OPT Online Filing Instructions
This page contains instructions on the process of OPT online filing. If you have any questions or are looking for further instruction, please reach contact us by emailing isss@ohio.edu.
How to Prepare
Collect and scan all the documents outlined in this section before beginning the I-765 Application. Images must be legible and cannot be password protected or encrypted. Acceptable formats are JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF. These documents will be uploaded to the evidence section of the I-765 application.
Gather Necessary Documents
OPT Recommendation I-20 Form
It is critical that you do not submit your application without the OPT recommendation I-20 form from ISSS. If you submit the application before we have made this recommendation it will be denied and you will lose the application fee. Be sure you sign it before you scan it.
The recommendation is only valid for 30 days. If your OPT recommendation I-20 was produced more than 30 days ago, OR if you know that your application will not be submitted within the 30-day time frame, please contact ISSS to request a new recommendation. Submitting an expired recommendation will also result in the denial of the application and loss of the application fee.
Other Required Documents
- Your passport ID page
- Any previous I-20 forms that were issued for CPT or OPT (if applicable)
- Any previous EAD cards (if applicable)
- Passport style photo, US standard size, 2x2 inches (can be purchased from CVS or Walmart)
- Your I-94 record
Application Process
- Create or log in to your USCIS account on the USCIS "How to Create a USCIS Online Account" webpage.
- Select the "I-765 form" from the list of applications.
Follow the steps and prompts in the online application.
Read the "Online I-765 Section Specific Tips" on this webpage for further information about some of the application questions.
Review your application!
ISSS offers application reviews! If you would like an ISSS advisor to review your I-765 before you submit your OPT online application, do not click submit on the “Your Application Summary” page. Instead, click “View Draft Snapshot” to generate a PDF version of your I-765. Download and send this PDF to isss@ohio.edu or attend our drop-in advising hours to request an application review.
Please note ISSS can only check for completion, not accuracy.
- When ready, you must submit the application.
- You will be redirected to pay.gov to pay the application fee.
Online I-765 Section Specific Tips
The online application contains special sections, for which have detailed tips and additional instructions to help you through these areas of the application.
Basis of Eligibility
You should choose (c)(3)(B), Post-Completion OPT. (If you have already received your first year of OPT, and are filing for a STEM extension, do not use this instruction sheet. There are separate instructions for STEM OPT extensions which can be found on the STEM OPT Application Instructions Webpage.)
Reason for Applying
You should choose "Initial Permission to Accept Employment".
About You
Your Contact Information
You have the option to list ISSS’s address as your mailing address. We recommend this if there is a chance you will move before your OPT is approved.
ISSS (goes in the “In care of name” field)
56 East Union Street
Athens, OH 45701
If you choose to use the ISSS mailing address, be sure to indicate that it is not the same as your physical address. You will then be prompted to enter your physical address.
Other Information
A-Number: If you have been issued an EAD card in the past, your A-Number is the USCIS # printed on the EAD card. Otherwise, you can indicate that you do not have an A-Number.
USCIS Online Account Number: You won’t be given a USCIS Online Account Number until after you have filed your application, so you can check the box indicating you do not have one. If you have filed an online application with USCIS in the past, you will have a USCIS Online Account Number. Please input this information. However, you can check the box indicating it is unknown if you are unable to access this information.
Evidence
Please review the "Gather Necessary Documents" section for additional details.
- OPT recommendation I-20
- Passport ID page
- Previous I-20 forms (if applicable)
- Previous EAD cards (if applicable)
- Passport style photo
- I-94 record
Additional Information
If you have been granted CPT or OPT in the past you will need to provide additional details about that authorization in this section.
Navigate to the Additional Information Section on the left side of the page.
Please choose the following answers under the appropriate question:
- Section: Evidence
- Page: Previously Authorized OPT or CPT
- Question: Previously Authorized OPT or CPT
Summarize your authorization in the text box by including the following information:
- SEVIS ID
- Dates of past practical training
- Degree level
- Full time or part time
- Name of employer