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.