New Form I-765 for OPT Filing Announced April 8, 2008

US Citizenship and Immigration Services has published a new I-765 Form, Application for Employment Authorization, which will need to be used by anyone seeking the 17-month OPT extension allowed under the new rule.  Readers are reminded that to be eligible for the 17-month OPT extension, you must have:

  • Already received your degree in a “STEM”- approved field of study
  • Already be on authorized post-completion Optional Practical Training
  • Be employed or have a job offer from an employer for a position directly related to your field of study
  • Your employer must be registered in the federal government’s “E-Verify” Program, and the employer must provide you with their E-Verify Company Identification Number.

Students are cautioned that currently, less than one percent of all US employers are registered with “E-Verify,” and the concerns that employers have regarding “E-Verify” may prove to be a significant issue in applying for the 17-month OPT extension.

The old I-765 form may continue to be used until May 8, 2008.  The new form is available at:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf