What an OPT case timeline looks like (example)

This is a sample I-765 (C03A) timeline: realistic milestones, real status names, plain-English explanations. It is not a real user's case.

Form: I-765·Category: C03A·Center: Nebraska Service Center·Total: 30 days
Sample data only. These milestones are illustrative, based on typical I-765 OPT processing patterns at Nebraska Service Center. Your actual case will have different dates and may include additional steps (e.g., biometrics waived for most OPT applicants, RFE possible). Receipt number shown is fictional.

F-1 Initial OPT: EAD Application

1
Case Was Received
February 10, 2026

USCIS received your I-765 OPT application and assigned a receipt number. No action needed. The clock on your case officially starts now. Keep your receipt notice (Form I-797) when it arrives in the mail.

+8 days
2
Receipt Notice Was Mailed
February 18, 2026

USCIS sent your I-797 receipt notice by mail. Expect it in 7–10 business days. Once you have it, store it safely. You'll need the receipt number to track your case and it proves you applied on time.

+22 days
3
Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS
March 12, 2026

USCIS posted an active-review status. The public message does not prove that an officer currently has the file open or predict approval, an RFE, or any other next step.

Filed
February 10, 2026
Approved
March 12, 2026
Total updates
3
Filing → approval
0 days

Make it yours

GreenLight tracks your real OPT case the same way: decoding every USCIS update into plain English, showing how long each stage took, and alerting you when something changes.

Track your real OPT case (free signup) →
Receipt number stays on your device. Only anonymous milestones go to us.
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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. This page shows fictional sample data for illustrative purposes only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. uscis.gov/i-765