Tips for completing Form I-765 for STEM OPT online
For any fields that are not applicable on the electronic application, leave blank; for example, questions about travel document numbers do not apply to any current ND students as they all have entered the U.S. with a passport.
The documents needed for the online application are listed above in the application process chart. Be sure that the information entered on the I-765 matches your identification documents (i.e. enter your name as listed on the passport)
For the following questions on the Form I-765, we have clarified the expected information:
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What is your eligibility category?
Select (c)(3)(C). -
What is your degree?
List the degree level and major field of study as listed on page 1 of your Form I-20 (if you have two majors, be sure to list the STEM OPT qualifying degree) -
What is your employer's E-verify company identification number of valid E-verify client company identification number?
Obtain this information from your employer's Human Resources department. This is NOT the EIN number. -
What is your reason for applying?
As this application is for a different category of employment authorization than Post-Completion OPT (c)(3)(B), select "initial permission to accept employment." -
Have you previously filed Form I-765?
The answer is yes, as you would have filed the I-765 for Post-Completion OPT. Be sure to upload a copy of this EAD card (and any other EADs you have previously had). -
What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number (if any)?
Be sure to enter the I-94 Number and all Arrival information requested from THE MOST RECENT I-94 RECORD. This should match the PDF of your most recent entry; you will also upload that PDF. -
Travel Document Number
Disregard this question if you entered the U.S. with a passport -
What is your current immigration status or category?
Select F-1 - Student, Academic or Language Program -
What is your Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number (if any)?
Enter the information directly from your most recent I-20. The SEVIS ID is listed on the top left corner of your I-20 and starts with "N00..." -
What is your A-Number?
Enter the A-number listed on your Post-Completion OPT EAD card. -
What is your USCIS online account number?
If the applicant previously filed an application or petition using the USCIS online filing system (i.e. the Post-completion OPT application), then they should have a USCIS online account number. -
Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?
Generally only answer yes, if you answered No to the question, "Has the SSA ever officially issued a Social Security card to you?" -
College degree
Upload a copy of both your transcript and diploma. -
Institution Accreditation (evidence upload)
Most students will disregard this question because they are applying based on their most recent ND degree. The question only applies if student is applying for STEM OPT extension based on a previous degree not associated with their current OPT authorization.
For the required photo, we recommend students do not re-use a photo that they have previously used on a passport or visa; we also recommend that the photo is recent and taken in the last six months.
Though we do not recommend filing a paper application, more information about that process can be found here.