OPT Handbook for F-1 Students Office of Global Strategies & International Affairs
Important General Advice:
1) Type your I-765
Typing is preferred. Typing helps prevent unclear handwriting from causing errors on your EAD and helps avoid mail delivery problems or delays. Use the fillable PDF I-765 on the USCIS website to type in your answers.
If you can't type your form, clearly print answers in black ink.
2) Sign your I-765 in black ink
Typed signatures are not acceptable. The government will reject and return I-765s that are not signed.
Make sure that your signature fits within the box provided.
3) Answer all questions fully and accurately
If a question does not apply to you, type or print "N/A" (short for 'Not Applicable') unless otherwise directed. If a question asks for a numerical response and does not apply to you, write "None".
Include all pages of the Form I-765 along with your supplemental documents. The government will reject and return applications that do not include all 7 pages of the Form I-765.
4) If you need extra space, use Part 6. Additional Information (page 7 of Form I-765)
Make sure to type or print your A-number (if any) at the top of the sheet.
Use Part 6 to provide all previously used SEVIS numbers along with evidence of previously authorized CPT or OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized.
Provide the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers.
Even if you do not need the extra space, include the blank page with the rest of your application materials.
5) Carefully prepare the I-765 fee (see also previous section)
The government will reject and return OPT applications if there is not the exact amount of money available to pay the fee when the application arrives at the government center. Do