F-1 Crisis: OPT Approved, But No Card for 5 Months

An F-1 student on STEM OPT faces a serious crisis as their 180 day work extension has ended without the arrival of their Employment Authorisation Document card. The extension was approved five months ago, yet the delay has left them unable to continue work.

USCIS Delay and Case Status Issues

The USCIS approved the extension months earlier but has still not delivered the card. The applicant saw a case status update only last month. This slow progress has placed them in a difficult situation with no clarity on the next step.

Non Delivery Request Complications

The applicant filed a non delivery request in October. They were told to wait for a response. Filing a fresh inquiry now will cancel the existing one and add a further delay of 30 to 60 days, making the situation even more stressful.

Employer Restrictions and Work Halt

The applicant is worried because their employer’s immigration office has confirmed they cannot work beyond the 180 day grace period without the physical card. Even with approval granted, the rules require the actual card before they resume work.

STEM OPT Rules and Deadlines

The applicant now faces the 6 month validation report deadline, which arrives soon after initial OPT ends. Experts stressed that they must not miss this deadline. Any delay can place their legal status at risk.

Impact on Skilled Workers

Without the card, the student is now on unpaid leave until USCIS delivers it. Such delays stop skilled workers from working legally in the US and show how processing gaps directly affect careers and stability.