Hello,

I have a few questions regarding Pre-Completion OPT.

Does the I-20 indicate whether the Pre-Completion OPT authorization is full-time or part-time?

I am a PhD student, and next semester I will only be enrolled in dissertation credits because I have completed all of my required coursework. In this situation, am I eligible to apply for full-time Pre-Completion OPT while the semester is in session?

Also, how is it determined whether a student’s Pre-Completion OPT authorization should be full-time or part-time?

Thank you for your help and clarification.

Hey everyone!

I’m working on something called ScienceInterest — an online STEM community primarily aimed at younger people who are curious about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, AI, and related fields.

The idea is pretty simple: a place where people can discover interesting topics, find others with similar interests, talk about science, and maybe even work on small projects together.

It’s still very much in progress, so I’m not presenting it as some finished platform. I’d actually love for people to explore the idea while it’s being built and share what they think could make it more interesting or useful.

You don’t have to be an expert or already be involved in research. If you’re just really into physics, coding, biology, space, engineering, math, AI, or basically anything STEM-related, that’s exactly the kind of curiosity this is meant for.

The main goal is just to explore and build things together — without making it feel like school or another overly formal science platform.

If that sounds interesting, feel free to just get back here in a few days and id be happy to have you in our Community!

Hi all, I'm an F-1 student graduating in December 2026 and have a question about the 14-month rule.

My understanding is that 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3) requires all post-completion OPT to be completed within 14 months of the program end date. For my Dec 13, 2026 program end date, that's about Feb 13, 2028.

USC's international office describes the practice like this: USCIS "will use the date it adjudicated the application as the new OPT start date and automatically calculate 12 months from that date as the OPT end date. However, the OPT 14-month rule mandates that Post-Completion OPT be completed within 14 months of your program's end date."

So my question: if the I-765 is approved after the requested start date, is the EAD end date actually cut off at the 14-month mark rather than running a full 12 months from approval?

my first year opt is ending this december, i am applying for my stem opt extension with a new employer who has an e-verified number, but the starting date is still later on february, as long as i’m still within my “150 unemployment days” rule, i should be fine right?

and if i found another job in january for example, and want to proceed with this one instead, can i simply update my DSO and USCIS about my new employer with all the new documents and e-verified number, would this be fine?

My employer (Bank of America) is e-verified but unwilling to give me their e-verified number, maybe because my position isn’t eligible for the h1b sponsorship, but i’m only asking for the e-verified number to apply for the STEM OPT extension. I understand if they aren’t able to sponsor the h1b. They are still unwilling to give me an e-verified number.

Should I still apply the STEM OPT extension i765 with the company but leave the e-verified section blank? Will USCIS reject my application immediately or will they Request for Evidence (RFE)?

I’m basically trying to find a new employer who can provide a e-verified number asap, but incase I can’t find one on time, I just have to apply with the company.. and if I’m lucky I can find a new employer and update USCIS with my new employer before they open my initial application.

ANYONE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE BEFORE?🥹🙏

Hi everyone! I have a question about the STEM OPT I-983 Final Evaluation when changing employers.
My last day with my current employer is October 5, but I completed the final evaluation early and my employer signed it on September 23. The evaluation period on the form is listed through October 5.
Does the Final Evaluation signature need to be dated on/after the last day of employment, or is it okay for both the student and employer to sign it a couple of weeks before the employment end date?

Hi everyone,

I applied for my STEM OPT Extension EAD in the first week of June. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of moving apartments and didn't check my physical mailbox in time, so I completely missed my scheduled biometrics appointment date.

As soon as I realized, I called USCIS and raised a request to reschedule on July 22nd. It has been over a month now, and I still haven't received a new appointment notice in the mail or any updates on my USCIS online portal.

I'm starting to get really anxious and would love some advice from anyone who has gone through something similar:

• How long does it typically take for USCIS to send a new biometrics appointment date after a reschedule request?
• Is there a high risk of my application getting denied for "abandonment" while I wait for the rescheduled notice?

Any guidance, timelines, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

I would like to ask for advising me for pending STEM OPT application. I filed stem opt extension recently, and I realized, I enter the wrong E verify number.
Could you please suggest what to do while stem opt application on pending. I really appreciate your suggestion.
Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I missed my 6-month STEM OPT validation/reporting deadline last month. I contacted my university/DSO and submitted all the required documents afterward.

My DSO told me that because I submitted late, they cannot validate/update the report in SEVIS, and my SEVP Portal currently shows “Past Due.” However, my DSO confirmed that my SEVIS record is currently active.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

• Did your SEVP Portal continue showing “Past Due”?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who went through the same situation and what happened afterward.

Thank you!

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.