International Students and Scholars Office

• What is your reason for applying?
  • Select “Initial permission to accept employment” for an OPT application and a STEM OPT Extension application.
• Have you previously filed a Form I-765?
  • Answer "Yes" if you have filed a Form I-765 in the past.  
  • Answer "No" if this is the FIRST I-765 you have filed.

• Enter your name exactly as stated on your passport.
• If you have another name that you use, such as an alias, nickname, and/or your maiden name (name used prior to marriage - typically applies to women who are married and have changed their last name) - please list them in the “Other Names Used” section.

• Provide an email address that you will check regularly after graduation.

• The mailing address you list here should be valid for at least the next 3-5 months.  USCIS will mail all correspondence to this address. 

• If you are using a friend's address (where you do not reside) be sure to list your friend's name in the “In Care of Name (if any)” line.

• If the address you provide is not the same as your physical address, make sure you select the “No” choice and then proceed to provide your current physical U.S. Address.

DO NOT use the Brandeis University ISSO mailing address.

Answer these questions about you.

• Please do not request your SSN number with your OPT application because the Social Security Administration no longer processes SSNs and OPT EADs together. 
• You can request a social security number from your local Social Security Administration Office after you receive your OPT EAD card. The earliest you can apply for a social security number is 30 days before the start date of your OPT. For more information please refer to the ISSO Social Security Number page. 

From the File a Form section:

• Choose the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization from the drop-down menu

• Pre-Completion OPT (work authorization before you graduate): (c) (3) (A)

• Post-Completion OPT (work authorization after graduation): (c) (3) (B)

• STEM OPT Extension: (c) (3) (C)

• J-2 Work Authorization: (c) (5)

• If you are applying online:

To "sign" an OPT application online, you typically type your full legal name in the designated signature box within the online form to certify the accuracy of your application information.

• If you are applying by mail:

Sign and date the application by hand. Electronic signatures will not be accepted by USCIS.

Complete the interpreter's contact information only if you had an interpreter or agent complete this form on your behalf.

Complete this if you have additional information to provide, such as additional countries of citizenship, employment authorization you received in the form of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training, and/or previous SEVIS ID numbers.

• Current SEVIS ID
• Degree Level
• Previous Employment Authorization (CPT or OPT) Start and End Dates (you can include past CPT or OPT I-20s and/or copies of EADs)
• Part-time or Full-Time