Streamlining International Student Enrollment with OPT Trackers

Max Troy
OPT Trackers: Simplifying the International Student Enrollment Process

OPT Trackers: Simplifying the International Student Enrollment Process

If you’re an international student studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, then you’ve likely heard of Optional Practical Training (OPT). In a nutshell, it’s an opportunity for students to stay and work in this country for up to 12 months in an area closely related to their academic program—or 24 months if they choose to use the STEM extension.

Any process dealing with the issuance of a visa can be pretty complex, and sometimes tracking down the status of your OPT application is no different. This is where OPT Trackers come in. In this blog, we will explain what an OPT tracker is, the importance of that particular application process, as well as other tips on how to use it to stay updated throughout the entire process.

What is An OPT Tracker?

An OPT tracker acts as a tool that gives checklists of the F-1 students to track their status in OPT because it undergoes several stages of processing. It would therefore start from the time you submit your application until the final stage, which would be approval and receiving of the Employment Authorization Document, EAD. Tracking your OPT keeps you informed of how your application is progressing and gives you further peace of mind.

OPT Timeline Tracker

This OPT timeline tracker is an effective tracking tool that allows a student to track the full timeline of their OPT application from the time it was submitted for approval. It will then contain information on when it was received, how it transited to different stages like processing and under review, and when to receive the decision.

How This Will Help

This tracker would provide a clear picture of how long such a process may take and where your application stands in the queue. Changing OPT timelines is a good way through which you would avoid the constant worrying that keeps haunting you about when you get your approval.

OPT Processing Time Tracker

The OPT processing time in the United States is a particular time that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes for the processing of your application. This usually gives an estimate of the average time it takes for applications to process under OPT, depending on the service center USCIS is using to handle your case.

READ: F1 OPT Application Process, Processing Time and OPT Timeline

How It Can Help:

The estimated time it takes for your service center to process your application can help you set realistic expectations. If you know your service center has a 3-5 month window for processing applications, you won’t be caught off guard when the application is in the processing phase.

OPT EAN Tracker

The EAD is proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. using the OPT EAD Tracker. It tracks when your EAD card will be issue, when it’s ship, and when you’ll receive it. This is important because, without the EAD card, you cannot start working.

The EAD tracker will help you keep track of when your card will arrive; hence, you will be able to plan on when to set up your work start date. Students anxiously wait for their EAD cards; with this tracker, you will never be anxious about the case status. For instance, the OPT Case Tracker

Each OPT application has a case number assigned. The OPT case tracker allows you to monitor cases individually and track the entire process of being moved through various stages of processing. Normally, you check the case status on the USCIS website by inputting your receipt number.

How is it helping?

It can be known through the case tracker what the precise status of your particular application is. Whether your case is under review or if there’s been an RFE, a case tracker keeps you on top of things.

OPT Status Tracker

This OPT status tracker will thus emphasize the updates by focusing on specifically those updates related to the status that has been provided by USCIS. It generally tracks whether your application is being reviewed, if it has been approved, or even if there is more to be done. Sometimes, you may access this using your case receipt number on the USCIS website.

How It Helps:

Being aware of your current status allows you to be in tune with updates coming from USCIS so you can answer fast in case you are required to.

In case there is an additional request for information, the status tracker will notify you about it so that no important notification is missed.

OPT Approval Tracker

Once your OPT application is approved, you would like to know how long it would take before your EAD card is ready and you can actually start working. The OPT approval tracker can update you on when your final approval date is and when you can expect your EAD card to be released.

How it works:

This approval tracker lets you feel relieved that the end of your OPT application journey is almost here; it then prepares you for the next steps.

STEM OPT Tracker

For students in STEM fields, the option to apply for a 24-month extension of OPT is available. The STEM OPT tracker allows you to track the status of your application for the STEM extension. It serves to track the application for the extended period by STEM students and also stay current on their work eligibility for the additional two years in the U.S. under OPT.

OPT Tracker and Other Tools

There are many online services dealing with OPT case tracking. These services gather data from users and provide trends on the processing times, approvals, and timelines. Some of the popular ones are:

OPT Tracker

This service provides a community-based method to track your OPT application based on comparisons with others. Based on real-time user data, it gives you data-driven insights regarding how long approvals OPT are taking.

  • USCIS Case Tracker: US CIS even has an online case status tool on their website where you can input your receipt number to check on the latest status of your application.
  • F1 OPT Tracker: There are a number of apps and websites that offer special tracking tools specifically for F-1 OPT applicants. These tracking tools offer extra information and updates based on your visa and the kind of case you have.
  • How to check OPT Status: Checking your OPT status is very easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit the USCIS website. Go to the official USCIS website, click on “Check Case Status,” and then enter Your Receipt Number. This is a number you can find print on the receipt notice (Form I-797) that you got when your OPT application was receive.

Get case status updates. You’ll be able to check whether your application is still under process, review, or approval. Sign up for alerts. USCIS also allows you to register for email and text notifications so you don’t miss any critical updates.

Why Do You Need OPT Trackers?

OPT trackers prove extremely helpful because they keep international students relatively calm during this confusing time. Here is why you should use it:

  • Ease the anxiety of waiting for OPT approval. A tracker eliminates uncertainty about waiting time and keeps you informed in real time.
  • You remain organized: All the information about the application is placed at one location on a tracker and keeps you organized throughout the process.
  • Quick Response: In case USCIS would like to seek more information, an OPT tracker catches that up for you so you can respond promptly and avoid delays.

Final Thoughts

The OPT process is very lengthy at times and stressful, but with the proper tools on your hand, you are better poised to keep up with every step of the process in place. Whether you are using the USCIS tracker or one of the third-party apps like OPTnation’s OPT Tracker, these tools will give you clarity and peace of mind.

With all different kinds of OPT trackers, you will know exactly where your application stands; it will prepare you better for what comes ahead. Remember, waiting for this progression to come through takes patience, and tracking tools will help the wait to be manageable.