Create a myUSCIS Account & Begin the I-765
Before you can submit your OPT application, you will need to create a myUSCIS Account. This account allows you to complete and file your OPT application online.
Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov and click “Create an Account.”
What is the Form I-765?
The Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is the official USCIS form you must submit to request authorization to work in the United States. For F-1 students, this form is used to apply for OPT.
By filing the I-765, you are asking USCIS to issue you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card), which serves as proof of your legal ability to work in the U.S. Without an approved I-765 and valid EAD, you cannot begin employment on OPT.
For step by step instructions on how to complete the I-765 Application, please check out the USCIS Instruction Document.
Preparing your Documents
Along with the I-765, you must include several required documents to prove your eligibility and ensure your application is processed correctly. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays, or even denial, of your OPT.
Required Documents for Your OPT I-765 Application:
- Completed Form I-765 (signed and dated)
- Form I-20 with OPT recommendation from your DSO (must be issued within the past 30 days when you file)
- Copy of your passport biographical page (valid, unexpired)
- All I-20s with CPT authorization or previous OPT authorization (if applicable)
- Copy of your most recent F-1 visa (if applicable; Canadian citizens are exempt)
- Most recent Form I-94 (download at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Two U.S. passport-style photos (2x2 inches, taken within the last 30 days)
- Copy of any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
Submit Your I-765 Application Fee Payment
Once you complete your online I-765 application, the system will automatically direct you to Pay.gov, the official U.S. government payment site, to pay the required application fee.
Important Reminders:
- Once your payment is submitted and successfully received, USCIS considers your application officially submitted.
- You cannot make changes to your I-765 application after payment is submitted.
- The application fee is non-refundable once paid.
About Your Address
The address you listed on your I-765 form will be the address USCIS will use to mail your EAD card and any other correspondence related to the I-765 (e.g. Notice of Receipt, Request for Further Evidence). Make sure it’s an address you can use three to four months from when you apply. If you will be moving from your current address, you should use a friend/sponsor’s mailing address to list in the I-765 application. If you use someone else’s address, it should be listed as:
Jane Doe (your name)
C/O Robert Smith (your friend’s name)
1156 Yosemite Street (street address)
Merced, CA 95454 (city, state and zip code)
Receipt Confirmation
After your payment is accepted:
- A USCIS receipt number will be automatically assigned to your application.
- You can immediately print an electronic receipt from your myUSCIS account.
- A paper receipt notice will also be mailed to you by USCIS a few weeks later.
This receipt number is important for tracking the status of your application, so keep both your electronic and paper copies in a safe place.
