F-1 students seeking additional hands-on training can now submit Form I-765 online.
Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that F-1 students seeking additional practical training (OPT) can now submit Form I-765.An online work permit application is possible if students apply in one of the following categories:
(c) (3) (A) – OPT to completion;
(c) (3) (B) – OPT after completion; as well as
(c) (3) (C) – 24-month OPT renewal for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students.
OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the main area of study of an F-1 student. Eligible students can apply for an OPT work permit for up to 12 months prior to completion of academic studies (before completion) and/or after completion of academic studies (after completion). F-1 students who earn STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT upon completion.
“The I-765 online registration option allows eligible students to submit forms online in a more user-friendly manner and increases efficiency for judges.”
The option to submit Form I-765 online is only available to F-1 students who complete Form I-765 for OPT. If an applicant submits Form I-765 online to request a work permit on or after April 15, but is eligible for a different work permit category, USCIS will reject the application and retain the fee. As USCIS continues to transition to paperless operations, the agency will work to expand the online filing of the I-765 to additional categories.
What does online registration give?
Online registration allows applicants to submit forms electronically, check the status of their case at any time from anywhere, and receive notifications from USCIS online instead of waiting in the mail. USCIS uses innovation and technology to meet the needs of applicants, petitioners, and employees. Regardless of whether the application or petition format is paper or electronic, USCIS is committed to providing a safe and efficient process for everyone.
Individuals can submit 11 USCIS forms online, all of which can be found on the Forms Available for Online Submission page. To fill out these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS account on the official website.
This free account allows you to:
- Submit your forms;
- Pay your fees;
- Track the status of your business;
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure mailbox; as well as
- Respond to requests for evidence.
