H1B Visa Lawyer Blog
On Monday, April 12th, USCIS announced that F-1 Visa students looking for Optional Practical Training (OPT) can file online using Form I-765. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization can be completed online if they are filing under one of these listed 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.
Please view this USCIS News Release for more details: F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Now File Form I-765 Online
Background:
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students. *USCIS web page: Students and Employment
Source of Information:
USCIS (USCIS.gov), 4/12/21, News Release:
F-1 Students Seeking Optional Practical Training Can Now File Form I-765 Online
USCIS (USCIS.gov), 8/13/20, Web Page: