E-Filing Your Application

Follow instructions for creating a USCIS Online Account or log in to your USCIS account if you already have one.

Select “File a Form Online” and choose “Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)”. 

If you are applying for work authorization that begins after you graduate, select Post-Completion OPT c(3)(B).  

If you are currently on Post-Completion OPT and eligible for the two-year STEM extension, select STEM OPT c(3)(C). Selecting this option will immediately prompt you to input: 

• Degree
• Employer’s Name as listed on E-verify
• E-verify Number (Usually 4 – 7 Digits. The E-verify number is not the same as the EIN.) 

Initial permission to accept employment: Select this option if you are applying for Post-Completion OPT (work that begins after you graduate).

Renewal of permission to accept employment: Select this option if you are applying for your STEM OPT Extension.

Have you previously filed Form I-765? 

• Select ‘Yes’ if:
  • You have previously applied for OPT.
  • You are applying for your STEM OPT Extension.
  • You have ever submitted the I-765 for work authorization to the USCIS.
• Select ‘No’ if:
  • You have only ever worked on campus.
  • You have only ever worked off-campus via CPT.

Is someone assisting you with completing this application?

• Select 'No'

What is your current legal name?

• The name should match what is indicated on your passport.
• If you do not have a middle name, please leave it blank. DO NOT put N/A.

Have you used any other names since birth?

• If No:
  • Select ‘No’ and continue to the next section.
• If Yes:
  • Select ‘Yes’ and provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames.

How may we contact you?

• Enter your phone number and/or mobile phone number.
• Enter your email address (you can continue to use your Tulane email).

What is your current US mailing address?

• For Post-Completion OPT Applicants:
  • We strongly recommend you use OISS’s address as indicated in the image above. That means that any correspondence from USCIS will arrive to our office.
• For STEM OPT Extension Applicants:
  • Feel free to use your own mailing address to receive all the materials to your current location.
  • This must be a US address and it should be valid into the future, when your OPT application is approved.

Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?

• Select ‘Yes’ if:
  • Your mailing address (where you would are receiving USCIS correspondence) is the same as where you physically live in the US.
• Select ‘No’ if:
  • You have used the OISS address (or someone else’s) as your mailing address. Selecting ‘No’ prompt you to then write your current address.

What is your gender?

• Mark the box that describes you.

What is your marital status?

• Mark the box that describes you.

What is your city, town, or village of birth?

• Type in with your place of birth information.

What is your state or province of birth?

• Type in your state or province of birth information.

What is your country of birth?

• Select your country of birth information.

What is your date of birth?

• Provide your date of birth in the indicated format.

What is your country of citizenship or nationality?

• Select the name of the country where you are currently a citizen or national.  If you are a citizen or national of more than one country, select ‘+ Add Country’ to add all of the countries where you hold citizenship.

What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number (if any)?

• This information is in your I-94 record.

When did you last arrive in the US? (This information is in your I-94 record.)

• List your arrival date, place of arrival, and your status of last arrival.
• Your status of last arrival should be ‘F-1 Student, Academic, or Language Program’ as noted on your I-94. However, if it is listed as something else, contact OISS for guidance on correcting it.

What is the passport number of your most recently issued passport?

• This information can be found on the biographical page of your passport.

What is your travel document number (if any)?

• We recommend you leave this blank.

The answer to these two questions can be found on your passport:

• What is the expiration date of your passport or travel document? What country issued your passport or travel document?

What is your current immigration status or category?

• Select ‘F-1 Student, Academic, or Language Program’

What is your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number (if any)?

• Use the SEVIS number listed in the top left corner of your most recently issued I-20. 

What is your A-Number?

• If you have had a previous EAD card the number.
• If you don’t have one click on ‘I do not have or know my A-Number.

What is your USCIS Online Account Number?

• Either list your account number or select “I do not have or know my USCIS online account number.”
• If this is your first online application to USCIS, you will not have a USCIS Account Number yet.

Has the Social Security Administration (SSA) ever officially issued a Social Security card to you?

• If Yes:
  • You will be prompted to list your social security number in the box provided. You must then select ‘No’ to the following question.
• If No:
  • Go to the next question, select ‘Yes,’ and follow the instructions.Select your country of birth information.

The instructions on USCIS's portal to uplaod the information is quite self-explanatory. Follow them carefully. You will be able to upload of all the required supporting documents:

• 2 x 2 Passport Style Photographs
• I-94 Record
• One of the following:
  • Previously Issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card); OR
  • Government-issued identity document (such as a passport) showing your picture, name, and date of birth. The identity document must clearly show your facial features and contain your biographical information.
• Previously authorized CPT or OPT 
  • Only if applicable; upload I-20’s with former CPT or OPT details.
• Form I-20
  • Upload the I-20 you have received from OISS after we processed your ‘OPT I-20 Recommendation Application.

For STEM OPT Applicants:

• If you are applying for your STEM OPT Extension you will see additional fields to submit your transcripts and your diploma on this page.

If you have previously authorized CPT or OPT and do not have former I-20s with these details, you should do the following:

• Section: Evidence
• Page: Previously authorized CPT or OPT
• Question: Previously Authorized CPT or OPT
• Additional information: 
  • State whether it was CPT or OPT
  • Dates of previously authorized practical training.
  • Degree Level
  • SEVIS ID
  • Receipt/Card Number (if known/applicable).

Potentially any additional information that is pertinent to your OPT application. If in doubt, feel free to ask OISS.

Potentially any additional information that might be pertinent to your application, but for the most part you might leave this section blank. If in doubt feel free to check with OISS.