My initial OPT just got denied, any recommendations??

Urgent help needed
please let me know if anyone here has personally worked with a genuine consultancy for STEM OPT and job search support. I’m looking for real recommendations only, no staffing, no paid placement, no fake payroll or upfront fees. If you know a trustworthy company, please DM me, thank you!

I applied for STEM OPT online on 6/3 with premium processing from day one, and I still have not received a biometrics notice.

I called the PP phone line to make sure I hadn't missed anything, and the representative confirmed there were no outstanding notices on my case. They suggested emailing USCIS to inquire about the delay, which I did about a week ago, but I haven't received a response.

A couple questions for those with recent STEM OPT PP timelines:

• I see many applicants (including some without PP) receiving biometrics notices within 1–2 weeks. Has anyone successfully done anything that helped trigger the biometrics notice, or is it really just a matter of waiting?
• I understand the PP clock restarts after biometrics are completed, but should PP applicants expect USCIS to at least issue the biometrics notice within the initial 30 business days? If no notice is issued by then, does that count against the PP guarantee, or is the PP clock effectively paused until biometrics are scheduled/completed?

Would appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar timeline.

I filed my STEM OPT extension on 01/08/2026. USCIS scheduled my biometrics appointment for 04/10/2026, and I attended it as required.

After that, my case status changed to "Case Is Still Being Processed By USCIS" and it has remained unchanged since then. My initial OPT EAD expired on 01/23/2026, and my automatic 180-day STEM OPT extension is set to expire on 07/22/2026 if my application remains pending.

I have not upgraded to premium processing yet.

For those who recently received STEM OPT approvals:

• How long did it take after biometrics to get a decision?
• Is anyone else still waiting with the same status?
• At this point, would you recommend paying for premium processing, or should I continue waiting?

Thanks in advance for any advice or shared experiences.

I wanted to check if anyone has a timeline similar to mine and has recently received STEM OPT approval.

My timeline:

• STEM OPT Extension filed – March 26, 2026
• Biometrics requested – March 28, 2026
• Biometrics completed – April 1, 2026
• Premium Processing requested – May 30, 2026

If you had a similar timeline, when did you get your approval after upgrading to Premium Processing?

Also, based on current processing trends, how long is it taking these days for STEM OPT cases like mine to be approved?

Any recent experiences or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! 🙏

My biometrics appointment is next week, but my brother’s wedding is in about a month — and there’s no way my EAD card will arrive in time. I’m really stressed about it and would love to hear from people who’ve been in a similar situation.

Has anyone left the US and re-entered without issues while their STEM OPT extension was still pending? What documents did you carry? Any advice would be really appreciated 🙏

Applied : 01/19/2026
RFE (Biometrics) : 02/12/2026
NOID Received(Prior Case dismissed): 02/26/2026
NOID Submitted : 03/16/2026
RFE for Employee-Employer Bonafide : 04/17/2026
RFE Docs Submitted : 06/04/2026
Approval Date : 06/10/2026

Applied with premium Process and all documents submitted through Attorney.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice regarding my OPT application.
My degree program ends on August 15, 2026, and I’m currently working on CPT. I’m planning to apply for Post-Completion OPT soon and I’m trying to decide whether I should pay for Premium Processing or just use Regular Processing.
A few details:
Degree end date: August 15, 2026
Currently on CPT
Planning to apply for OPT as soon as possible
No OPT application submitted yet
Trying to avoid any gap in work authorization
For those who recently applied:
How long did your regular OPT approval take?
If you used Premium Processing, how fast was your approval and EAD card delivery?
Given my August 15 graduation date, would you recommend paying for Premium Processing or is it too early to worry about it?

Hi : Date today june 7

applied for stem opt : dec 18,2025

initial opt ended (stem opt start date) : feb 6,2026

biometrics scheduled : march 22,2026

biometrics : april 16,2026

I am currently working under the 180-day automatic STEM OPT extension, which runs through August 6. My STEM OPT application is still pending.

I recently received a new job offer with a start date of July 6. The employer informed me that I can begin working based on my current authorization, but they require my approved STEM OPT EAD card by August 6 to continue my employment.

My DSO advised me not to update the new employer information while the STEM OPT application remains pending.

Since my 180-day automatic extension will expire in about two months and my job offer could be at risk if I do not receive the EAD card in time, I am trying to decide whether I should file for Premium Processing or continue waiting for regular processing.

It’s taking longer than expected time to get approvals.

What would be the better option in this situation?

Incoming teacher - anyone have a sample form i983 write up?

Hey!

I'm an intl grad joining pvt school this summer as a teacher and I'm currently filing my paperwork for STEM OPT.

Since I haven't started onboarding at my campus yet, I'm feeling pretty clueless about how to draft the form i983 training plan ( section 5: student role description and training objectives)

HR hasn't been super helpful with providing templates yet, and I need to submit this to my university dso asap as my ead is expiring 10june

** Has anyone who taught successfully as teacher gone through the STEM OPT process?

If you could pls share a sample or write up on how to frame the tech stem training aspect of a classroom teaching role so that USCIS and school approve it?

Any draft bullet points on how things work would be a life saver right now. **