If your OPT application has been pending for more than 80 days, the I-Center may be able to send an inquiry to Immigration service regarding your application status. 

Please submit to the I-Center the following information:

1. Copy of your Notice letter showing the "received date", and your WAC#

2.  A letter from your employer, showing the start date.

3.  A letter written by you to "whom it may concern" dated AND signed requesting an expedite because you fear forfeiting your job and/or loss of income... and hardship if you do not start to work in time...

The I-Center  will fax this information to the Immigration Service and request expedited service. Please note that there is no guarantee that they will approve it.

If the request to expedite is approved, we think that they will update this information on the web immediately, and you will be able to print out "proof" that your OPT was approved.  Generally speaking, once the OPT is approved, the EAD card will show up in 7-14 days (although the CSC states it could take longer, it usually arrives by the second week in most cases).  If you are able to print out information about your OPT approval, in some cases, the employer will allow you to begin employment, although you really should have the EAD before beginning employment.

At this time you need to wait for the OPT to be approved and the EAD to arrive.  You do not have the option of doing CPT since we feel this is facilitating employment.