F-1 Students have Option to File I-765 Online

Published On: April 29, 2021
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On April 12th, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that F-1 students applying for optional practical training will now be permitted to file their Form I-765, Application for Work Authorization, online for specific categories. The only categories that are currently permissible for F-1 students to file are for the following:

  • (c)(3)(A): Pre-Completion OPT
  • (c)(3)(B): Post-Completion OPT
  • (c)(3)(C): 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM

Students will have to create a USCIS online account by visiting my.uscis.gov. Creating an account is free of charge. Students will be able to upload their required documentation and pay the fee. USCIS has resources to assist students with creating their USCIS online account.

Students sponsored by UT Health San Antonio are still required to attend a mandatory OPT workshop (these are offered every Spring and Fall term) and submit their OPT or STEM OPT online student request via the Student International Portal. An OIS advisor will review all materials and once the advisor recommends OPT, the student can elect to submit their Form I-765, Application for Work Authorization, and required documentation either by mail or the new online system with USCIS. Submitting the application to USCIS is the responsibility of the student.

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Article Categories: Immigration, News