Filling out I-765 Online- Application for Employment Authorization (International Students)

Question

I have to fill out the I-765 from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), how do I get started?

Answer

1. File online
2. Benefits of filing I-765 form online
   ✓ Save time when submitting your application online
   ✓ No incomplete applications: all required information will be added
   ✓ You can check your application’s case status online at any time
   ✓ Filing online is free, therefore no mail costs
3. Go to https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
4. You should already have an account by this time, if not create one 
5. Click Sign in (upper right hand corner) and either sign in or create an account
6. On the i-765 page you are on, scroll down and click File Online
7. Getting Started Section
   1. Basis of eligibility
      Choose one of the following options based on your case:
      ➢ c(3)(A) pre-Completion OPT
      ➢ c(3)(B) post-Completion OPT
      ➢ c(3)(C) STEM Extension
   2. Reason for applying
      ➢ Select Initial permission to accept employment
   3. Have you previously filed Form I-765?
      ➢ If you have not previously applied for employment authorization, choose No
      ➢ If you have previously applied for employment authorization, choose Yes
   4. Preparer and interpreter information
      ➢ If no one is assisting you with this application, choose No
8. About You Section
   1. Fill out all the requested information
   2. Your immigration information
      ➢ You may retrieve your most current I-94 form from the CP website: www.cbp.gov/I94 . This is where you will find the information needed in this section.
      ➢ Make sure you choose the right immigration status: F1-Student
      ➢ Your SEVIS ID number may be found on the first page of your I-20 form
      ➢ It starts with an N
   • Other information
     ➢ If an EAD card has not been previously issued to you, the A-Number field should be left blank.
     ➢ If an EAD card has been previously issued to you, your A-Number will be listed under USCIS# on your card.
     ➢ If you already have a Social Security Number (SSN), add it; if you do not have one, you may request it now.
9. Evidence Section
   Note: Make sure you upload all required documents by using acceptable formats.
   ➢ 2 x 2 passport style photo, see passport photo requirements: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html 
   ➢ Form I-94: add a copy of your most current I-94
   ➢ Add a copy of your passport (biographic and visa pages; if you have a new passport and the visa is in your old passport, add copies of both)
   ➢ If you have been previously issued an EAD card, upload copies of its front and back
   ➢ Form I-20 (copy of your OPT or STEM OPT -20 is required, copies of all your previous I-20s are recommended)
   ➢ Institution Accreditation: for STEM extension only if your STEM extension is based on a previously earned STEM degree
   1. If you are applying for STEM extension based on a previously earned STEM degree, upload the following:
      1. I-20 with your previous STEM degree and the eligible CIP code
      2. School accreditation documentation:
         • If your previously earned STEM degree was conferred by the University of South Dakota, the accreditation information can be found on the Higher Learning Commission website
         • If your previously earned STEM degree was not conferred by the University of South Dakota, contact your previous academic institution to obtain evidence of school accreditation.
   2. If you are applying for STEM OPT extension based on your post-completion OPT degree from USD, skip this section.
10. Additional Information Section
    1. Examples of additional information that might be needed:
       1. Previous SEVIS number
       2. Previous approved CPT or OPT: add CPT/OPT previously approved at the (degree level), start and end dates.
11. Review and Submit Section
    1. Read the statements and sign.
       Note: If there is information missing, the system will list alerts that you will need to resolve.
12. Pay the Filing Fee: you may pay with a credit/debit card

If you need further assistance, please contact the Gallagher International Center