you do not have a passport, but a travel document instead.
    • List your passport/travel document expiration date and the country that issued the document.
    • Current Immigration Status: F-1 – Student, Academic or Language Program.
    • SEVIS Number — can be found in the top left corner of your I-20: If you’ve had a previous SEVIS ID, you should list ALL previous SEVIS IDs in the additional information section.
    • Other Information:
      • A Number: List A number from your EAD card (STEM OPT only).
      • USCIS Online Account Number: List the number if you know it or select I do not have or know my number.
      • SSA: List the number if you have it. Only request a card if you do not have or have lost your SSN card. If you do need a card issued, select that you would like an SSN card, select YES to CONSENT OF DISCLOSURE then list your parent’s birth names.
  • Evidence:
    • Upload supporting documents you previously gathered in preparation for completing the I-765 form. This evidence includes previous I-20s with CPT and/or OPT recommendations, along with any supplemental information clarifying complicated situations.
    • Post-Completion OPT– Upload current passport and visa for foreign government-issued document
    • STEM OPT– Upload front and back of current EAD card
  • Review and Submit:
    • Here you will review all of the information you have provided so far and you will then click to submit your I-765 online application.
    • Pay the fee with a credit card or bank account wire payment.
    • You should receive a confirmation with your Case Tracking Number so that you can follow along with the status of your case. It can take up to 90 days to process your application, so just be patient and contact ISL if you receive any request for additional information.

Keep in mind that you’ll receive a notice to do biometrics within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application. Biometrics are required for all applications unless you’ve previously done biometrics within the past 3 years. Do not miss your appointment as it will result in an application denial!