Does any one have idea how long it will take to get OPT approval? I am planning to apply in the second week of May and My job starts from the first of August. Should I be worried not to get the approval on time? Please share your experience.

Thanks in advance

I know someone whose came within 2 weeks. Mine took about 3. Generally, 4-6 weeks (to be safe).

Thank you Danger!

I don't know how long it takes these days. When i applied few years back, it took me almost 4 months (I think it is much faster these days). I would recommend to apply at least 90 days before your planned starting day of work. Back then, if it had passed 90 days from your application date, you could even walk to the nearest INS local office and they used to issue one right a way. Also, what my International student advisor used to tell me that INS must recieve your application prior to your last day at school if your are planning to graduate.

Good luck.

Thank you MT, I talked to one of International Advisors, he told me that a window of 2 months should be ok, but just wanted to know the experience of other people, who have gone through this process.

well, after my application was sent out it took almost a month to get mine but in order to get the application ready to be sent out, they require a lot of different academic documents so that might take extra amount of time so make sure you have enough time. If you have all the docs ready on time then you'll be fine to go.

It took exactly 2 months for me.

nice & naughty

are you sure that you have to send 'a lot of different academic documents '? ...i send my application online, and i got called in for biometrics exam (finerprints and picture taken)...they told me there that i should be getting my OPT card within 60-90 days ....i haven't done anything else, and neither have i got any information to send more documnets

was i miss informed ?

when i had applied, they required copy of passport, copy of I-94, graduation letter, bank statement, finger prints, 2 copies of passport size photos and..............am i missing anything, ummmmmmmmmmmmm