Optional Checklist for Form I-765 (c)(3)(C) Filings
This is an optional checklist to help you complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. This is for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) in an occupation directly related to studies: 24-month extension for students with a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) OPT. Do not submit this checklist to USCIS.
NOTE: This optional checklist does not replace or change statutory or regulatory requirements. We recommend you review these requirements, as well as the appropriate form instructions, before completing and submitting your Form I-765. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions. See uscis.gov/i-765 for the most recent Form I-765.
- Did you complete all sections of the application that apply to you? (See How To Fill Out Form I-765 in the General Instructions section on Page 15 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Did you sign and date your application? (See Signature and Validity of Signatures in the General Instructions section on Page 14 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Did you submit the correct filing fee, if applicable? (See the What Is the Filing Fee section on Page 22 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Did you provide your current U.S. mailing address in Part 2., Item Numbers 5.a.-5.f.? Do not provide the address of your attorney or accredited representative. (See the Specific Instructions section on Page 16 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Did you provide your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify in Part 2., Item Number 28.b.? (See Foreign Students Categories, Item 1.C., in the Who May File Form I-765 section on Page 4 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Did you provide the E-Verify Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number for the employer with whom you are seeking the 24-month STEM OPT extension in Part 2., Item Number 28.c.? (See Foreign Students Categories, Item 1.C., in the Who May File Form I-765 section on Page 4 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
Did you provide the following?
- Completed Form G-28, if you are represented by an attorney or an accredited representative.
NOTE: If you want us to mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to your attorney or accredited representative, please select Part 4., Item Number 1.b., on Form G-28. (See the Specific Instructions section on Page 4 of the Form G-28 Instructions.)
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility of Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, endorsed by a designated school official (DSO). (See Foreign Students Categories, Item 1.C., in the Who May File Form I-765 section on Page 4 of Form I-765 Instructions.)
NOTE: You must file your Form I-765 within 60 days of the date your DSO enters the recommendation for the 24-month OPT extension into your SEVIS record.
- Certified English translations of any documents with information in a foreign language. (See Translations in the General Instructions section on Page 15 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Proof of identity. (See Item 3.B. in the Required Documentation section on Page 20 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)
- Photographs. (See Item 3.C. in the Required Documentation section on Page 20 of the Form I-765 Instructions.)