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USCIS Checklist for F-1 OPT 17-Month Extension

NOTE: Your extension application must be received by USCIS BEFORE the expiration date of your EAD card.

 

OPT Extension applications sent to the USCIS must include:

  1. Form I-20:
    • Photocopy of new I-20 with Practical Training endorsement (date of I-20 issuance must be within 30 days of submitting your USCIS application)
  1. Photocopy of your diploma reflecting the conferred degree as well as your major field of study.
  1. Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization:
  • Be sure to check the box “I am applying for _ Renewal of my permission to accept employment”.
  • The address that you indicate in section #3 of form I-765 will be the address to which the EAD card will be mailed.  Because of jurisdiction issues, this address MUST be in California (or a state covered by the California Service Center / CSC), in order for you to be able to send your request to the CSC.  This address may be a P.O. box.
  • Item 10: Enter the A# found on the front of your EAD car
  • Item 11: Do not include CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
  • Item 16: Use eligibility code (c)(3)(C).  Make sure you enter the correct eligibility code.
  • Item 17: Enter your degree, employer’s name (as listed in E-Verify) and their E-Verify Company Identification number (or their Client Company Identification Number).
  • BE SURE TO SIGN THE I-765 FORM.  Be sure to sign using black ink and in between the lines (touching the lines will cause your signature to be incorrect when it is scanned for the EAD card).
  1. Fee for processing form I-765. NOTE: Check the most recent fee schedule for all forms fees.  Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  You can also visit the USCIS forms website for fees, and instructions.
  1. Photocopy, front and back, of your I-94 card, the small white card that should be stapled in your passport. 
  1. Photocopy, front and back, of your last EAD card.
  1. Two identical full-frontal color passport photographs measuring 2” by 2”.  The head of the image should measure between 1” and 1 3/8” and eye height is between 1 1/8” to 1 3/8” from bottom of photo. 
  • These photos should be recent, no more than 6 months old.
  • Write your name and SEVIS number on the back of each photo in pencil or felt pen.
  • Place the photos in a small envelope.
  • Staple the envelope containing the pictures to the front page of form I-765.
  1. Cover letter stating that you are applying for an OPT extension based on STEM and listing the documents that you are enclosing.
  2. Mail all documents by “certified mail with a return receipt.”  This will cost extra at the post office but the return receipt will provide you with evidence that USCIS received your documents.  Employment authorization requests may not be submitted by the student in person at the service center.  You should mail your application to:

USCIS
California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1076