Step by step guide to create the USCIS account for OPT online application

More and more international students are applying for OPT or STEM OPT online through MyUSCIS. Some of the advantages of submitting the online I-765, Application for Employment Authorization are the following:

1. Students can save the shipping cost and not be stressed or concerned about the shipment process.
2. Students can save time that it used to take for the shipment. Students who file the paper I-765 OPT/ STEM OPT application should take 3~5 days into consideration to not pass the OPT application due date.
3. Students can track their OPT application status online. Students who file the paper I-765 OPT/ STEM OPT application would have to wait until they receive the Form I-797 receipt to check their application status.
4. Students can simply follow the online application to submit all of the required documents for OPT/ STEM OPT application. Students who file the paper I-765 OPT/ STEM OPT application would have to double-check by themselves to not miss any of the required documents.
5. Students can pay the application fee by credit card without completing additional forms. Students who file the paper I-765 OPT/ STEM OPT application would have to complete G-1450 Form to pay the fee with a credit card.

However, OPT applicants may not know how to start the online application. Therefore, this blog post will break down the I-765 OPT/ STEM OPT online application process which will help international students to better understand what’s the first step to completing the online OPT application. OPT applicants who have created the USCIS account can click the following post to start the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization application online.

Related post: How to file Form I-765 online for OPT, STEM OPT

1. Go to https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ and create an account

2. Setting up the two-step verification with Email is recommended for international students.

3. Once you receive an email titled “Email confirmation instructions” from MyAccount@uscis.dhs.gov, Click the link to verify your email address.

4. You will also receive an email titled “Secure two-step verification notification” from MyAccount@uscis.dhs.gov. Copy the verification code from the email and complete the account creation process.

5. Save your backup code by clicking the “Export As PDF” button and save it in your folder where you house your immigration documents like passport, visa, and Form I-20. You will need the backup code to log back into your USCIS account in case you lose access to your authentication device.

6. Finish up the account creation process by selecting password questions and responses. Students are encouraged to keep a memo of these responses.

7. After you log in to your USCIS account, click “My USCIS” to start completing the Form I-765 online application.

8. Select “I am an applicant, petitioner, or requestor” and click the submit button.

9. Click “File a form online”

10. Search “I-765” and then select “I-765, Application for Employment Authorization” in the drop-down menu.

Now you are ready to complete the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization OPT application online! Click the post below to learn the next step to completing the online application. Other than the OPT application, important OPT rules that OPT/ STEM OPT participants should be aware of can be found on the OPT and STEM OPT pages respectively. Furthermore, international students who would like to see how long it takes to hear back from USCIS after the Form I-765 submission can go to OPT/STEM OPT Forum.

Related blog post 1: How to file Form I-765 online for OPT, STEM OPT
Related blog post 2: The best way to track OPT/STEM OPT case status