OPT Application Instructions

• Log in to my.uscis.gov and create an account by hovering over "Sign In" and clicking on "Create Account"
• Once you have logged in to your my.uscis.gov account click on the "My USCIS" option/image
• Select "File a form online"
• Select "Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)"
• Review the information on the next two pages about the application and security, and then click "Start"
• For "What is your eligibility category?"
  • Select Post-completion OPT, Category C3B
• For "Reason for applying"
  • Select Initial permission to accept employment
• Have you previously filed Form I-765?
  • Check No if you have not previously applied for work authorization with an I-765
  • Check Yes if you have previously filed an I-765 (provide evidence)
• Is someone assisting you with completing this application?
  • Check No 
     
• Complete the "About You" portion
  • Your Name
  • What is your current legal name?
  • Have you used any other names since birth?
  • Your contact information
  • How may we contact you?
  • Daytime telephone number
  • Email address
• For the question, "What is your current U.S. mailing address?" you may enter an address where you will be able to access mail after graduation or Denison's Global Program Office address:
  • Denison University, Center for Global Programs
    100 West College St. Granville, OH 43023
• For the question, "Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?," select "No" and enter the following:          
  • 100 West College St. (Your residence Hall and room #)
    Granville, OH 43023
     
• For, "Describe yourself," respond to the following questions:
  • What is your gender?
  • What is your marital status?
  • When and where you were born
  • What is your city, town or village of birth?
  • What is your state or province of birth?
  • What is your country of birth?
  • What is your date of birth?
     
• For "Your immigration information," respond to the following questions:
  • What is your country of citizenship or nationality?
  • What is your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number? You can access your most recent I-94 here.
  • When did you last arrive in the United States?
  • Date of Arrival (as listed on I-94) 
  • Place of arrival (airport) (this is listed on the I-94)
  • Status at last arrival
    • Select F-1
  • What is the passport number of your most recently issued passport?
  • What is your travel document number (if any)? (You will likely leave this section blank)
  • 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
  • What is your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Number?
    • Take a look at the top left of your most recent I-20. Your SEVIS ID is listed there, and it starts with an "N." 
       
• Complete the "Other Information" portion of the application:
  • What is your A-number?
    • Check “I do not have or know my A-Number.”
• What is your USCIS Online Account Number?
  • Check “I do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.”
• Has the Social Security Administration (SSA) ever officially issued a Social Security Card to you?
  • If you do not have a social security number or do not have your card, you should check “yes.” You will need to complete the required information so that the SSA can issue you a social security card.
• Do you want the SSA to issue you a Social Security card?
  • If you do not have a social security number or do not have your card, you should check “yes.” You will need to complete the required information so that the SSA can issue you a social security card.

• Complete the "Evidence" portion of the application by uploading the following documents as requested:
  • 2x2 photo
  • Form I-94, which can be obtained here.
  • Previous Employment Authorization Document. (If applicable)
    • If you do not have a former EAD, you should upload a copy of the photo page of your passport here.
  • I-20s with former CPT or OPT details, if applicable. You should include previous degree level CPT and OPT here if available. If you do not have these document available, see “Additional Information” below.
  • Form I-20
    • This is the I-20 you will receive from ISS at the time of your OPT meeting. DO NOT upload a previous I-20 without an OPT recommendation from the last 30 days on page 2. The I-20 must be signed by an ISS advisor and by you. You can use a digital or handwritten signature.
       
• Complete the "Additional Information" portion of the application
  • 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: Post-completion CPT or OPT
    • Question: Post-completion CPT or OPT
    • Additional Information:
      • Type of previously authorized practical training (CPT, OPT, etc.)
      • Dates of previously authorized practical training
      • Application status (approved, denied, or withdrawn)
      • Degree Level (bachelors, masters, PhD, etc.)
      • Receipt or Card Number if known
         
• Review and Submit
• Review your application
• Read and agree to the “applicant’s statement”
• Digitally sign
• Pay the $410 application fee on pay.gov
• Submit your OPT application