Ultimate Guide to Checking OPT Application Status

How to check OPT application status refers to the process of tracking the progress of an Optional Practical Training (OPT) application submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT is a temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 visa holders to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their academic studies.

Checking the status of an OPT application is important because it allows applicants to stay informed about the progress of their application and to plan accordingly. The USCIS provides several ways to check OPT application status, including online, by phone, or by mail.

To check OPT application status online, applicants can visit the USCIS website and create an account. Once an account is created, applicants can log in and view the status of their application. Applicants can also check their OPT application status by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Finally, applicants can also check their OPT application status by mailing a request to the USCIS.

1. USCIS website

The USCIS website provides a convenient and secure way for OPT applicants to check the status of their application online. This is particularly useful for applicants who want to stay informed about the progress of their application without having to call or mail the USCIS. To check their OPT application status online, applicants will need to create an account on the USCIS website and provide their application receipt number.

• Convenience: Applicants can check their OPT application status from anywhere with an internet connection, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Real-time updates: The USCIS website provides real-time updates on the status of OPT applications. This means that applicants can always be sure that they have the most up-to-date information on their application.
• Secure: The USCIS website is a secure platform that protects the privacy of OPT applicants. Applicants can be confident that their personal information will be kept safe and secure.

Overall, checking OPT application status online through the USCIS website is a convenient, efficient, and secure way for applicants to stay informed about the progress of their application.

2. USCIS Contact Center

The USCIS Contact Center is a valuable resource for OPT applicants who need assistance with their application or who have questions about the status of their application. The Contact Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-375-5283.

• Convenience: The USCIS Contact Center is available to answer questions and provide information about OPT applications Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm Central Time.
• Expertise: The Contact Center staff is knowledgeable about OPT applications and can provide guidance on a variety of topics, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and processing times.
• Personalized assistance: The Contact Center staff can provide personalized assistance to OPT applicants, taking the time to understand their individual circumstances and answer their specific questions.
• Language assistance: The Contact Center staff can provide assistance in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

Overall, the USCIS Contact Center is a valuable resource for OPT applicants who need assistance with their application or who have questions about the status of their application. The Contact Center staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and can provide personalized assistance in multiple languages.

3. USCIS mail

Mailing a request to the USCIS is one of the available methods to check the status of an OPT application. While it may not be as convenient as checking online or calling the USCIS Contact Center, it can still be a viable option for applicants who do not have access to the internet or who prefer to communicate with the USCIS in writing.

To check OPT application status by mail, applicants must send a written request to the USCIS. The request should include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and alien registration number (A-number). Applicants should also include a copy of their OPT application receipt notice.

The USCIS will process the request and send a response by mail. The response will include the status of the OPT application, as well as any other relevant information.

It is important to note that mailing a request to the USCIS may take longer than checking online or calling the USCIS Contact Center. Applicants should allow several weeks for the USCIS to process the request and send a response.

Overall, mailing a request to the USCIS is a reliable method to check OPT application status. While it may not be as convenient as other methods, it can be a viable option for applicants who do not have access to the internet or who prefer to communicate with the USCIS in writing.

4. Application receipt number

The application receipt number is a unique identifier assigned to each OPT application submitted to the USCIS. It is a crucial piece of information that allows applicants to track the status of their application online, by phone, or by mail. Without the application receipt number, applicants will not be able to check the status of their application.

There are several reasons why the application receipt number is so important. First, it allows applicants to track the progress of their application. By checking the status of their application online, applicants can see if their application has been received, if it is being processed, or if it has been approved or denied. This information can help applicants plan accordingly and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Second, the application receipt number is used to identify an application if there are any problems or questions. If the USCIS needs to contact an applicant about their application, they will use the application receipt number to identify the application in question. Applicants should keep their application receipt number in a safe place and have it readily available when checking the status of their application or communicating with the USCIS.

Overall, the application receipt number is a vital piece of information for OPT applicants. It allows applicants to track the status of their application, identify their application if there are any problems or questions, and make informed decisions about their next steps.

5. Timeline

The timeline for OPT applications can vary depending on a number of factors, including the USCIS workload, the complexity of the application, and the applicant’s individual circumstances. However, it is important for applicants to be aware that OPT applications can take several months to be processed.

Checking the application status regularly is essential for staying informed about the progress of the application. By checking the status regularly, applicants can avoid any surprises or delays. Applicants can check their application status online, by phone, or by mail.

For example, an applicant who is planning to start working on their OPT start date should check their application status regularly to ensure that their application has been approved. If the application has not been approved by the start date, the applicant may need to request an extension of their OPT start date.

Checking the application status regularly can also help applicants to identify any potential problems with their application. For example, if an applicant’s application has been denied, they can check the status to see the reason for the denial. This information can help the applicant to address the problem and reapply for OPT.

Overall, it is important for OPT applicants to be aware of the timeline for OPT applications and to check their application status regularly. By doing so, applicants can stay informed about the progress of their application and avoid any surprises or delays.

FAQs on How to Check OPT Application Status

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to check OPT application status:

Question 1: How can I check the status of my OPT application?

There are three ways to check the status of your OPT application: online, by phone, or by mail.

Question 2: What information do I need to provide when checking my OPT application status?

You will need to provide your application receipt number when checking your OPT application status.

Question 3: How long does it take to process an OPT application?

The processing time for OPT applications varies, but it can take several months.

Question 4: What should I do if my OPT application is denied?

If your OPT application is denied, you should contact the USCIS to find out the reason for the denial. You may also want to consider reapplying for OPT.

Question 5: Can I check the status of my OPT application online?

Yes, you can check the status of your OPT application online through the USCIS website.

Question 6: What should I do if I have not received a decision on my OPT application after several months?

If you have not received a decision on your OPT application after several months, you should contact the USCIS to inquire about the status of your application.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about how to check OPT application status. For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

Checking your OPT application status is an important step in the process of obtaining OPT. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily and efficiently check the status of your application.

Tips on How to Check OPT Application Status

Checking the status of your OPT application is an important step in the OPT process. By following these tips, you can easily and efficiently check the status of your application:

Tip 1: Create a USCIS online account

Creating a USCIS online account will allow you to check the status of your OPT application online. To create an account, you will need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and date of birth. Once you have created an account, you can log in and view the status of your application.

Tip 2: Call the USCIS Contact Center

You can also check the status of your OPT application by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The Contact Center is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 8:00pm Central Time. When you call, you will need to provide your application receipt number.

Tip 3: Mail a request to the USCIS

You can also check the status of your OPT application by mailing a request to the USCIS. To do this, you will need to send a written request to the following address:

USCISP.O. Box 21262Phoenix, AZ 85036

In your request, you must include your full name, date of birth, and alien registration number (A-number). You should also include a copy of your OPT application receipt notice.

Tip 4: Check your application status regularly

It is important to check the status of your OPT application regularly. This will help you to stay informed about the progress of your application and to avoid any surprises.

Tip 5: Contact the USCIS if you have not received a decision after several months

If you have not received a decision on your OPT application after several months, you should contact the USCIS. You can do this by calling the USCIS Contact Center or by mailing a request to the USCIS.

By following these tips, you can easily and efficiently check the status of your OPT application.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits

• Creating a USCIS online account is the most convenient way to check the status of your OPT application.
• You can also check the status of your OPT application by calling the USCIS Contact Center or by mailing a request to the USCIS.
• It is important to check the status of your OPT application regularly.
• If you have not received a decision on your OPT application after several months, you should contact the USCIS.

Transition to the article’s conclusion

Checking the status of your OPT application is an important step in the OPT process. By following the tips outlined above, you can easily and efficiently check the status of your application.

Concluding Remarks

Checking the status of your OPT application is a crucial step in the OPT process. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of how to check OPT application status, including tips and frequently asked questions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily and efficiently track the progress of your application.

It is important to remember that the OPT application process can take several months. Therefore, it is essential to check the status of your application regularly to stay informed about its progress. If you have any questions or concerns about your OPT application, please do not hesitate to contact the USCIS.