You will be fine for 180 days after your current opt expiration since they have received your application......... take a chill pill and keep working..........

daka · Jun 22, 2010 9:47 PM

Thanks Daka for your input.   But still i would be relieved if i get it before my opt expires next month. Anyone on the same boat, please respond. Thanks   Sirus_me  

sirus_me · Jun 23, 2010 1:20 PM

My OPT has already expired and I am still working. You will be good for 180 days. My case also says initial review. It will take about 3 months to get the new EAD card after you receive your receipt. Dont worry you will be fine.

24_7 · Jun 23, 2010 2:06 PM

Thanks 24_7 for your honest input.Good luck to you for getting your OPT card ASAP. But you know if you have it early before it expires, you have a peace of MIND.   You know there is a proverb that "It is better to be safe than to be sorry" but again it's not in our hands :(...      

sirus_me · Jun 23, 2010 4:58 PM

I am exactly on the same boat as u Sirus. My application was received on 3rd of May and the status says initial review. I submitted my application overnight on April 15. My opt expires end of this month and i am really worried too even though I know I can work upto 180 days if you filed it on time!!!!! I am not sure why it took 18 freakin days for them to recieve my application.  @24-7 What do i do when my HR needs a valid work permit? I am sure they need some legal documents. I am worried if they dont wanna keep me any more. My company not doing very well and they might just need an excuse............................. Any suggestions please advice. Would really appreciate any input.

punk_biologist · Jun 23, 2010 7:22 PM

Punk_biologist, I feel you brother. I don't know why the U.S government fancies screwing the legal immigrants like us while tries to take the illegal immigrants as a IMMIGRATION REFORM. Honestly speaking, this all immigration reform is totally B.S. They're trying to take the votes from the democrats like Obama did.That's all. Anyway, As being in the same boat, the best advice i can give you is to try to check back with your International advisor to see why it's not arrived yet. I am planning to do so and might as well call the USCIS to see why it has been so delayed. This new status thing is totally confusing because before atleast we used to see if it went to production and stuff like that. Oh well what can we do? Just keep waiting right. Nevertheless, good luck again and anyone on the same boat response would be highly appreciated. Laterz Sirus_Me

sirus_me · Jun 24, 2010 12:28 AM

Don't worry brother. It will be fine. It takes about 3 month after they received the application. And, you can not be illegal as long as your application is in process.

lightcz · Jun 24, 2010 5:03 AM

Dawg i am in the same situation.I applied for the extended opt. When I check online, it always shows Initial Review. I heard that after 180 days, they are rejecting the case making us out of status and compelling us to return home. Sad news. !

atiranjeet · Jun 24, 2010 12:03 PM

I think the processing time depends on service center. My card was arrived on 27 days  a year back.........good lcuk to you all

daka · Jun 24, 2010 12:22 PM

@Lightcz: Thanks buddy. I'm not that worried but getting before hand would make me more happier :)   @Atiranjeet:  First of all, thanks a lot for your input.Yeah i hate this new way of knowing the case status, Before it used to be seperate for OPT status check but now since they merge with GC, it's been really hard to track it down.Now about that 90 days thing, you're trying to scare me man.   @daka: Hmm, you're saying 27 days after you filed an application or 27 after the opt was expired. Nevertheless, thanks for your input...

sirus_me · Jun 24, 2010 2:56 PM

27 days after they received my application..............

daka · Jun 24, 2010 5:09 PM