STEM OPT Application

1. Login or create your online USCIS account: https://myaccount.uscis.gov/

2. Gather the following documents:

   • Digital 2x2 color passport photo that meets USCIS specifications

   • Scan of your passport photograph page

   • Scan of the front and back of your current EAD card

   • Scan of any previous I-20s with CPT or OPT information

   • Digital copy of your I-20 with an STEM OPT recommendation

     • Must be issued within the last 60 days for STEM extension OPT. You MUST consult with ISS to receive a new I-20 before filing for your OPT online.

     • The I-20 must be signed by an ISS advisor and by you. You can use a digital or handwritten signature.

   • Your most recent form I-94.

     • Visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home and select “Get Most Recent Form I-94”

   • Credit card with which you can pay the filing fee

3. File a form online

   • Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)

Getting Started 

• Basis of Eligibility

  • (C)(3)(C) STEM EXTENSION 

  • What is your degree?

  • List your STEM eligible major and degree level

  • What is your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify?

  • List your employer’s name

  • What is your employer’s E-Verify company identification number or a valid E-Verify client company identification number?

    • List the 5 – 7 digit number here. Note that this IS NOT the same thing as the Employer Identification (EIN) number that is required on the Form I-983.

• Reason for Applying

  • Check initial permission to accept employment (as this is your first time applying for category C3C)

  • Have you previously filed Form I-765

    • Check Yes

• Preparer and Interpreter Information

  • Is someone assisting you with completing this application?

About You

• Your Name

  • What is your current legal name?

  • Have you used any other names since birth?

• Your Contact Information

  • How may we contact you?

  • Daytime telephone number

  • Email address

  • What is your current U.S. mailing address?

  • Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?

• Describe Yourself

  • What is your gender?

  • What is your marital status?

• When and Where You Were Born

  • What is your city, town or village of birth?

  • What is your state or province of birth?

  • What is your country of birth?

  • What is your date of birth?

• Your Immigration Information

  • What is your country of citizenship or nationality?

  • What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number?

  • When did you last arrive in the United States?

  • Date of Arrival

  • Place of arrival (airport)

  • Status at last arrival

    • Most likely F1

  • What is the passport number of your most recently issued passport?

  • What is your travel document number (if any)? 

    • Likely leave this section blank

  • What is the expiration date of your passport or travel document?

  • What country issued your passport or travel document?

  • What is your current immigration status or category?

    • Most likely F1

  • What is your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number?

    • Take a look at the top left of your most recent I-20. Your SEVIS ID is listed there.

• Other Information

  • What is your A-number?

    • You should include the USCIS number listed on your post-completion OPT EAD card here.

  • What is your USCIS Online Account Number?

    • You will most likely check “I do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.”

  • Has the Social Security Administration (SSA) ever officially issued a Social Security Card to you?

  • What is your Social Security number?

Evidence

• 2x2 photo

• Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record

  • Can be obtained here.

• Previous Employment Authorization Document if applicable.

  • Include your post-completion OPT EAD, and any previous EADs you received.

• I-20s with former CPT or OPT details, if applicable.

  • You should include previous degree level CPT and OPT here if available, especially your post-completion OPT I-20s. If you do not have these document available, see “Additional Information” below.

• Form I-20

  • This is the I-20 you will receive from ISS after submitting your OPT I-20 Request & Attestation Form. DO NOT upload a previous I-20 without a STEM OPT recommendation on page 2.

  • The I-20 must be signed by an ISS advisor and by you. You can use a digital or handwritten signature.

• Your diploma showing proof of the STEM eligible degree

• Institution Accreditation

  • You do not need to upload anything for this section unless you are applying for STEM OPT based on a PREVIOUS degree; as in a degree prior to the one you obtained at SEU.

Additional Information

• Additional Information

  • If you have previously authorized CPT or OPT and do not have former I-20s with these details, you should do the following:

    • Section: Evidence

    • Page: Post-completion CPT or OPT

    • Question: Post-completion CPT or OPT

    • Additional Information:

    • Type of previously authorized practical training (CPT, OPT, etc.)

    • Dates of previously authorized practical training

    • Application status (approved, denied, or withdrawn)

    • Degree Level (bachelors, masters, PhD, etc.)

    • Receipt or Card Number if known

Review and Submit

• Review Your Application

  • Check your application before you submit

• Your Application Summary

  • Review the I-765 form information

• Your Statement

  • Applicant's statement

    • Read and agree to the “applicant’s statement”

    • Digitally sign

    • Pay the application fee

    • Submit your STEM OPT application

You will receive your USCIS receipt number once your application is submitted. You can track the status of your application at https://www.uscis.gov. Remember to provide ISS with a copy of your USCIS receipt notice, approval notice, and STEM EAD when received. 

1. Assemble Your Documents

If filing a paper petition, assemble your documents in this order. For online filing, see uscis.gov/i-765.

• Form G-1145: Optional form. Authorizes USCIS to email or text status updates.

• 2 passport photos: Must meet U.S. passport photo requirements. No glasses allowed. Print name and I-94 number on back. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/ photos.html

• $410 filing fee: Payable by check, money order, or Form G-1450 (for credit card). Make payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Original Form I-765: Use current version: uscis.gov/i-765. Use black ink and sign by hand. If a question does not apply to you, type or print “N/A” unless otherwise directed.

• Copy of STEM OPT I-20: pages 1 and 2, signed by you and ISS advisor. Must be dated within the past 60 days when received by USCIS or the application will be denied.

• Copy of Passport ID page: showing picture and expiration date. If passport will expire in next 6 months, renew passport before sending application or submit proof of renewal application to USCIS.

• Copy of most recent I-94: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

• Copy of F-1 visa or Change of Status Approval Notice.

• Copies of former EADs: Front and back.

• Copy of diploma: Related to this period of STEM OPT, or SEU official transcript showing degree conferred.

• Proof of Employment: Copy of your job offer letter or other proof of employment.

2. Mail your Application

USCIS must receive your application no later than the end date on your current post-completion EAD.

• Your filing location depends on whether you are sending your application through regular U.S. Postal Service delivery or through a courier service. If your package requires a signature upon delivery, choose the Express Mail address. Please note, the following mailing information is subject to change. Please see the USCIS website for the most up-to-date information.

  • USCIS Chicago Lockbox

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

Attn: I-765 C03

P.O. Box 805373

Chicago, IL 60680-5374

• • FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:

USCIS

Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373)

131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60603-5517

You will receive your USCIS receipt notice within 3 - 4 weeks after USCIS receives your application. You can track the status of your application at https://www.uscis.gov with your USCIS receipt number. Remember to provide ISS with a copy of your USCIS receipt notice, approval notice, and STEM EAD when received.