I-765 Form Instructions — Every Field Explained in Plain English

Form I-765 is the application for Employment Authorization that every F-1 student files to get OPT. This guide explains every major field — what to write, what to skip, and where students most often go wrong.

Full name fields (Parts 1.1 – 1.3)

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport — including capitalisation. Use the family name field for your surname, given name for your first name, and middle name only if one appears on your passport. If you have no middle name, leave it blank — do not write "N/A".

Other names used (Part 1.4 – 1.6)

List any maiden names, alternate spellings, or names from previous passports. If none, leave blank.

U.S. mailing address (Part 1.7)

This is where USCIS will mail your EAD card. Choose carefully — it must be valid for the next 3–5 months. If you're moving, use your university address, a permanent friend's address, or a parent's address in the U.S. You can also use "In Care Of" (c/o).

Warning: if your EAD is returned as undeliverable, USCIS will not automatically remail it. You must file a new request and may lose weeks of work authorization.

Date of birth, country & gender

Use MM/DD/YYYY format. Country of birth and country of citizenship may differ — both come straight from your passport.

Social Security Number (Parts 1.14 – 1.17)

If you've never had an SSN, check "No". You can request one through Form I-765 itself by answering "Yes" to question 1.14 — USCIS will share your data with the SSA and mail your card automatically. This is the easiest route.

I-94 number, passport, and last entry

Get your most recent I-94 from i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Copy the 11-digit number exactly. Your current immigration status is F-1 Student.

Eligibility category (Part 2, Question 27)

This is the single most important field on the form.

(c)(3)(A) — Pre-completion OPT (while still studying)
(c)(3)(B) — Post-completion OPT (most common — after graduation)
(c)(3)(C) — 24-month STEM OPT extension

Pick the wrong code and USCIS will deny your application. If you're unsure, read our eligibility category guide.

Employer information (STEM OPT only)

For initial OPT you can leave the employer fields blank — you don't need a job to apply. For the STEM extension, employer name, address, and E-Verify number are mandatory.

Signature requirements (Part 6)

You must sign Form I-765 in black ink if filing on paper. The signature must look handwritten — typed names, initials, or digital signatures are rejected. If you forget to sign, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) and your case is delayed by weeks.

When you're ready to file, follow our step-by-step OPT application guide.

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