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Form G-1145

For notification of delivery, use this form. Put this form on top of your application.

Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Download the form to access the latest version. A typed copy is strongly recommended. It is not advisable to submit a handwritten copy.

For the field “I am applying for,” select 1.a. “Initial permission to Accept Employment” for the STEM OPT Extension application.

Use the code for STEM OPT for item 27: (c)(3)(C). Complete items 28 a., b. and c.

Answer all questions fully and accurately. State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “None.”

Use Part 6. Additional Information to provide all previously used SEVIS numbers and evidence of any previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized.

Print completed form and sign in blue ink in Applicant Signature field.

Include original of Form I-765 in your application.

Filing Fee

Important Note:

USCIS may raise I-765 fee for OPT.

• You must check the USCIS fee amount and include the correct fee or it will be rejected.

International Affairs recommends payment by money order if you submit your application to USCIS by mail.

• Check or money order for the Form I-765 filing fee, made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."
• If you do not have a check with your printed name and address, you should use a money order.
• You may pay by credit card using G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. See Pay With a Credit Card for details.

If you file online, please follow the directions in the USCIS resources for online filing.

Copies of all I-20s.

Put a A copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation on toppage 2. 

Include a copy of your current OPT I-20 and all prior I-20s that show previous CPT or OPT.

Check that all I-20s have your signature and date before you copy.

Copy of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards).

Include a copy of front and back of your current OPT EAD card and any prior EAD cards.

Proof of identity.

Copy of biographical ID page of your passport (valid for at least six months).

Copy of most recent F-1 visa.

Most recent I-94 arrival record.

Printout of electronic Form I-94.

Or copy of both sides of cardstock I-94.

Two US passport-style photographs.

Two identical US passport-style color photos, taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765.

Write your name in pencil on the back of each photo if you file by mail.

Evidence of STEM degree.

Official transcripts or copy of diploma that indicates the educational level and the field of study.