OPT processing time and way to make it process faster

You can check your case status on USCIS homepage:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

Q1) When can I see my case status?

: You may be able to check your case status within 30 days after you have received your receipt number. In my case, it took almost 30 days to see my case status.


Q2) When can I receive the receipt number?

: You may receive it as soon as your case is filed through email if you submitted the Form G-1145. In my case, I had not received any e-notification although I submitted the Form G-1145. Instead, I received it through official mail. It took about 10 days.


Q3) How long does it take to go to the next step?

I cannot tell...My case was in Initial Review for a week, then certainly the status changed to the Post Decision Activity.

Following is the processing time for my case:

Oct. 10, 2012 : Requested new I-20 for OPT
Oct. 25, 2012 : Issued new I-20
Nov. 6, 2012 : Sent the application to Vermont office(Overnight Express mail)
Nov. 7, 2012 : Arrived at Vermont office
Nov. 21,2012 : Receive receipt number through official mail.
Dec. 1,2012 : Case status check was firstly available. "Initial Review"
Dec. 5,2012 : Case status changed. "Post Decision Activity"
Dec. 6,2012 : Case Status changed. "Card/Document Production"
Dec. 14,2012 : Received EAD card.


Q4) Will an expedited or an offer letter from a company make OPT process faster?

: Positive. In my case, I sent the offer letter from my current company with my application. I believe it helped me to get EAD card faster then other students(almost 40 days).

I did not send an expedited mail although I wrote it because my international adviser did not recommend me. She said the offer letter will be fine. But the expedited mail is not good idea since it might give USCIS people an idea that I have not enough money to study USA, which could be a reason to reject my case.


Following is an example of the expedited letter:
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From. NHK

Piedmont Drive, APT. 191B

Port Jefferson, NY, 11734

To. Immigration Officer

USCIS

Attn: AOS

2501 S. State Hwy. 121, Business Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067

Subject : Request to Expedite I-765 application based on financial loss

Dear Immigration Office,

Regarding the above-mentioned matter, I would request your attention. Due to the financial situation, I request USCIS to expedite my application.

I recently got a job offer from the company named XXXXXXX. I am hired as a full-time employee in the position of TD Test Development engineer. The company wants me to start my work on January 7, 2013 and I am expected to join the company’s training program on the beginning day. If my starting day is delayed, the company should execute this training program once again only for me. This is financial loss and waste of time for the company.

This is life-time opportunity for me. The company might not want to hire me anymore if my I-765 application is delayed. I will lose this great opportunity and be in serious financial problems. I cannot afford moving expense without being supported by the company. I am now really worried of daily expenses, medical insurance, food, paying off rent for 1 bedroom apartment.

Therefore, I would sincerely request you to expedite my I-765 application. In order to support this expedite request, I am sending the offer letter from Globalfoundries along with my I-765 application documents. Thanks again for your understanding in this matter.

If there are any questions or concerns, I can be reached at

E-mail: namxxxxxx@hotmail.com

Phone: 631-428-xxxx

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Namhee Kang

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