I-765 Application & Status
Use this guide to complete and file the Form I-765 to request employment authorization. This includes Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT, Severe Economic Hardship, Internship at an International Organization, and Special Student Relief (SSR).
Severe Economic Hardship, an Internship at an International Organization, or SSR, you must submit a paper-based Form I-765. The information below provides general guidance, but you should also review USCIS instructions before applying.
These instructions help you complete your application but are not legal advice. USCIS makes the final decision, and you are responsible for submitting a complete and accurate application. Errors or missing information may cause delays or denial. Stony Brook University is not responsible for any delays, denials, or application errors.
Before You Apply
- Location Requirement: You must be physically present in the United States when you submit your Form I-765 online.
- Form I-20 Recommending Authorization: You must have a Form I-20 recommending employment authorization before applying.
- The recommendation must be issued by VIS
- Do not apply without this I-20, or your application will be denied
- Deadline to Submit I-765: Know your deadline based on your authorization type
- Pre-Completion: within 30 days of when your OPT I-20 is issued
- Post-Completion: within 30 days of when your OPT I-20 is issued and before your grace period is over
- STEM OPT Extension: within 60 days of when your STEM OPT I-20 is issued and before your Post-Completion OPT ends
- USCIS uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), not Eastern Standard Time (EST), so keep this in mind when you are submitting the I-765 close to a deadline.
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Avoid Common Mistakes
- Do not submit more than one application
- Do not apply without all required documents
- Review your application carefully before submitting
- You cannot edit your application after submission
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents:
Collect all your required documentation in PDF, JPG or TIF format, based on the authorization type below:
Step 2: Create Your USCIS Account
Create a myUSCIS account using a valid email address or phone number.
- Select “File a Form”
- Choose Form I-765
- Responses are automatically saved. You can return later and resume where you left off.
You may use a preexisting account if you have one.
Step 3: Complete & Submit Form I-765
Each tab below shows a specific section of the I-765 and explains how to answer each question.
Basis of Eligibility
Select the option that matches your authorization type:
- (c)(3)(A): Choose this if you are applying for Pre-Completion OPT
- (c)(3)(B): Choose this if you are applying for Post-Completion OPT
- (c)(3)(C): Choose this if you are applying for STEM OPT Extension
Premium Processing (Optional)
You may request Premium Processing for an additional fee.
- USCIS will take action on your case within 30 business days
- Action may include approval, denial, or a request for more information
Review VIS guidance before choosing this option.
Reason for Applying
Select “Initial permission to accept employment”. Select this even if you are applying for STEM OPT Extension, since the authorization is under a new category.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD, select:
“Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document” (not due
to USCIS error).
Previous I-765 Applications
Select “No” if:
- You have only worked on campus
- You have only been authorized for CPT
- You have never applied for work authorization
Select “Yes” if:
- You have previously applied for OPT
- You have ever submitted Form I-765 for any type of work authorization
Preparer and Interpreter Information
If you are completing the application on your own, select “No”.
Your Name
Enter your current legal name exactly as it appears on your passport.
If you do not have a middle name, leave that field blank. Do not enter “N/A.”
If you have used other names (such as a maiden name, nickname, or alias), select “Yes” and list all names used since birth. Otherwise, select “No.”
Your Contact Information
Phone and Email
Enter your phone number and mobile number (if different).
If both numbers are the same, select the option indicating this.
Enter your email address. Use a personal email that you can access long-term.
Mailing Address
Enter the U.S. address where you want to receive your EAD card.
- The address must be valid for the next 3–6 months
- If you may move, use a trusted friend or family member’s address
- If using another person’s address, include an “in care of” name
Physical Address
Indicate whether your mailing address is the same as where you currently live.
- Select “Yes” if both addresses are the same
- Select “No” if different, and enter your current U.S. residential address
Describe Yourself
Provide the following:
- Gender
- Marital status
When & Where You Were Born
Provide the following:
- City, state and country of birth
- Date of birth (use MONTH/DAY/YEAR format)
Your Immigration Information
Citizenship
Enter all countries where you are a citizen or national. Add multiple countries if applicable.
Form I-94
Enter your I-94 Admission Number from your most recent I-94 record.
You can download your I-94 from the CBP website.
Most Recent U.S. Entry
Provide your most recent:
- Date of entry
- Place of entry
- Immigration status at entry
If your status is not listed as F-1 on your I-94, contact VIS.
Passport Information
Enter details from your most recent passport:
- Passport number
- Expiration date
- Country of issuance
Leave the travel document number field blank.
Current Status
Select “F-1 – Student, Academic or Language Program.”
SEVIS Number
Enter your SEVIS number from your most recent Form I-20 (top left corner).
If you have had previous SEVIS numbers, include them in the Additional Information section.
Other Information
A-Number
Enter your A-number if you have one. If not, select “I do not have or know my A-number.”
USCIS Online Account Number
Enter your account number if you have one. If not, select “I do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.”
Social Security Number (SSN)
Enter your SSN if you have one. If not, select “I do not have or know my U.S. Social Security number.”
Photo
Upload a passport-style photo that meets Department of State requirements. Use their Photo Tool to crop your image to 2 x 2 inches.
Important: USCIS now requires most applicants to have their photo taken at a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA). Even if you upload a photo, you may still be scheduled for a BSA. Review the “After You Apply” section for more information.
Form I-94
Upload your most recent I-94 record.
- Download it from the CBP website using “Get Most Recent I-94”
- Do not upload your travel history
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
If you have previously received an EAD, upload a copy.
If you have never received an EAD, upload a copy of your passport or U.S. visa instead.
Form I-20
Upload your most recent Form I-20 with employment authorization recommendation issued by VIS.
You must have this I-20 before submitting your application. Your application will be denied if it is missing.
Pre- or Post-Completion OPT Only: Previous CPT or OPT Authorization
If you have previously been authorized for CPT or OPT, upload copies of your I-20s that show those authorizations.
If not, you can skip this section.
Pre-Completion OPT Only: Proof of Enrollment
Upload proof that you have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.
You can use an Enrollment Verification from SOLAR.
STEM OPT Only: College Degree
Upload a copy of your Stony Brook University diploma or an official transcript showing your STEM degree.
STEM OPT Based on Prior Degree Only: Institution Accreditation
Upload this document only if you are applying for the STEM OPT extension based on a prior degree.
If you are applying based on the degree listed on your most recent Form I-20, you do not need to upload anything for this section.
Use this section to provide any extra details that support your application.
You should include the following, if applicable:
- Previous SEVIS ID numbers
- Previous CPT or OPT authorizations
If these do not apply to you, you can leave this section blank.
Previous SEVIS ID Numbers
Go to:
- Section: About You
- Page: Your Immigration Information
- Question: What is your SEVIS number?
Enter your previous SEVIS ID(s), along with your degree level and program dates.
Previous CPT or OPT Authorization
Go to:
- Section: Evidence
- Page: Previously authorized CPT or OPT
Provide:
- SEVIS ID used at the time
- Degree level
- Type of authorization (CPT or OPT)
- Full-time or part-time status
- Employer name
- Dates of authorization
Review your application carefully and fix any errors before submitting.
Once complete:
- Submit your application
- Confirm you can read and understand English
- Provide your digital signature
USCIS will display your filing fee before you submit.
Pay the Filing Fee
After submission, you will be directed to pay through pay.gov.
You can pay using:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- U.S. checking or savings account
You may also use the USCIS fee calculator to estimate your fee in advance.
Important: USCIS does not refund filing fees, regardless of the outcome or processing time of your application.
After You Apply
Track Your Application
After you submit your application, monitor your case through your USCIS account.
- Check your application status and estimated processing time
- View updates, notices, and requests from USCIS
You can also use the USCIS Case Status Tracker with your receipt number.
Receive Your I-797 Receipt Notice
USCIS will issue a receipt notice after your application is submitted.
- Find it in your USCIS account under My Cases and Documents
- USCIS will also mail a copy to your listed mailing address
Report your receipt notice to VIS by submitting the I-797 Receipt Notice e-form in accessVIS under your authorization type checklist.
Biometrics Appointment (if required)
After you apply, USCIS may schedule you for a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA) at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
At this appointment, USCIS will take your photo and may collect fingerprints. Even if you upload a photo with your application, USCIS may still require you to attend a biometrics appointment.
Most applicants will receive a biometrics appointment unless they have completed biometrics with USCIS within the past three years. Appointments are only available at USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC).
You must attend your appointment. Missing it may result in your application being denied.
If you cannot attend your scheduled appointment, you may reschedule it through your USCIS account.
- Log in to your USCIS account and use the self-rescheduling tool
- You can change the date, time, and location of your appointment
Important:
- You cannot reschedule more than two times
- You cannot reschedule within 12 hours of your appointment
- You cannot reschedule an appointment that has already passed
Wait for a Decision
USCIS will review your application and may take one of the following actions:
- Approve your application
- Request additional information
- Deny your application
Check your USCIS account regularly for updates.
Receive Your EAD Card
If your application is approved, USCIS will mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to your mailing address.
- Submit a copy of your EAD by completing the Employment Authorization Document e-form in accessVIS under your authorization type checklist.
Your case may show “approved” on your USCIS account before your card is produced and mailed. Delivery may take an additional 2–3 weeks.
You can only begin working when:
- You have received your EAD card, and
- Your start date has begun
Review Your EAD
When your EAD arrives:
- Check all information carefully
- Confirm your start and end dates
Your dates may differ from what you requested. If your application is approved after your requested start date, USCIS will assign a new one.
Troubleshooting Your Application
If USCIS needs more information, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). This is not a denial. It means USCIS is still reviewing your application.
You will receive a notice explaining what documents you must provide. Submit your response by uploading the requested evidence through your USCIS account.
Contact your VIS advisor for guidance before responding.
You must respond by the deadline listed in the notice.
If USCIS has not yet made a decision on your application, you may request to withdraw it.
- Submit a signed withdrawal request letter
- Upload the letter under “Unsolicited Evidence” in the My Cases section of your USCIS account
Contact your VIS advisor for a template and guidance. Your advisor may also assist with contacting USCIS.
You cannot withdraw your application after USCIS has made a decision.
USCIS does not refund filing fees for withdrawn applications.
Premium Processing is available for Pre-Completion OPT, Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT Extension.
- USCIS will take action on your application within 30 business days
- You can request Premium Processing when you apply or after submission
If you request it after submitting your I-765, the 30-day processing period begins when you submit Form I-907.
If your mailing address changes before USCIS makes a decision on your application, update it in your USCIS account using the self-service tool under My Account. Do this as soon as you move.
Important:
- Updating your address with USPS does not update your address with USCIS
- USPS will not forward mail from USCIS
If your mailing address changes after your EAD has been delivered, you do not need to update USCIS.
If your U.S. physical address changes, update it in SOLAR so your SEVIS record stays accurate. You do not need to report this change to USCIS.
EAD Card Not Received
If your case status shows your EAD was mailed but you did not receive it, it may be
lost or undeliverable.
What to do:
- Find your tracking number in your USCIS case status
- Check delivery status with USPS
If marked “delivered”:
- Contact your local USPS office to locate the mail
- If USPS confirms it was lost, request a letter on USPS letterhead
- Contact your VIS advisor for next steps to request a replacement
If marked “undeliverable”:
- USCIS may have received the card back
- Follow the instructions in your USCIS case status to request re-delivery
If your EAD contains incorrect information, contact your VIS advisor immediately.
If the error is caused by USCIS, they will issue a corrected card at no cost and process it on an expedited timeline (about 30–45 days).
Your VIS advisor will guide you on how to request the correction and submit the required information.