How long have you been waiting for OPT EAD card?

Your OPT application might take many months for USCIS to process. But if you’re willing to pay a lot more, you can speed up the process with Premium Processing. Check USCIS’s website for the latest processing times to know when your application might be finished. In the past, it took between 1 to 5 months for us to finish most of the work, and many things were done within 90 days.

• The first week: You can find your receipt notice online using your USCIS account. If there are any mistakes in your name, address, or application type on the notice, ask your DSO for help.
• Within 30-45 days: You’ll also get an I-797c receipt notice in the mail, confirming when your OPT application was received and providing your receipt number. Keep this notice safe, as it serves as your official proof of submission. You might require it for travel or other reasons.
• Around 1-3 months:
  You can expect to receive an I-797 Notice of Approval letter and an EAD card at your designated mailing address. If you’ve e-filed, you’ll also find the notice in your USCIS account. These items may arrive separately or together. Verify all details on your EAD card and share it with your DSO. You’re cleared to begin working on the specified start date. Should any errors be present on the EAD, reach out to your DSO adviser.  Check USCIS’s current OPT and STEM OPT processing times.(link is external) Select  Form: “I-765”Form Category: “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” Service Center: “Potomac Service Center”. 
• 2 Weeks after receiving EAD card: You can expect to receive your Social Security Card by mail if you have requested it.

Tracking Your OPT Application Status

If you choose to e-file, you’ll have the ability to monitor your Case Status through your USCIS account online. Keep in mind that your application is expected to remain in the received status throughout the processing period until it receives approval. Check USCIS’s current OPT and STEM OPT processing times.(link is external)  Choose the following options: Form: “I-765”, Form Category: “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]”, Service Center: “Potomac Service Center”.

Making changes to your OPT application after submission to USCIS

Typically, once your OPT application is lodged with USCIS, you’re unable to amend any details except for your mailing address. 

Can I work on or off campus while waiting for my EAD?

After you finish your degree, you can’t work anywhere until you have the work permit (EAD) and the day it says you can start working has arrived. It doesn’t matter if your application to work was approved earlier.

Can I start working without pay while waiting for my EAD?

Nope. Any paid job needs permission to work. You need to have the card and wait for the start date to actually begin working.

Traveling While Your OPT Application is Being Processed

Traveling while your OPT application is being processed is permissible but not advised due to potential risks involved. Visit our OPT Travel page to understand these risks and to find out about other travel requirements while your OPT application is pending.

Issues with Your OPT Application

Different kinds of problems might happen while you’re applying for OPT:

• Delayed processing
• Not receiving your I-797c Receipt Notice
• Not receiving your EAD/EAD (lost in the mail)
• Request for Evidence, Denial, or Rejection
• Lost EAD or Incorrect EAD information

Related Post: Questions for STEM OPT Extension