OPT background check

[kaine24 0]

Hello

I recently sent in my paperwork for OPT. I wanted to start my OPT early June 2014. I received notice that they received my case March 5th 2014. I keep on checking on my case status and it is still in the background check stage. I am wondering how long this stage takes? I know I should not be worried about anything because I have been following every F1 visa student rule since I have been in the U.S. One thing I am thinking about that might be held against me is I do not have a credit history and here, no credit=bad credit. In other words I am not in debt, I pay for everything with what I have not with credit cards. I personally do not believe in the credit card concept here (why people are in so much debt) so I am not sure why this would be held against me (if it is). It also says they might call me for an interview appointment at one of their centers. I do not have a problem with this I just did not think this was a requirement. I guess my worry is that I will not have my OPT card by the time my start date comes then I will be losing some days for OPT. Does anyone have some advice for me? Thank you.

[Pickle 65]

Hello

I recently sent in my paperwork for OPT. I wanted to start my OPT early June 2014. I received notice that they received my case March 5th 2014. I keep on checking on my case status and it is still in the background check stage. I am wondering how long this stage takes? I know I should not be worried about anything because I have been following every F1 visa student rule since I have been in the U.S. One thing I am thinking about that might be held against me is I do not have a credit history and here, no credit=bad credit. In other words I am not in debt, I pay for everything with what I have not with credit cards. I personally do not believe in the credit card concept here (why people are in so much debt) so I am not sure why this would be held against me (if it is). It also says they might call me for an interview appointment at one of their centers. I do not have a problem with this I just did not think this was a requirement. I guess my worry is that I will not have my OPT card by the time my start date comes then I will be losing some days for OPT. Does anyone have some advice for me? Thank you.

What exactly do you mean by "background check" stage? I assume you are talking about the "Initial review" stage? Mine stayed in that stage for 69 days, and went straight to "Card production." Could be more, could be less. Each case is different. It also depends on the service center you sent your documents to, and if they will be requesting further documents from you. There is really no advice I can give you except that now all you can do is wait. And wait. Good luck!

Edited March 25, 2014 by Pickle

[kaine24 0]

On the USCIS website, it's under the "initial review" where they do a background check.

[Pickle 65]

On the USCIS website, it's under the "initial review" where they do a background check.

Okay, that's what I thought. Sorry I did this a few months ago, so was not sure. If you look at the average time for OPT approvals, I would say you have a pretty good chance starting in June. But like I said, it really depends on your individual case. I found this OPT tracker useful: http://www.trackitt.com/usa-immigration-trackers/opt. Even though you should not be comparing your case to other's, it is nice to have a little "support system" while waiting!

[kaine24 0]

Thank you.