See the USCIS I-765 website for the most up-to-date information about required documents. For USCIS’ recommendation on how to assemble your I-765 packet, click here. You will need the following documents (keep copies of everything you send to USCIS): 

Form I-765

Always use the most recent version of the I-765 available on the USCIS website. The form and official instructions can be found here. 

Payment

Check, money order, or Form G-1450  , Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” 

• Be sure to use the  Fee Calculator  to determine the amount due.
• If there is an issue with the check or money, or if the fee amount is too low or too high, your I-765 application will be  REJECTED.

I-20 with OPT or STEM OPT

Copy of I-20 issued by ISSS with OPT or STEM OPT recommendation:

• Pre- and Post-completion OPT:  Must be received by USCIS no later than  30 days  after an ISSS advisor adds the OPT recommendation to SEVIS.  
• STEM OPT:  Must be received by USCIS no later than  60 days  after an advisor adds the OPT recommendation to SEVIS. 

Passport and Passport-style Photographs

Copy of the following passport pages:

• Biographical information page
• Most recent visa 
• If your passport already expired or is about to expire, you should still make sure to include a copy of your I-765 application and file the application to USCIS in a timely manner. 
  • You should actively seek to get your passport renewed as soon as possible.
  • Make sure you include a copy of the receipt, or any documents to show you are in the process of getting your passport renewed in the I-765 application.

Two identical passport-style photographs taken within the last 6 months; pictures must meet these defined standards. We recommend that you:

• Write down your name and date of birth (DOB) on the back of the photographs.
• Seal them in a plastic bag or envelope to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Paperclip (DO NOT STAPLE) the bag to the I-0=765 application.

I-94

Copy of I-94 card or a print out of your electronic I-94.

Additional Documents

 Form G-1145  , Request for e-Notification (if applicable):

• This form is used to request electronic notification from USCIS for application receipt. 

 Form G-28  Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney of Accredited Representative (if applicable):

• Only necessary if an attorney or representative helped you fill out the I-765 or you want them to communicate with USCIS on your behalf. 

For Pre-Completion OPT:

• Copy of transcript or other evidence of having been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at your current degree level. 

For 24-month STEM OPT extension: 

• Evidence that the degree that is the basis for your STEM OPT is currently listed on the  STEM Designated Degree Program List 
  • Usually demonstrated by your STEM OPT I-20 and STEM degree diploma.
  • If you are seeking a STEM OPT Extension based on previously earned STEM degree, evidence that the institution at which you received the degree is currently accredited by the U.S. Department of Education and certified by SEVP. 
• Copy of the front and back of your Post-Completion OPT EAD card. 
• Copy of Form I-983. It is recommended, but not required to send a copy with your application to USCIS at this time. 
• Copy of your Form I-20 with STEM Extension OPT recommendation issued by ISSS 
• Copy of your diploma showing your STEM degree. 

Identify the correct USCIS Lockbox 

I-765 applications should be mailed to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox. The appropriate USCIS Lockbox is determined by the address written on Form-I765. You should visit the USCIS webpage to determine which USCIS Service Center will process your application. 

** January 8, 2021, USCIS adjusted the filing location for “certain foreign students filing Form I-765.” ** 

Remember – once you mail the I-765 Application request to USCIS, it can NO LONGER be modified. 

Choosing a Mailing Service

It is recommended that the phrase “I-765” be written on the envelope containing the OPT application. Remember to include a return address on the envelope as well. An example of what the envelope should look like is included below.  



Available Courier Services:

Non-U.S. Postal Services:

• FedEx 
• UPS  
• DHL 

U.S. Post Services:

• U.S. Postal Express Mail provides a tracking service to confirm when the application was delivered. 
• U.S. Priority Mail provides a tracking service to confirm when the application was delivered. 
• First Class Mail Packages does not provide a tracking service (for this reason we do not recommend this option) 

EShipGlobal

• Register for an account with your school information.
• Click OPT Application icon and confirm “Senders” and “Receivers” addresses.
• Select the preferred method of delivery and payment.
• Schedule a pickup to your home or drop a package off at a nearby carrier location. Once your package has been picked up, you can track it through your eShipGlobal account and  mobile app  . 

• When filing out the I-765, either type or print legibly in black ink. 
• If a question does not apply to you:
  • Alphabetical answer: "N/A"
  • Numberical answer: "None"
• If you make a mistake, start over with a new form.
  • DO NOT use highlighters, correction fluid, or tape.
• Sign the I-765 on page 5 by hand in black ink! DO NOT TYPE OR STAMP IT, AND NO DIGITAL SIGNATURES! 
• Keep copies of everything you send to USCIS!    
• Submit   all pages   of Form I-765. Even is some sections are blank. 
• If applicable,   Apply for Your Social Security Number While Applying for Your Work Permit  .
• Submit COPIES unless they request original documents. They will not return original documents!
• USCIS prefers single-sided copies.
• Do not   send any of your dependents' documents to USCIS. 
•  Do not use staples!   Use paper clips or binder clips instead if you need to. 
• Always download the most recent form version directly from the USCIS website
• If you plan to use sticky notes to help organize your packet, place them at the   bottom   of documents, not the sides. 

More filing tips can be found on the  USCIS website  . 

 What should I put as my reason for applying in Part 1? 

•  Pre- or Post-Completion OPT  : Mark box 1.a. "Initial permission to accept employment" 
•  24-Month STEM OPT Extension  : Mark box 1.c. "Renewal of my permission to accept employment" 

 How should I fill out my "Full Legal Name" in Part 2?  

• Fill out your name as shown on your birth certificate  
• If your name is different on other legal documents, provide them in the "Other Names Used" section. Otherwise, use N/A.  

 Which address should I fill out in Part 2? 

• This is the address your EAD card will be sent to. Put whichever address you would like the EAD sent to, keeping in mind the USCIS processing time and where you may be at the time of issuance. The address should be one that is valid at least 3 months into the future.  
• If you want the EAD to be sent to someone other than yourself (for instance, a friend you will be staying with), put their name in the "In Care of Name" section.  

 How do I apply for a Social Security Number on the I-765?  

•  If you want the SSA to assign you a Social Security number and issue you a Social Security card, or issue you a new or replacement Social Security card, then answer “Yes” to both Item Number 14 and Item Number 15. 
• You must also provide your father’s and mother’s family and given names at birth in Item Numbers 16.a. - 17.b. 
  • Social Security Administration will use Item Numbers 16.a. - 17.b. in issuing you a Social Security card.  

 What eligibility category should I choose for question 27 in Part 2?    

•  Pre-Completion OPT  : (c) (3) (A)   
•  Post-Completion OPT  : (c) (3) (B) 
• 24-Month Extension of OPT : (c) (3) (C) – You will have to complete questions #28a, 28b, and 28c on Form I-765 as well.
  • USCIS will    deny    your I-765 application if your employer’s E-Verify information is incorrect.   

 What is an Alien Registration number? Do I have one?  

• An Alien Registration Number is a unique identification number given by USCIS to certain immigrants. Most F-1 students applying for their first OPT authorization do not have an alien registration number. Possible exceptions are:
  • You have been in another status besides F-1 while in the U.S.
  • You have submitted another application to USCIS in the past.
• If you are on STEM, use the “USCIS #” (XXXXXXXXX) from your Post-Completion EAD card; NO DASHES. Provide copies of the EAD with your application.
• If you can’t remember or don’t have a number, leave blank  

 Should I fill out Part 4 and 5 if I completed the application on my own?  

• If anyone helped you fill out this application, then you need to fill out Part 4 and Part 5 as needed. “Anyone” can include: 
  • Interpreter/Translator
  • Immigration Attorney or Accredited Representative
• If you did not receive assistance, you do not need to fill out these sections. However, you must still include these pages in your application.  

 What sort of "additional" information can I include in Part 6?    

• Examples of additional info include but are not limited to:
  • Any additional names that don’t fit on page 1
  • Additional A-numbers (For example, USCIS# on other EAD cards)
  • If you are a citizen or national of more than two countries
  • Any previous SEVIS IDs 
  • Any previous CPT/OPT Authorization
    • Include degree level, SEVIS ID, start and end dates, school, institution, and part-time or full-time 

On question 28c, should I put my E-Verify number or my Employer's E-Verify number?     

Make sure you indicate the EMPLOYER's E-Verify number.  Requests with invalid employer E-Verify information will be denied.

Do I need to send the Form I-983 with my application to USCIS?     

It is recommended to send a copy of the Form I-983 along with your USCIS STEM application, even though it is not required by USCIS at this time.  

Should I include a copy of my EAD card in my application?   

Yes, you should include a front and back copy of your Post-Completion EAD card.