Home / Immigration / F-1 Students / F-1 Employment / Paper-based I-765 Application for OPT or STEM Extension OPT
Updated April 26, 2021
As of April 2021, USCIS is accepting both paper and online Form I-765 applications for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the 24-month STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training. These instructions refer to the traditional paper Form I-765 application process. Go to our Online I-765 application page for information about the online process.
In both cases, you will be required to submit the same information and send in the same supporting documents. The paper version requires you to print, sign, and mail your application packet to USCIS. The online version allows you to submit all required information and supporting documents online through the USCIS's myUSCIS portal.
DO NOT start the I-765 application process UNLESS you have already received a new OPT or STEM Extension OPT I-20 from the International Center. You cannot apply for OPT or the STEM Extension of OPT until you have received your new OPT I-20 or STEM Extension I-20 from the International Center. Read more about applying for F-1 post-completion OPT or the 24-month STEM Extension of OPT.
Once you receive your OPT I-20 or STEM Extension I-20 from the International Center, review all pages of the form and contact the International Center if you have any questions.
After you have reviewed the form, sign it at the bottom of page 1 in the "Student Attestation" section. Make a copy for your I-765 application packet.
USCIS accepts personal checks, a cashier's checks from a bank, money orders, and credit cards to pay the I-765 filing fee. The International Center recommends using a bank check or money order to pay the fee, but if you prefer to use a US credit card you must download and complete USCIS Form G-1450. Money orders can be purchased from banks, credit unions, or a US Post Office.
Any check or money order must be made payable to "US Department of Homeland Security" in the correct amount (currently US $410.00 - check the filing fee at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765).
Sample Personal Check
Your I-765 Application must be accompanied by two recent US-style passport photos taken within the past thirty days. Do not reuse or recycle old photos - your application may be returned if USCIS determines your photos are not recent.
Your application packet will include the following documents:
STEM Extension applicants should also include a copy of a transcript, diploma, or other evidence that they have received a STEM degree. In addition, if you are applying for the STEM Extension based on a degree received before Tufts, you must provide evidence that your previous university is accredited and is currently authorized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to sponsor F-1 international students. You may wish to consult with the international office of your previous institution to determine how to collect this information regarding your previous degree.
Visit the USCIS Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-765 website at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses and review mailing instructions for Foreign Students category. The International Center strongly recommends using a service that allows you to track delivery of your application packet to USCIS.
Keep in mind that USCIS must receive your application packet no later than thirty (30) days after the International Center issued your OPT I-20 to you (or sixty days for STEM Extension applicants).
After you mail your application to USCIS, you should receive a paper receipt notice in the mail in about 3-4 weeks. Once you receive your receipt, you can monitor your case by creating a myUSCIS account and attaching your application case number to your account.
In most cases, F-1 students will NOT be required to schedule a biometrics appointment with USCIS as a part of the I-765 application process. A biometrics appointment involves appearing at a USCIS Application Support Center to have your photographs, fingerprints, and signature taken. If you are asked to do a biometrics appointment, you will receive a notice from USCIS to schedule an appointment. Please notify the International Center in case you are asked to schedule a biometrics appointment.
If you change your US address and want your EAD sent to another US mailing address, you should
Update your address at any time while your I-765 is being processed and after your EAD has been approved. You should make address updates within 10 days of any move at all times while you are an F-1 student.