Effective April 12, 2021, F-1 students seeking post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension approval can file the Form I-765 online with USCIS. The online filing option allows F-1 students to apply for the post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension EAD, request a Social Security Number (SSN) (if needed), upload supporting application documents, pay the $410 filing fee, track the status of their application, communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox, and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE).

After receiving the OPT or STEM OPT Extension I-20 from OIS, students may select only one method to apply for OPT or STEM OPT Extension with USCIS: mail or online. Students who have already submitted an application to USCIS by mail should not take any additional action and may not submit a second application online. Do not submit multiple applications.

Refer to the updated OPT Instructions, OPT Form I-765 filing guidance, STEM OPT Extension Instructions, and STEM OPT Extension Form I-765 filing guidance for more information. Please note that after April 26, 2021, the OIS website will only include instructions for filing the online Form I-765.

Questions? Attend an upcoming OPT or STEM OPT Extension Information Session. During these webinars, OIS advisors will review application instructions, employment and reporting requirements, and answer students’ questions.