Adjudication and EAD Card

Once USCIS has completed their final review of your OPT application packet, they will issue a formal adjudication decision of approval or denial, step #4 in the above chart. Historically, 3 months is a common amount of time needed for USCIS to reach an OPT adjudication. Processing times can fluctuate wildly. Current I-765 processing times can be found on the USCIS website Links to an external site..

If your application is approved, you should receive an EAD card in the mail from USCIS. It is the EAD card which documents your OPT approval, helps prove your ongoing F-1 status, and allows you to begin OPT employment once you reach the “Valid From” date printed on the card.

In addition to the EAD card, you may or may not receive an I-797 Approval Notice in the mail. If you receive this document, keep it in your records, but remember it is the EAD card and not the I-797A Approval Notice that grants your work authorization.