Applied to OPT nearly 40 days ago, no progress in the USCIS status check. It might be soon to ask them about the progress, but I am wondering if this govt. shutdown is indirectly slowing USCIS progress? I am fully aware that USCIS webpage shows they are fully operational and unaffected by the shutdown. However, they clearly mention that application review process includes criminal background check and IRS reporting. Does this mean that its partially funtional?

65 days and I am still waiting http://www.trackitt.com/usa-immigration-trackers/i765

Government shutdown has minimal impact on USCIS because USCIS is self funded government agency but not IRS . So yes it is blocked mainly due to IRS but not by USCIS itself.

 I am on 65 days too. Driving license is gonna expire soon. Does any have idea that the valid visa (to 2015) and I-20 will be enough to renew the driving license?

 @Sajhamitra,

 @underline,

I dunno if this helps, but I sent the packages to USCIS on Oct 7 and  and surprisingly got the USCIS receipt on Oct 11. Looks like they are working. 

@parbatekanchhi,
You can pretty much get the receipt info pretty much quickly. Because that is entirely an USCIS work load. However, Approval of I-765 goes through rigorous FBI and IRS check (at least that is what USCIS claims). Process after receipt is what counts for us......and I have found that ridicuolousy slow since the shut down.
Let me know if your "initial review" status on uscis.gov goes faster.
Thanks for sharing.

 @underline,

They don't give you driving license without EAD card while in OPT as far i know in Texas, I was in the same boat before and had to wait for 3 months.

 I have a question up here too. Generally how long does it take to get approved for an OPT. Normally USCIS says before 90 days. But, does it really take 90 days?? or less than that. 

 I got my OPT card in 45 days. Second time (OPT 17 month extension) it took little longer (54 days).

@coolbuddy, apparently we have the same request date. :)
@sparty,  wow 45 days is good. Did you have a job offer when you applied for OPT? As in a start day mentioned in your I-20? I have a job offer and have mentioned a start day as December 23, and Im hoping that might help getting OPT approved by then. Any insights on this?

 @hereiam,

 @Parbatekanchhi,
Yes I had job offer, but I don't think you have to mention it. You do have to mention it while extending the OPT. My application was received on 11th october and got OPT card by 25th November. I had requested my OPT to start from Jan 1st though. 

@underline
I had a funny situation at DMV. I moved to another state for the job which was starting Jan 2nd. Because I graduated in December (Dec 16th was the last day of college) I arrived at new place two weeks before my job started. Thinking that I should get license from that state while I still have plenty of time, I arrived at the DMV sometime between Christmas and New Year. To my surprise the lady said "We have a situation here, your I-20 says your study ended Dec 16th and you haven't stated your job. So we have to call DHS, you status might be illegal now". 

 @Sparty

 Based on my prelim research..........texas USCIS center processess OPT paper ridiculously slow compared to Nebraska and other center............has this occured to anyone elase?

 mero 17 months extension ko OPT card 35 din ma aako thiyo. I guess it was from texas service centre. jaha samma DL ko kura cha malai chai mero I20 valid  bhainjel samma  DL deko thiyo hai..yo chai North Carolina ko kura ho aaru state ma k cha thaha vayana..

@Biren Nepali....let us know when you hear from USCIS.

@ Gurungbaje......how old is your story, I mean when did you receive your approval? Was it recently or months ago?

Thanks to you all for participating in this discussion.

 mero katha ali puranai ho brother like 1 year back..

Has anyone have update on OPT approval recently from TX center?