OPT/STEM Application Pending Longer Than Normal Processing TimesThere are several types of problems that may occur during a student's OPT or OPT application:
See below for further information and instructions on how to deal with these issues.
OPT/STEM Application Pending Longer Than Normal Processing TimesPlease visit the USCIS Processing Times website for the most up-to-date processing times for OPT/STEM applications. If you have an OPT/STEM application that has been pending for longer than the normal processing time, please contact Berkeley International Office and submit a case inquiry on the USCIS website. Please note that there is no way to expedite an application.
At times, students may want to change certain information such as dates, address, etc. on their OPT/STEM application after they have submitted it to USCIS. Please note that a fter you have submitted your application to USCIS, no changes can be made except for address updates.
If you have previously filed an an application with USCIS (such as first applying for 12 month OPT, and you are now applying for the STEM Extension) and moved addresses in between applications, it is possible that you could face mailing issues. If you did not update your address with USCIS using the online AR-11 form prior to submitting your current USCIS application, it is likely that your receipt notice and EAD card will be mailed to the address that was listed in your previous USCIS application—even if you listed a new address in the STEM Extension I-765. While mailing issues may be unavoidable at this point, you can take the following steps to try to get it corrected:
Even after informing an adviser and submitting the AR-11 form, your address may not be updated in the system until after your STEM Extension application has been reviewed and approved, and it is very possible your EAD card could be delivered to your previous address. With this in mind, we encourage you to make some plans in case that this does happen:
Withdrawing your OPT application is complex and the fee is non-refundable. If your OPT has already been approved, it is not possible to withdraw it. Please contact a Berkeley International Office advisor if you are considering withdrawing your OPT application.
If you've received a Request for Evidence or Denial, please contact Berkeley International Office as soon as possible. These notices are time-sensitive.
Students who have filed for OPT/STEM OPT with USCIS but have never received or lost their I-797 Notice of Action can request a replacement copy.
You'll receive an electronic copy in your online USCIS account after e-filing. You should also receive a paper I-797 which USCIS mails out within 2 - 4 weeks after an applicant has submitted the OPT application to USCIS.
If you wish to request a replacement of the paper version, review the Replacement I-797C tutorial below for a complete overview of the process.
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is evidence that an individual is allowed to work in the United States for a specific time period. It is also physical evidence that a student’s OPT has been adjudicated and approved by USCIS.
If you’ve received an EAD Card but it contains incorrect information due to an USCIS error (e.g., typo in name or incorrect birthdate), you must return the original EAD card to get it corrected by USCIS. USCIS will issue a corrected EAD within 30 - 45 days of receiving the EAD that contains the error.
If you are not sure if the error is made by USCIS or you have questions, please contact us.
Instructions to have EAD corrected:
(1) BEFORE following the instructions below, be sure that 1) you have made a photocopy of the card, 2) you have already provided the card for your employment hiring process, SSN application, or driver's license renewal, and 3) you do not have any international travel plans in the next 1-2 months.
(3) Select "Typographic Error".
(4) Fill out and submit the "Typographic Error" e-form.
(5) You will receive an email with instructions. Follow the instructions to mail your EAD back to USCIS. If you have questions about the instructions, please contact BIO.
Please note: If USCIS determines that the card contains incorrect information that is NOT due to USCIS error, they will return the EAD Card. You will need to request a Replacement EAD and repay the USCIS I-765 filing fee.
If the case status on USCIS is showing that your EAD card was mailed, but you never received it, there is a possibility that it was undeliverable or lost by USPS.
Check the tracking number. If it shows “delivered,” contact USPS to see if they are able to locate the mail for you.
If USPS determines that they are not responsible for the loss of the EAD, you will have to file for a replacement Lost EAD Card and pay the USCIS I-765 filing fee.
Students who need a replacement EAD Card (e.g. the original EAD Card was lost, stolen, destroyed, or it included an error by the applicant) will need to file original OPT paperwork and repay the USCIS I-765 fee to the Service Center.
If it is a replacement request due to an error not by USCIS, the original EAD is required and you must submit the applicaiton by mail in order to return the incorrect EAD to USCIS.
BIO recommends filing the I-765 form and OPT/STEM OPT EAD applications online via e-filing. If you would like to e-file your replacement, See the USCIS e-filing website for more information. Refer to the OPT tutorial or STEM OPT tutorial for specific instructions on how to prepare documents for electronic filing or filing by mail.
If you choose to file by mail ( not recommended), make sure that you use a form of mailing with guaranteed delivery, tracking, and delivery confirmation.
Find the appropriate direct mailing address.
