OPT delays and RFEs in 2025: what to do when your start date is near

Every year, thousands of international students plan their first full-time role in the United States through Optional Practical Training (OPT). And every year, some of them face unexpected delays: long USCIS processing times, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that arrive frustratingly close to, or even after, their planned start date.

In 2025, these issues still remain common. It is normal to feel anxious when your career plans depend on a government timeline you cannot control. But you can still take practical steps to protect your status, communicate clearly with employers and avoid unnecessary disruption.

This guide explains what delays really mean, how to respond to RFEs, what to do when your start date is approaching quickly, and how to keep your job offer as secure as possible.

Why OPT delays happen in 2025

USCIS processing times change throughout the year. During peak periods, especially in spring and early summer, application volumes rise quickly.

In 2025, several factors contribute to longer waits:

• Higher international student enrolment in STEM and professional programmes

• More applications for STEM OPT extensions

• Increased change-of-status requests after graduation

• Periodic USCIS staffing constraints

• Backlogs carried over from previous years

These delays are usually systemic. They are not a reflection of your individual application quality. Knowing that can help you manage expectations and focus on what you can control.

How long OPT approval usually takes

Exact timelines shift, but typically:

• Regular processing can take several months

• Premium processing can speed up decisions, but still depends on complete and accurate documentation

• Applications filed earlier in the filing window often move more smoothly

Even when timings are unpredictable, the structure of the OPT process stays the same. That consistency means you can plan ahead and reduce your risk.

What to do when your OPT is delayed

When delays happen, it is easy to panic. Instead, work through these steps.

1. Check your case status regularly

Use the USCIS online case status tool for the most up-to-date information. Watch for messages like:

• “Case received”

• “Fingerprint fee waived”

• “Case approved”

• “Card being produced”

If your case shows no movement for a long period and appears outside normal processing times, speak to your DSO about raising a service request or, in some cases, contacting USCIS directly.

2. Speak to your DSO early

Your Designated School Official is your first line of support. They can:

• Confirm that your OPT recommendation was issued correctly

• Compare your case against current processing norms

• Advise whether a USCIS enquiry is appropriate

• Issue updated I-20s for employer communication or travel planning

Do not wait until the last minute. Involve your DSO as soon as you sense there may be a delay.

3. Tell your employer if your start date is getting close

Employers who regularly hire international graduates usually understand OPT timelines. A short, clear update helps set expectations:

• You can only begin working once you have your EAD in hand

• Start dates might need to shift slightly

• Delays are common and often outside your control

Most employers value early communication. It shows professionalism and helps them plan work and onboarding.

4. Avoid unauthorised work at all costs

Working without your EAD, or outside the dates printed on it, is a serious violation of F-1 status. This includes:

• Paid work

• “Trial days”

• Informal “shadowing” that looks like productive work

You should only start once:

• Your OPT has been approved

• You have the physical EAD card

• The authorised start date has begun

Protecting your record now also protects future applications such as STEM OPT or H-1B.

5. Consider premium processing if time is tight

Premium processing can significantly reduce the adjudication time for some OPT and STEM OPT applications. It does not fix mistakes or guarantee approval, but it does get you a faster decision.

If:

• Your start date is soon

• Your employer has limited flexibility

• You cannot risk waiting many more weeks

then upgrading to premium processing may be worth discussing with your DSO and, if needed, your employer.

RFEs in 2025: why they happen and how to handle them

A Request for Evidence (RFE) is not a denial. It is USCIS asking for more information before making a decision.

Common reasons for RFEs include:

• Missing or incorrect signatures

• Wrong or non-compliant photographs

• Incomplete sections of Form I-765

• Mismatched I-20 details and school records

• Questions about full-time enrolment

• For STEM OPT: unclear links between the job and the STEM degree, or an incomplete Form I-983

RFEs can feel intimidating, but they are manageable when you respond methodically.

How to respond well to an RFE

1. Read the RFE slowly and carefully
   Note exactly what USCIS is asking for. Do not send unrelated documents.

2. Work closely with your DSO
   They can help you update I-20s, clarify academic details and prepare any required school letters.

3. Meet the deadline
   Late responses are usually treated as a failure to respond and can lead to denial.

4. Keep copies of everything
   Save the RFE itself and all response documents. These records can help with future applications.

5. Stay calm
   RFEs are common, particularly for STEM OPT. Many students respond accurately and are approved.

What to do if your start date is very close

If your intended start date is only days or weeks away, focus on clear communication and risk management.

1. Ask your employer for flexibility

Explain that:

• You cannot legally start until your EAD arrives

• The start date is tied to USCIS processing, not your readiness

• A short delay is normal for many international hires

Most employers will adjust your start date rather than cancel the offer, especially if you update them early.

2. Avoid international travel unless essential

Travelling while OPT is pending can:

• Complicate re-entry

• Lead to additional questions at the border

• Create extra stress around your start date

Unless travel is absolutely necessary and your DSO confirms it is safe, remaining in the US is usually the safer choice.

3. Track your unemployment days carefully

Once your OPT start date has passed, you can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment. If:

• Your EAD arrives late

• You struggle to secure a role within that window

then contact your DSO immediately to discuss your options and next steps.

4. Be fully ready for Day 1

When your EAD arrives and your authorised start date begins, you want to start work smoothly. Keep the following ready:

• EAD card

• Updated I-20

• Passport and valid F-1 visa (for I-9 verification if needed)

• I-94 record

• Any onboarding paperwork from your employer

Preparation reduces avoidable delays once you have authorisation.

How STEM OPT applicants can reduce delays

If you plan to extend your time in the US through the 24-month STEM OPT extension, strong preparation now can save time later. To reduce RFE risk for STEM:

• Confirm your employer is enrolled in E-Verify

• Complete Form I-983 carefully with your employer

• Make sure job duties clearly connect to your STEM degree

• Keep job titles consistent across your offer letter, HR records and immigration forms

Many STEM RFEs relate to training plans and job alignment rather than the student’s qualifications.

How Prodigy Finance supports students navigating OPT and US timelines

Managing coursework, graduation, OPT applications and job searches all at once can feel overwhelming. Securing your study funding early can relieve some of that pressure and help you focus on your academics and immigration timelines.

Prodigy Finance supports students from 120+ countries with postgraduate loans that require no collateral and no co-signer. We send funds directly when we send the funds to your school, and repayments begin after your grace period. This structure can give you breathing space as you transition into your OPT role and first full-time position.

If you are planning your OPT journey or preparing to graduate soon, checking your loan eligibility* in advance can make the financial side of your plans much simpler.

Conclusion: delays do not define your OPT journey

OPT delays and RFEs are stressful, especially when your job start date is approaching. But they are also very common and often unrelated to anything you did wrong.

What matters most is how you respond:

• Check your case status regularly

• Keep your DSO informed

• Communicate early with your employer

• Never work without your EAD and valid dates

• Stay organised with documents and deadlines

With clear information and proactive steps, you can navigate delays more confidently and begin your post-study career on solid ground.

Ready to plan your next step?

If you are preparing for graduation or mapping out your OPT timeline, you can check your eligibility for a Prodigy Finance loan* in minutes.

*Loan and promotion offers are subject to our eligibility, funding, and credit assessment criteria.

*Loan amounts are subject to the cost of attendance limits set by schools.

*6 month repayment grace period after graduation is only applicable to full-time students. For part-time students, repayment starts 3 months after loan disbursement.

*The purpose of this guide is to provide prospective students with a general overview of the international student visa process and should not be regarded as legal or immigration advice, or as a substitute for official guidance from government authorities, embassies, or consular offices. While we’ve taken care to compile accurate and up-to-date information, Prodigy Finance Limited does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, omissions, or outdated details. We strongly encourage all prospective students and readers to consult the official government websites and immigration authorities relevant to their study destination for the most accurate and current information. Prodigy Finance Limited is not authorised to provide immigration services and cannot offer personalised visa advice or assistance.