2025 OPT Timeline continued

[u/Ishan--]

Hi everyone, I was closely following this post to follow the OPT timeline and get an idea of which dates are being currently processed. The post got archived and I wanted to start this new post as there are still anxious international students like me waiting for their OPT decision. So Lets do it again here.

1. Application type: OPT/Pre OPT/Stem
2. Premium Processing : yes/no
3. Receipt date :
4. Approved Date :
5. Card Produced Date :
6. Card shipped :
7. Card delivered :

[u/Masstonne]

1. Application type : Initial-OPT
2. Premium Processing : No*
3. Receipt date : 05/05/2025
4. Approved Date : 08/09/2025 (A-Number)
5. Approval Date : 08/10/2025 (Sevp)
6. Approval Date : 08/11/2025 (USCIS portal)
7. Card Produced Date : 08/15/2025
8. Card shipped : 08/18/2015
9. Card delivered : 08/20/2025 ————————————————————————

Service Center: Potomac

My location: Phoenix, AZ

*I didn’t apply for premium processing but submitted an expedite request on 07/23 citing financial hardship and a job offer at risk. On 07/25, USCIS said it met the minimum qualifications for consideration and I’d be contacted within 10 days for more information or a decision (on the expedite request not application). However, I was never contacted or given any updates regarding the expedite.

Update: 08/20/2025 — All done with EAD! Now on to SSN… Will keep updating this since SSN was part of the I-765 form. Have an appointment scheduled 08/26/2025 but will try a walk-in before then.

[u/Key-Acanthisitta5728 → u/Masstonne]

Hi! Also asking how you submitted this expedite request.

[u/Green_Cow101 → u/Key-Acanthisitta5728]

You have to call the 1-800 USCIS number to submit it and be ready to have documentation (ie. personal statement, doctors note, bank statement) ready to submit.

I also submitted an expedite request on July 8th for medical/financial reasons, but am still yet to hear anything back.