STEM OPT Application Checklist

  • Step 1 – Complete Requirements with ISSS

    Review the online STEM OPT presentation

    Please note that you will need to take a quiz connected to the STEM OPT presentation as part of the STEM OPT I-20 request process in iNorthTX.

    Submit the following via iNorthTX:

    • Complete Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request for a new I-20
    • You must have your new I-20 with your new STEM OPT request on page 2 BEFORE you apply to USCIS
    • Copy of $100 OPT Case Management fee payment receipt (Pay case management fee)
    • Complete the STEM OPT Quiz
    • Copy of EAD card
    • Copy of I-983

    ISSS will review your application and prepare your STEM OPT I-20 in SEVIS. This may take up to 7 business days. 

    During this time, it is advised that you begin STEP 2 below.

    ISSS will notify you via email when your STEM OPT I-20 is ready to be dispatched to you.

    Your STEM OPT I-20 will be electronically signed and sent to you by email.

  • Step 2 - Prepare Your Application for USCIS

    Completed Form I-765 

    • If filing via mail, check online at http://www.uscis.gov to ensure you have the latest version.
    • If filing online, you will complete the I-765 by answering the questionnaire on the website. An I-765 will be auto-generated for you to review as part of the online application. The code for STEM OPT is (c)(3)(C).
    • If filing by mail, respond to Question #27 by writing (c)(3)(C) within the parentheses.

    You can use your personal address OR our office address on the form.

    If you would like to use our address for the application, you may list this address on your I-765:

    C/O ISSS
    1155 Union Circle #311067
    Denton, TX 76203-5017

    Please note that if filing online, you may need to drop the # before 311067 as the system does not link using non-alpha-numeric characters. This will not affect the delivery of your receipt notices and EAD card to the ISSS address. 

    Photocopy of pages 1 and 2 of the new I-20 showing the OPT recommendation.

    • Make sure to sign the I-20 (“STUDENT ATTESTATION” on page 1 before you make a copy) by hand in ink.
    • Verify that your I-20 has your STEM OPT Authorization listed on page 2. If you don't see the OPT authorization at the top of page 2, DO NOT use that 1-20 to file and contact our office as soon as possible! 

    Employment Authorization Screenshot

    • The STEM OPT recommendation must have been entered in SEVIS within the last 60 days. Failure to observe this requirement will result in the denial of your application by USCIS. 

    Print out your I-94 (if you have a paper I-94 in your passport, make photocopies of both sides of your I-94 card)

    Photocopy of your passport identity, expiry, and visa page(s).

    Photocopy of Previous EAD Card(s)

    G-1145

    • ONLY use form G-1145 if you are mailing your application. 
    • This form will allow the Lockbox facility to send you an email or text message when they receive your application.
    • You are not required but are encouraged to include it.
    • Place G-1145 on top of your application packet.

     

  • Step 3: File online OR mail your application to USCIS (do not file both ways)

    Make a copy of the entire packet for your records if filing via the mail-in option.

    For the Mail-In Option:

    • Review the I-765 instructions to ensure the proper mailing address.
    • Delivery receipts are recommended.

    If mailing via United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority Mail or Certified Mail with Return Receipt:

    USCIS
    Attn: I-765 C03
    P.O. Box 805373
    Chicago, IL 60680-5374
     

    If mailing via FEDEX, UPS, DHL & Other courier services:

    USCIS
    Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373)
    131 South Dearborn – 3rd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60603-5517
     
    • Check the USCIS website for the most up to date filing address. Please note that the address for mailing through USPS and through express mail or a courier service is different. Verify the correct address before sending.
    • USCIS will send a receipt letter (mailed to ISSS or the address listed under Part 2, Question #5 on your I-765) several weeks after they receive your application.
    • If you choose to use the UNT ISSS Office address, you authorize ISSS staff to open USCIS correspondence and make a copy for your file.
    • If you file online, you should receive an immediate proof of receipt and the official Notice of Receipt (I-797C) will be sent a few weeks later. 

    USCIS now permits premium processing of OPT applications for a fee. Information about premium processing and current fees can be found on the USCIS website and https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf.  

    USCIS regulations and procedures are subject to change with little notice.

    Updated 3/11/2024 by ISSS staff.

Top