An F-1 student is dealing with a stressful situation. Your requested OPT start date is tomorrow, but USCIS has not approved your application yet. The delay puts your job plans on hold and creates uncertainty at the worst possible time.
Job offer stuck due to pending I-765
You already have a job offer, but your I-765 petition remains pending. This affects your I-9 employment eligibility and raises concerns about the 90-day unemployment limit that applies during OPT.
Similar delays affecting other students
You are not alone. Other F-1 students report similar delays from USCIS. One student is still waiting for a response on a STEM OPT extension, with no update for weeks.
Premium Processing not delivering results
Some students chose the costly Premium Processing option. Even after paying extra, USCIS has not responded for over 25 days. This has left students frustrated and unsure about next steps.
How USCIS handles delayed approvals
Experts explain that if USCIS approves your EAD after your requested OPT date, the start date shifts to the approval date. Your unemployment clock starts only from that new date.
Why you still cannot work
Even with approval, you cannot work without the physical EAD card. If shipping is delayed, your job start gets pushed further, which is a common issue with USCIS deliveries.
What you should do now
You should inform your employer about the delay immediately. Keep checking the USCIS portal for approval notices and updates, as status changes can happen without warning.
Concerns around forced Premium Processing
If delays continue, Premium Processing often works but comes at a high cost. You should not be forced to pay extra just to receive a timely decision on a valid application.
