What to do if OPT is pending?

If your OPT Application is still pending, it is advised that you withdraw/cancel your application with USCIS. Keep documentation of your withdrawal to show that your intentions changed during the pending decision period of your OPT Application.

What if OPT status is pending?

Once an OPT request status changes to Pending, the student must write USCIS to withdraw the OPT application. The request must: Be sent to the USCIS Service Center processing the application. The address is on the USCIS-issued Receipt Notice sent to the student.

What to do if OPT is delayed?

Applications Pending Longer than 90 Days from Received Date

You may contact the USCIS National Customer Service number 1-800-375-5283 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) to request an expedite of your pending OPT request if you have a valid expedite reason.

Can you begin working while your OPT is pending?

You can continue working & travel

Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization.

Can I travel while my OPT is pending?

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks. Keep in mind the following: You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.

OPT Stage 3 Review: Pending OPT With USCIS

How long does it take for OPT to be approved?

Processing Time for Your OPT Application

On average, student's applications are adjudicated within 90-120 days. You can check current general processing times for the Form I-765 based on service center.

Can I leave the US while applying for OPT?

We recommend that you do not travel internationally before your OPT is approved and you have your EAD card. If your OPT application is returned, rejected, or denied while you are abroad, you will not be able to re-enter the US in F-1 status to re-apply for OPT.

How long does OPT take to get approved 2023?

USCIS normal processing times vary by application type and other factors. As of March 8, 2023, the current USCIS normal processing time for an OPT or STEM OPT application is 2 months.

What is the wait time for OPT 2023?

Click to see detailed distribution graphsOctober 2023: 685/718 Cases processed. Average approval time: 46 day(s) Approval time range: 8-125 day(s)

Can I apply for h1b while waiting for OPT?

F-1 students can pursue H-1B visas after they graduate or while they are working in the OPT program. The students are not able to apply for the H-1B visas themselves. Instead, they must find H-1B employers who are willing to sponsor them, and the employers petition for the H-1B visas on their behalf.

How long can you stay without OPT?

How long can I stay in the U.S. after my Post-Completion OPT end date? There is a 60-day grace period following the end of the OPT period.

Why is OPT rejected?

The most common scenarios that cause rejections include: Submit your application too early or too late (outside of the application window) OIA's OPT recommendation was more than 30 days before the date USCIS received your application.

What is the 90 day rule for OPT?

The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status.

How long does it take for OPT to be approved 2024?

How long does it take to get approved for OPT? Typically 2-3 months from the date USCIS receive your application.

What happens if OPT gets approved after start date?

Remember, the dates on the card determine when you are authorized to work, even if they are not the dates for which you intended to apply. If for any reason USCIS approves the I-765 for post-completion OPT after the start date you requested, the start date should be set as the date the application was approved.

How much does it cost to expedite OPT?

Starting April 3, 2023: USCIS will accept premium processing requests from students when filed together with application for OPT or STEM OPT filed via paper form or online. The Premium Processing Fee, using Form I-907, for F-1 OPT/STEM OPT Extension applications, is $1,500.

How long does it take USCIS to process OPT?

The average USCIS processing time is at least 90 days from receipt of your application. We advise you to apply as early as possible to allow about 90 days of processing time, but please note that your actual processing time could be longer or shorter.

What is the shortest time for OPT approval?

According to the USCIS, the processing period for an OPT EAD card could last up to 30 days from the time of acceptance. Nevertheless, a majority of cards arrive within 7–10 days. An OPT application is expected to take 90–120 days in total.

How do I get a 3 year OPT in USA?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

Can my OPT be denied?

Both OPT and STEM OPT have requirements that if not met can result in a denial. For purposes of this article, the requirements will be put into one of the following categories: 1) timing, 2) clerical, and compliance. For the initial post-completion OPT, an F-1 student must file an I-765 with USCIS.

Can I work with OPT approval notice?

Basics: Once USCIS approves the OPT, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You cannot begin work until you have received the EAD. The EAD will explicitly state the dates you are authorized to work.

How do I check my OPT status?

USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (I-797C) with your OPT application case status number. You can track your case status at www.uscis.gov. Request a tracking number when you mail your OPT application to USCIS. Track the package delivery and save the delivery confirmation with a copy of your OPT application packet.

Can I work remotely on OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job that's related to their major. According to USCIS, you can use OPT for remote work for a non-US company, but you can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.

Can I apply for F-1 visa while on OPT?

Even during OPT or STEM OPT, your immigration status in the US is still F-1. Therefore, you can still apply for a new F-1 visa if you need to while travelling abroad. You can use the basic instructions to schedule a visa appointment you may already be familiar with, or use the detailed directions here.

Do I need sponsorship to work in the US if I have OPT?

While on OPT and STEM OPT, a student does not need sponsorship from the employer nor is any cost required by the employer.