Since excessive contact with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can actually slow down your Optional Practical Training (OPT) application processing time, it is important that you follow these guidelines when your OPT case is still pending.
OPT APPLICATION (I-765) PENDING LESS THAN 75 DAYS
It is within the normal processing period. You should not do anything!
OPT APPLICATION (I-765) PENDING 75-PLUS DAYS WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN STATUS
You may contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1.800.375.5283 to request that your case be elevated. This inquiry may help expedite the I-765 adjudication process, but it is not guaranteed.
For more information about submitting a request when an I-765 has been pending for more than 75 days, please visit the USCIS Tip Sheet.
OPT APPLICATION (I-765) PENDING 90-PLUS DAYS
You may submit an e-Request Case Inquiry to USCIS.
Do not contact USCIS multiple times as it will slow down the process. You should choose to either call National Customer Service Center (NCSC) or submit an e-Request, but not both!
OPT APPLICATION (I-765) PENDING 90-PLUS DAYS WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN STATUS 14 DAYS AFTER YOU HAVE INQUIRED
You may contact the Office of Global Services with your USCIS receipt number and information about what you have done to reach out to USCIS already—including copies of any emails you have received from USCIS—so that OGS can look into your case.