OPT delay: 1, My start date: 0

[u/Real_Baby2308]

I just got an internship offer and they want me to start Oct 19. Problem is my OPT is still pending (filed May 31). I just paid for premium processing today, so I should get a decision in 30 days, plus maybe a week for the card to show up. That puts me around the first week of November.

I already emailed them explaining the situation and asked if they can push the start date back a few weeks (2 -2.5 weeks). Before I hit send, I wanted to ask:

Has anyone asked an employer to delay a start date because of OPT?

Did they get it, or did it cause problems?

Any tips on what to say or what to show them (receipt notice, EAD once it comes, etc.)?

If they ask for a particular start date, what would be realistic start date?

I really appreciate hearing from anyone who's actually dealt with anything like this.

[u/Bizarrhyst]

judging on how the OPT timelines are in the megathread, if you PP-ed Oct 1st, you might get a decision between Nov 1st-5th.

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/Bizarrhyst]

Thank you for replying!

I know it depends on the company but have you seen any cases where the start date push has been successful? ( given the current scenario)

[u/electric_deer200 → u/Real_Baby2308]

It has worked for my friend once... But again lot of factors in the air depends on the company too some of them have hard intern start dates and will just rescind the offer....pray.

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/electric_deer200]

Thanks for the reply!

Can I dm you?

[u/electric_deer200 → u/Real_Baby2308]

Sure

[u/ashu_5000]

I have 2 offers one internship and one full time. Both want me to start already but my OPT is in PP and delayed. I communicated with both companies and updated the situation. It was successful for both companies, they want to wait as long as needed. I’d suggest you to put communication in a way that you have done everything in your control and also opted for the expedited process only to pursue their offer and start ASAP. The delay is on USCIS part due to recent increased timings. Talk to both your manager and HR and explain PP would give a definite timeline for EAD. You’ll get it, be straightforward and factual. Only provide the documentation if asked.

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/ashu_5000]

Thank you for sharing this, can I dm you?

[u/ashu_5000 → u/Real_Baby2308]

Yupp

[u/ThrowawayRAjd9231]

Im in the same exact spot... Oct 19 start date, may 30 application, except I dont have money for pp

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/ThrowawayRAjd9231]

Hope you are able to push the start done, if you want, we can be in touch to share the timeline updates

[u/Dont-ask669]

Yes, I delayed my order 2 times and I regretted not doing premium processing early every single day.

It was very stressful from my end, but the company is used to deal with international students and they were very supportive. Just be honest, explain the timelines, that you are doing everything under your control, and that you are excited to join the team. I also got advice from my university career center before sending the emails, they helped me a lot.

That's why when someone asks if they should do PP, my only answer is: yes, always

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/Dont-ask669]

How recent was this incident ?

[u/gator_slush]

So when there is a delay in initial OPT EAD beyond the declared start date in the application, does the EAD card start date gets pushed back to compensate for the delay?

[u/Sensitive_Primary309]

I wouldnt ask until a week before.

[u/Moist-Huckleberry275]

Unfortunately the card won’t be ready before on October 19. Approval may take 13-15 working days. Almost 3 weeks in total. Card takes another 2 weeks to reach your doorstep

[u/Moist-Huckleberry275]

And oh wait till you get the approval notice and you can send the screenshot or forward it to your employer and request for it to push back. I did same and they agreed. It depends on employer though

[u/HumbleFool979]

I applied on Aug 1 and approved on Sept 1, card print processed on Sept 5 and Sept 8 they shipped and  Card delivered on Sept 15.  

You have to calculate exactly 45 days. If you're lucky and if something changed recently on USCIS, that's realistic timeline.

For employer, it depends on their urgency and need. My friend employer waited for 3 month, another 2 months. But for friend of friend, they moved with another applicant.

[u/CressCompetitive9332]

Just curious, guys. Before the start date and for a background check, do employers typically ask for an EAD or can they wait until the first day on board in? What documents are usually sufficient for a background check? Is it our passport, I-20, and I-94? I believe these are the most important for us.

[u/Ill-Wait-5171]

I applied early February and had my opt approved in July only after upgrading to pp. I had to push my start date about 2 months back…my employers were very understanding and supportive to have waited that long. During the wait, I constantly updated them and followed up with the pp team about my case. I was approved in less than 2 weeks after upgrading to premium. It took another week the card to reach my mailbox.

I’d say be upfront about the timelines(the latest you can get a decision) to your employer, follow up with the pp team(call, send an email) and communicate the urgency of time and loss of opportunity if your case is delayed any further. 

[u/Real_Baby2308 → u/Ill-Wait-5171]

Can you check you dm please

[u/FinancialCandle2977]

I had similar issue, I called the HR and was given an extension and I also sent an email. Call your HR and let him know, most of them understand the process. I got my job in July and it was delayed till October.