Rei Al
10h
USCIS response to congressional inquiry, what’s next?
my initial OPT application has been pending with USCIS since tbe day it was submitted on December 8 with no further updates. on March 11 (3 months in) I requested a congressional inquiry to be submitted on my behalf asking for expedited decision, or at least application status, as I was urgently expected to start a new position at a nonprofit.
on April 10 (30 days after the inquiry was made; 4 months into waiting) the congressional office received the follow message:
“Thank you for your inquiry on behalf of your constituent, (name) regarding their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) records indicates that the Form I-765 is undergoing pre-processing and security checks. USCIS makes every effort to process cases within the projected time frames and in the order in which they were received; however, your constituent’s case has not cleared all required security checks at this time. Until we receive the results of these security checks, we cannot move forward on this case. We cannot predict when we will receive the results of these security checks. Please be assured that USCIS will make every effort to make a decision on your constituent’s case as soon as the security checks are complete. Your constituent does have the option to create an online USCIS account. USCIS’ electronic immigration system is an online, account-based system that allows users to submit requests for immigration benefits and certain immigration services, as well as new certain applications, petitions, and requests; receive electronic notification of USCIS notices and decisions. This system allows attorneys and accredited representatives and other personnel to conveniently and securely set up and manage online accounts. For more information, please visit https://myaccount.uscis.gov/.”
I am freaking out at the sound of this as I have never had any criminal history or anything significantly interesting outside my academic career for the years I spent in the US. further, I see mixed experiences online from significantly long waiting periods that extend 6-16 months after receiving similar wording while others say it’s just a generic response USCIS uses to buy time. I’m really confused at this point and unsure of the next step. is premium processing worth it at this stage? trying to expedite on basis of urgent needs of a nonprofit employer? please let me know from your experience.
Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student
Total Days: 127 days
Case
2025-12-08
Today
I-765
127 Days
Potomac Service Center: I-765
Timeline Map
2025-12-08
I-765
Submission to USCIS
This timeline was created with the Lawfully App. Download the Lawfully App now.
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