Lost I-94, need to apply for OPT

[maxmore]

Hi Guys, desperately need your help.

I am graduating Dec 12th, 09 and I have to apply for my OPT this week, but unfortunately I have lost my I-94. So cant apply for OPT. I do not even have photo copies of the document.
If I was to apply only for a replacement I-94, it would take approximate 2 months for me to get it.
Should I apply for I-94 and OPT, individually. When they review my OPT application, they will get back to me, asking me to submit missing I-94 document and give me a few days to do that, by which time I should hopefully have my I-94.
I read on some forum that I should apply for my I-94 and OPT at the same time(together). There is an option on the I-102 (I-94 application) form which asks if I was submitting another form(s) along with it. Does that sound like a plausible thing to do?
I thought may be I could travel outside the country with all my documents, maybe to Canada, Mexico and get a new I-94 from immigrations when returning. Tell them, I probably lost my I-94 in Canada/Mexico.
One person asked me to go to the international airport and ask in the immigrations if they can give a new I-94.

Guys please let me know what options I have. I do not have much time. Thank you.

[schandwani]

I know a friend of mine whose passport was misplaced by Indian embassy. USCIS told them to fill out some form I-102 which would have taken almost 3 months to get a new I-94, instead he contacted the border security at the POE and explained them his situation an got a new I-94 immediately. If you don't have an I-94 you can go to the nearest POE/or your actual POE with your passport and visa last stamped, explain your situation to the Border officials because they are the ones who issue I-94s, not USCIS- and they should be able , retroactively, to give you the I-94. It has happened to others before.

[maxmore]

hey, thanks for that...
i am gonna try that tomorrow...
will post what happens...

[maxmore]

hey, i did not get the last two comments...
i went to the CBP at POE (San Fran) and they said they only assist people who come in the same day...i guess, your friend was very lucky they helped him out, but not me...so i have to do it the long more expensive way...
apply for i-94 (form i-102), mention in the form that i am also applying for my OPT (form 1-765)..and take it from there...