Potomac Service Center Now Processing Certain Form I-765 Cases
Archived Content
The information on this page is out of date. However, some of the content may still be useful, so we have archived the page.
On March 28, 2016, the Lockbox began sending certain cases to the Potomac Service Center. This includes all newly filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, applications filed by F-1 and M-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT).
How You Will Be Affected
When the Lockbox sends your case to the Potomac Service Center, we will send you a notice with your receipt number. Cases sent to the Potomac Service Center will be assigned a receipt number that begins with YSC, which is the prefix used to identify Potomac Service Center filings.
The filing location and instructions for these forms will not change. Please continue to file the forms at the address listed under Where to File in the Form I-765 instructions (PDF, 751.24 KB) and on the Web page.
How to Track the Status of Your Case
Check your case status online with your receipt number. You can also sign up to receive automatic case status updates by email.
If you have any questions regarding your case, submit an inquiry online using our e-Request tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TYY 800-767-1833). When asking about your case status, please provide your receipt number and specify that your case was sent to the Potomac Service Center.
If we send you any notice (such as a Request for Evidence) please read the notice carefully and follow the instructions provided.
If you move while your case is pending, you must inform USCIS of your address change. You may file a change of address on our website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center. It is important that you notify us of any address change as soon as possible, so that you continue to receive notifications from USCIS.
The Potomac Service Center is expecting a large number of Form I-765 student filings within the next several months as students prepare for summer employment. We appreciate your patience while the Potomac Service Center prepares for the anticipated surge in applications.