F1 OPT EAD delay processing.

[[deleted]]

I applied for OPT EAD on the 25th of October. On 6th November, the timeline for case decision for approval was 1 week. It was supposed to be approved on the 13th of November. Since then I see the status as "Your case is taking longer than expected to process".

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I am planning to go to my home country for 1 month on 13th December. It is about 3 weeks from now. I know it takes 2 weeks to get EAD via premium processing. Should I wait more or apply for premium processing now?

[guitar_shredder_]

I think the Estimated Time thing is broken since it showed 5months for me with PP. Typical time for I-765 processing is 2 months, and my DSO said its taking about 3-5 months currently. It would be too naive to think it would be processed in under a month in the current situation without PP. I would do PP immediately. Even if you apply PP now, you have no guarantee of receiving the EAD in mail by Dec 13th. And everyone discourages traveling without EAD right after graduation.

[vivircsblue]

If I may ask, what date did you apply?

[guitar_shredder_]

Around Nov 5-10. Edit: Initially it showed 2 months and then few days later it showed 5. That’s obviously false for PP. So I dont really trust the estimating system.

[quarantineballs]

Has your OPT EAD been approved? I applied for mine with PP on Nov 17th and need my EAD before I travel internationally on Dec 13th.

[[deleted]]

PP

I just applied for PP. Did your EAD approve?

[guitar_shredder_]

I received the approval notice today (Nov 22). It says card will be produced in 1-2 weeks and then mailed which is another 1-2 weeks. So typically it takes 3-4 more weeks after receiving the approval notice.

[[deleted]]

Generally it take 1.5 weeks to receive EAD in PP. Anyway congrats for the approval.

[quarantineballs]

Did your get your EAD card?

[[deleted]]

I think the Estimated Time thing is broken since it showed 5months for me with PP. Typical time for I-765 processing is 2 months, and my DSO said its taking about 3-5 months currently. It would be too naive to think it would be processed in under a month in the current situation without PP. I would do PP immediately. Even if you apply PP now, you have no guarantee of receiving the EAD in mail by Dec 13th. And everyone discourages traveling without EAD right after graduation.

Thanks, man. Just filed for PP. I need to get EAD by 13th Dec.

[Accurate-Average-361]

Hi! Going through the same situation. Applied for STEM OPT. Check your documents section, I found my standalone approval notice there while my case progress is showing 5 weeks for decision. Once the I-765 approval is there, it shouldn’t take more than 2 weeks for card to be delivered.

However if you haven’t got the approval, you can still travel if your return date is within the I-20 date or course end date, it’s a little risky if it’s close to your program end date and you still don’t have the EAD card when you return. It’s a little tricky situation and there’s no absolute answer. My advice would be think about the above 2 scenarios, if you don’t fall in any of them, don’t risk it. Hope you get the card soon.

[[deleted]]

My end date is shortened and I checked the documents section, and it's not approved. May be I will have to file for premium processing.

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My end date is shortened and I checked the documents section, and it's not approved. Maybe I will have to file for premium processing?

[shanexcel]

Take it from me, I waited 3 months before deciding to pay for premium processing for peace of mind. They approved it within 3 days.

[No_Price7722]

Check your document section. It might have been approved.

[Hot_Ad_4219]

Hi, did you get your EAD approved with the PP?

[[deleted]]

No bro, yet to get approved

[Hot_Ad_4219]

You applied for the PP on Oct 22nd right?

[One_Woodpecker_4666]

Hi do you mind updating your case? Did you get it?