USCIS appears to be experiencing delays in processing employment-based applications. Unfortunately, the ISSC does not have the authority to expedite these requests. Your application is solely between you and USCIS. However, we are happy to provide the guidance below.

• If your Post-OPT has been approved and you have received your EAD card:
  • Upload a copy of your EAD card to the MyISSC eForm Portal so we can request SEVIS to update the status of your USCIS application.
• If your Post-OPT has been approved but you have not yet received your EAD card:
  • Please wait patiently until your card arrives.
• If your Post-OPT desired start date has passed and your application is still pending:
  • USCIS will adjust your start date to the date they approve your application. You will not know your official start date until your application is adjudicated. Your 90 days of unemployment will begin on the approved start date. Please remember you cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card.
• If your Post-OPT desired start date is in the future and your application is still pending:
  • If USCIS approves your application after your desired start date, your start date will be adjusted to the approval date.
  • If USCIS approves your application before your desired start date, your original start date will remain in effect.
  • As above, you cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card, and unemployment days begin on the approved start date.
• If your application is still pending after your 60-day grace period ends:
  • You may remain in the U.S. while your application is being processed. However, if your application is denied after this period, you must depart the U.S.
• If you receive a Request for Evidence, Rejection Notice, or Notice of Intent to Deny from USCIS:
  • Upload a copy of the I-797 notice to the Post-OPT/STEM USCIS Notice eForm. You do not need to email us separately after submitting the form.
• If you are considering Premium Processing:
  • While Premium Processing may speed up USCIS’s review of your application, it does not expedite the delivery of your EAD card. Carefully weigh the associated costs and processing timelines. If your application has already been pending for more than 90 days, Premium Processing may not be necessary—but the decision is yours.
• If your Post-OPT is approved but your EAD card arrives later:
  • You may accumulate unemployment days during the period between your approval and receipt of the EAD card, since you cannot report employment without the physical card. USCIS is aware of this issue but has not changed their policy.
• Once your Post-OPT is approved and you receive your EAD card:
  • Upload a copy of your EAD card to the MyISSC eForm Portal. If there are any errors on your card, please consult our EAD Card Issues webpage.

• You cannot begin employment until:
  • You receive your EAD card, and
  • The “valid from” date listed on your card has begun.
• Once you start working, report your employment through your SEVP Portal account.

Please know that while the ISSC will continue to support you as much as possible, we are limited in our ability to assist with USCIS processes, as we do not have access to their systems or communication channels.