OPT Approval During Government Shutdown
Applied to OPT nearly 40 days ago, no progress in the USCIS status check. It might be soon to ask them about the progress, but I am wondering if this govt. shutdown is indirectly slowing USCIS progress? I am fully aware that USCIS webpage shows they are fully operational and unaffected by the shutdown. However, they clearly mention that application review process includes criminal background check and IRS reporting. Does this mean that its partially funtional?
Have you heard of any body whose OPT has been recently approved (this October)?
Expecting to have your viewpoint and experience shared. This could help me plan my future strategies.
Last edited: 14-Oct-13 11:50 AM
@Sajhamitra,
As I had already mentioned that USCIS is self funded entity unlike FBI or IRS, but trying to find a rationale if shut down of later govt office would or would not delay USCIS process time?
snapshot:4:
Thanks for your input.......its scary not to receive OPT approval for so long!! Also, its frustrating we can do nothing but to wait patiently.
Last edited: 14-Oct-13 01:26 PM
@underline,
Talk to your international office or advisor. With valid I-20 you should be able to renew your driving license........I have seen many friends of mine have done it in the past.
I dunno if this helps, but I sent the packages to USCIS on Oct 7 and and surprisingly got the USCIS receipt on Oct 11. Looks like they are working.
@parbatekanchhi,
You can pretty much get the receipt info pretty much quickly. Because that is entirely an USCIS work load. However, Approval of I-765 goes through rigorous FBI and IRS check (at least that is what USCIS claims). Process after receipt is what counts for us......and I have found that ridicuolousy slow since the shut down.
Let me know if your "initial review" status on uscis.gov goes faster.
Thanks for sharing.
@underline,
They don't give you driving license without EAD card while in OPT as far i know in Texas, I was in the same boat before and had to wait for 3 months.
I have a question up here too. Generally how long does it take to get approved for an OPT. Normally USCIS says before 90 days. But, does it really take 90 days?? or less than that.
I applied for an OPT on Oct 10 and asked a request date of dec 23rd. Do ya all think, I will be receiving OPT by that time!!!
I got my OPT card in 45 days. Second time (OPT 17 month extension) it took little longer (54 days).
@coolbuddy, apparently we have the same request date. :)
@sparty, wow 45 days is good. Did you have a job offer when you applied for OPT? As in a start day mentioned in your I-20? I have a job offer and have mentioned a start day as December 23, and Im hoping that might help getting OPT approved by then. Any insights on this?
@hereiam,
Yes you are absolutely right, I went to DPS office and they said they can't do anything without the EAD card.
You said you waited 3 months for EAD card of to renew license? What will happen after expiration of license in Texas? Do I start from the bottom? I mean do I need to take an exam after that a Road test too? Can you please share it?
Yo License pauna ni Green Card paye bhanda garo huni bho.
THank you
@Parbatekanchhi,
Yes I had job offer, but I don't think you have to mention it. You do have to mention it while extending the OPT. My application was received on 11th october and got OPT card by 25th November. I had requested my OPT to start from Jan 1st though.
@underline
I had a funny situation at DMV. I moved to another state for the job which was starting Jan 2nd. Because I graduated in December (Dec 16th was the last day of college) I arrived at new place two weeks before my job started. Thinking that I should get license from that state while I still have plenty of time, I arrived at the DMV sometime between Christmas and New Year. To my surprise the lady said "We have a situation here, your I-20 says your study ended Dec 16th and you haven't stated your job. So we have to call DHS, you status might be illegal now".
@Sparty
Thanks for sharing your views. 45-85 day is common timeframe in processing OPT application before this govt turmoil.
Particular to my interest, I was more concerned whether or not this govt halt could apparantly delay the OPT processing to those applying between Sept-Oct of this year?
Based on the
trakkit link, it seems common processing time would be anywhere between 65-85 days.
Last edited: 15-Oct-13 01:52 PM
Based on my prelim research..........texas USCIS center processess OPT paper ridiculously slow compared to Nebraska and other center............has this occured to anyone elase?
mero 17 months extension ko OPT card 35 din ma aako thiyo. I guess it was from texas service centre. jaha samma DL ko kura cha malai chai mero I20 valid bhainjel samma DL deko thiyo hai..yo chai North Carolina ko kura ho aaru state ma k cha thaha vayana..
@Biren Nepali....let us know when you hear from USCIS.
@ Gurungbaje......how old is your story, I mean when did you receive your approval? Was it recently or months ago?
Thanks to you all for participating in this discussion.
mero katha ali puranai ho brother like 1 year back..
Has anyone have update on OPT approval recently from TX center?
Finally...but I used blue ink for signature. I have to send them back my signature in black ink and I will get mine in about 75 days total.
@Balatkaari*****,
Congrats,
Did you apply with job offer or normally. Can you be more specific on the dates (applied----REF received-----approval).
Thanks
@balatkari_gunday :
You can't use blue ink or what. I used blue ink on my i-765 form. I asked with my DSO and they said that, dark blue ink will just be fine.
What's your experience on that!!!!
I got my OPT approved after 70 days now. However, it is still not mailed to me.
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