U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) has announced that F-1
students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT)
can file their Form I-765, Application for Employment
Authorization, electronically if they are filing in certain
categories.
Overview
Online filing is now permitted for Pre-Completion
OPT, Post-Completion OPT and a 24-Month Extension of OPT for
students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
occupations.
The OPT program allows undergraduate and graduate students in
F-1 status to work in the U.S. for up to one year (three
years for graduates in STEM fields) during their educational
program and after graduation.
The option to file Form
I-765 electronically is only available for F-1
students who are filing Form I-765 for OPT. The
agency has indicated that it will deny
applications and retain associated fees for individuals
who submit Form I-765 electronically to request employment
authorization on or
