Tips for completing the ONLINE Form I-765 for Post-Completion OPT
We recommend students file the Form I-765 for Post-Completion online. This section outlines common questions regarding what to input.
- F-1 students should not submit the Form I-765 online unless they have the I-20 with OPT Recommendation from ISSA.
- F-1 students should not submitt the Form I-765 online outside of the eligible application dates.
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 have entered the U.S. with a passport.
The documents needed for the online application are listed on the application process chart. The information entered on the I-765 must match the identification documents (i.e. enter the full name as listed on the passport machine readable section)
For the following sections on the Form I-765, we have clarified the expected information.
Questions
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What is your eligibility category?
Select (c)(3)(B). -
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, list both) -
What is your reason for applying?
Select "initial permission to accept employment." -
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. -
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?
Unless you have previously been authorized for OPT, it is unlikely you have an A-number. -
What is your USCIS online account number?
Unless you have previously filed an application or petition using the USCIS online filing system, then you do not have a USCIS online account number. -
Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?
Generally, answer Yes, if you answered No to the previous question, "Has the SSA ever officially issued a Social Security card to you?"- If you do not have a Social Security number, we recommend applying for one at this time.
Evidence
Be sure to upload the I-20's with previous work authorization, including all CPT or OPT, and any I-20 or DS-2019 that represents a different program and SEVIS ID number. You will also need to outine relevant details in the additional information section.
If you are asked for any other documentation, verify that you have selected the right eligibility category.
Additional Information
Use this section to outline details of previously authorized CPT and OPT, as well as any other SEVIS numbers the applicant has had. The appropriate documentation should have been uploaded under Evidence.
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- CPT - indicate full-time/part-time, start and end dates of authorization, and degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate),
- OPT - indicate type of OPT (Pre, Post, STEM OPT), start and end dates of authorization, and degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate)
- Previous SEVIS IDs- indicate the SEVIS ID, degree level (if applicable), and immigration status (F-1 Student, J-1 Research Scholar, etc)
Required Photo
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 was taken in the last six months.
Though we do not recommend filing a paper application, more information about that process can be found here.