According to USCIS：
” F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online if they are filing under one of these categories:
- (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.
OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Eligible F-1 students who receive STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.”
F-1 students may now register for a My USCIS account where they could:
- Submit their forms;
- Pay their fees;
- Track the status of their case;
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and
- Respond to Requests for Evidence.
About the Author
Wen Luo, JD, is the managing attorney of Luo & Associates Law Group, P.C. in New York, which she founded in 2018. She has more than 10 years of experience in U.S. immigration law and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Her practice focuses on employment-based immigration, including H-1B, L-1 (including L-1A/EB-1C for multinational companies), O-1, EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 petitions, adjustment of status (I-485) and naturalization. She works with clients in English and Chinese.