An F-1 student applying for OPT is facing a serious problem due to an ongoing F-1 OPT delay. The OPT start date is only two days away. USCIS has not issued any update since the application was filed, leaving you uncertain and stressed.
F-1 OPT delay with no USCIS update
The student applied for OPT in October 2025. Nearly four months have passed without any response. As the deadline approaches, the silence from USCIS is causing anxiety and fear about losing lawful work authorisation.
Many students report similar OPT delays
Several F-1 students report facing the same F-1 OPT delay. Some say approvals appeared only hours before the start date. In these cases, the USCIS portal updated on the same day the OPT period was supposed to begin.
Others report receiving approval notices days after the deadline passed. The USCIS system can take days or even weeks to reflect the correct status. This uncertainty forces you to wait without clear guidance or timelines.
Expert advice as OPT start date nears
Experts advise you to inform your employer about the delay if a job offer is ready. Premium Processing is costly and only guarantees a decision within 30 days. It does not ensure immediate work authorisation.
Even with an upgrade, approval may not arrive before March. Such delays force you to use limited unemployment days while waiting. Without faster adjudication, F-1 OPT delay cases will continue affecting students nationwide.
