USCIS Ombudsman Offers Tips for F-1 Students Seeking OPT to Avoid Form I-765 Delays

The USCIS Ombudsman Office today published "How F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Avoid Form I-765 Delays." A translation follows.

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If you are an F-1 student applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT), the following tips can help you avoid delays when USCIS processes Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):

1. Before submitting Form I-765, check the USCIS website for the latest information.

USCIS sometimes updates forms, form instructions, fees, or filing locations. Checking its website will keep you informed of the latest instructions you need to follow. You can also subscribe to USCIS email updates. If you do not follow the latest instructions, USCIS may reject your form.

2. Ensure that the Form I-20 is signed, dated, and endorsed for employment authorization.

You and your Designated School Official (DSO) must sign and date the school attestation and student attestation sections on page 1 of Form I-20.

3. File online. Some benefits of online filing include:

• USCIS receives online forms more quickly. After you submit Form I-765 online, USCIS will immediately provide you with an electronic receipt notice with a receipt number.

• Under the "documents" tab of your USCIS online account, you can view all notices, such as Requests for Evidence (RFE) or approval results. USCIS will also mail these notices to you (and to your attorney, if you have one).

• In your online account profile, you can sign up to receive automatic case updates by email or text message so you know when USCIS takes action on your case. Conveniently viewing all USCIS communications is the biggest advantage of online filing.

• You can update your mailing address and physical address through your USCIS online account.

4. Submit Form I-765 within 30/60 days after the DSO issues Form I-20

The DSO must indicate on page 2 of Form I-20 whether you are eligible for STEM OPT or an OPT extension for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

• If you are seeking OPT, you must submit Form I-765 within 30 days after the issuance date.

• If you are seeking a STEM OPT extension, you must submit Form I-765 within 60 days after the issuance date.

5. Submit a properly completed Form I-20 together with Form I-765

When submitting Form I-765, you may upload your Form I-20 online. If you encounter technical issues, you can still upload the I-20 as unsolicited evidence under the "documents" tab in your USCIS online account before USCIS begins adjudicating your Form I-765. Please note that if you do not include a signed and properly endorsed Form I-20, USCIS will reject your Form I-765.

6. Update your mailing address with USCIS and USPS

Changing your address with USPS will not automatically update the address you have on file with USCIS. You must update your address separately with both agencies.

• To update your address with USCIS, visit the How to Change Your Address page and follow the instructions there to update your address for all pending cases. You should update your address as soon as possible to ensure that USCIS mails your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to the correct address. USPS will not forward your EAD to a new address.

• To update your address with USPS, visit its Change of Address page.

• Put your name on or in your mailbox. If your name is not on the mailbox, USPS will not deliver your EAD.

Additionally, you can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive previews of your mail while it is in transit. Please note that USPS only retains tracking information for 120 days.