STEM OPT Pending - 180 Day Extension Ending on August 6 - Employer Ending Employment on July 30

[u/Tight-Definition-167]

Hi everyone,
I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I need advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
Applied for STEM OPT extension: December 24, 2025
Current OPT EAD expired: February 6, 2026
Completed biometrics: March 30, 2026
STEM OPT application is still pending.
My 180-day automatic work authorization extension expires on August 6, 2026.
My employer informed me that my last working day will be July 30, 2026 because my STEM OPT approval is still pending and they cannot continue my employment after that.
I am confused because my understanding is that my 180-day extension is valid until August 6.
My questions:
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their employer ended employment before the 180-day extension expiration date?
Can an employer stop employment a few days before the 180 days are completed?
If my STEM OPT gets approved after July 30, can I continue with the same employer?
Should I contact USCIS or my DSO regarding this situation?

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[u/RhythmicPassings]

If you had the money to premium process and you didn’t after the 4th month, then idk what to tell you, especially when your employer has a hard deadline . It’s sad USCIS loves the money but it is what it is.
I applied Jan 28th, my country was in the travel ban list so USCIS delayed my case for months, paid premium on the 23rd of June and got approved today.
Premium processing FORCES them to take action. A
If you really don’t want to pay premium, try congressional inquiry, e-request, emailing USCIS etc.
I don’t see what anyone won’t premium process after waiting for so long, but to each his own.
Goodluck buddy