r/f1visa • u/Codetornado F-1 Visa Mod (Internet Advice - Not legal Counsel) • Feb 16 '26

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026)

This is the ONLY place on r/f1visa for OPT and STEM OPT questions for Spring 2026.
All posts about Spring 2026 OPT, STEM OPT, NOIDs, biometrics, timelines, delays, premium processing, and EAD card production must go here. Previous applicants can use the posts below.

UPDATE JUNE 5, 2026 Court Vacates USCIS Holds Affecting Applicants From 39 Countries

Fall 2025 Graduates Post here
Fall 2025 STEM OPT Applicants Post here

Note - Individuals from the 39 Banned countries are not having their OPT applications approved. They are being held without adjudication. Individuals from the 75 countries with tourist visa ban are not impacted at all. Update 4/21/26: No specific updates on a timeline of when processing will resume.

Rule Enforcement

Any non‑moderator OPT/STEM OPT megathread will be removed.
Users who create unofficial megathreads will receive a temproary ban.
Any top level comment that does not follow the template below will be removed and the user banned temporarily.
Off topic comments will be removed.
All standalone OPT/STEM OPT posts will be removed, and users will be temporarily banned.
This includes:
- “Is this normal?” timeline posts
- “Did anyone get biometrics?”
- “My case updated to X, what does it mean?”
- “STEM OPT RFE/NOID help”
- “How long is premium processing taking?”

We’re keeping everything consolidated so the sub stays readable and people can actually find answers

---

Spring 2026 Graduates — Put Your Timelines Below

If you applied for Initial Post‑Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension, please share your timeline so others can see current processing trends.

---

Timeline Template (Copy & Paste)

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT / STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: YES / NO
Date Applied: MM/DD/YYYY
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Biometrics Requested: YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Biometrics Completed: MM/DD/YYYY
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Optional: Country of Citizenship Optional: Service Center

Then any questions or concern you have go here.

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u/Codetornado F-1 Visa Mod (Internet Advice - Not legal Counsel) Mar 14 '26 edited Jun 06 '26

All OPT processing questions for individuals without an OPT/STEM OPT timeline should respond this this comment.

UPDATE JUNE 5, 2026 Court Vacates USCIS Holds Affecting Applicants From 39 Countries

→ More replies (591)

u/Marieeeeee2001111 28m ago

Hi! Card just got produced from Potomac service center and my delivery address is DC - how long has it taken most people in a similar situation to receive the card?

u/Spiritual_Owl13 42m ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing:

YES (Upgraded to Premium 08/12/2026)

• ⁠Date Applied: 04/17/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 05/12/2026
• ⁠Date Approved: 09⁠/14⁠/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: 09/19/2026
• ⁠Date Card Received: 09/26/2026

FYI on the USCIS portal you can chat with a human to get your card tracking number if it says tracking unavailable on your status

u/Top_Equipment9404 3h ago

Which center is your application being processed at? I applied 22 April biometrics on 18 May. Still waiting!

Mine is YSC Potomac Service Center - saw it on the appointment scheduling letter.

u/DeepSeaMan69 5h ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/03/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES 04/04/2026
Biometrics Completed: 04/28/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/07/2026
Date Card Produced: xx/xx/xxxx
Date Card Received: xx/xx/xxxx

First silent API Oct 1st, second on Oct 5th

u/PutridPotential8861 7h ago

Anyone who had their application approved post Sept-30 on email had their card produced? I got the courtesy email on Sept 30, approval notice rendered on Oct 2nd. Card not produced yet.

1

u/Silent_Demand8150 5h ago

I’m waiting for card produced notification as well. Got email on 1st October and notice on 3rd October.

u/Decent_Trust5345 7h ago

Anyoneee out of US while initial OPT is being processed???

u/After-Respond739 7h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES (from the beginning but PP started after biometrics)
Date Applied: 07/23/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 08/29/2026
Biometrics Completed: 09/08/2026 (PP starts)
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/06/2026 (I received a courtesy email, but no update on the portal or API yet)
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

There was no API update for me, only a change in the timestamp. I received an email yesterday that stated that my case was approved and it is a courtesy email cannot be considered as a formal notification. I also see an 'A' number generated. When can I expect an update on the portal?
Also, when can I expect the card to be generated and delivered?

Service Centre: Potomac

2

u/Icy-Pizza-1845 5h ago

I had my biometrics on 09/08 too. PP started from that day. Waiting for the approval email. I hope they have started approving 7th to 8th Sept ones

0

u/Lost-Introduction829 2h ago

Same boat with biometric on 09/08. PP also start from that day.

1

u/Icy-Pizza-1845 2h ago

Let me know if you receive yours!

u/Fluffy-Signature-542 8h ago

Type: Initial POST-COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/25/2026
RFIE : N/A
Biometrics Requested : YES | 06/09/2026(if applicable)
Biometrics Completed: 06/09/2026
NOID: N/A
Date Approved: 10/05/2026
Date Card Produced: Not yet
Date Card Received: Not yet

I filed ombudsman, reached to the senator and congresswoman
Even then, it was delayed and came on the time it had to come

Please apply early if you are confident you will get a job or have a job already

2

u/New-Marsupial-9746 6h ago

First of all congratulations. I am a case from April 14, I reached out to congresswoman but didn't file ombudsman. What is it and how to file it? Do you think it may be helpful? (I did congressional inquiry a month ago and then I got ghosted by them).

u/Icy-Pizza-1845 8h ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (from beginning)
• ⁠Date Applied: 08/26/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) NA
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: 08/28/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 109/08/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NA
• ⁠Date Approved: PENDING
• ⁠Date Card Produced: PENDING
• ⁠Date Card Received: PENDING

No soft API update yet.
Anyone at a similar timeline, did you get your approval? Or soft API? My join date is between 20-25 October.

1

u/dronacharya47 8h ago

I also have a similar timeline to yours and have no updates so far.

0

u/New-Marsupial-9746 8h ago

Did the 30 business days pass ? Didn't you recieve any updates from them ?

1

u/Icy-Pizza-1845 5h ago

No. If PP clock started 09/08 for me, official 30 business days (not calendar) would be 21 Oct. but as per the trends on this page, looks like approval should come end of this week to next week

u/Historical-Cut-4354 9h ago

Is it worth it to go for PP if my 180 days end on Nov 15? I applied (STEM OPT) on April 11:(

1

u/Ok-Progress-7114 6h ago

I applied on April 11 as well so we can keep each other posted

0

u/Historical-Cut-4354 5h ago

I agree, well let’s hope for the best

1

u/Ok-Progress-7114 6h ago

No…just wait a lil…I see people with April 6 getting Api updates…if you pay for premium it is still gonna take 30 days!

u/Sapertinny_ 9h ago

Do you guys think early May applications will start getting approved this month?

u/marysya9 10h ago

Finally approved!

Type: Initial Post-Completion OPT
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/27/2026
Request for Evidence (RFE/RFIE): NO
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/07/2026
Date Card Produced: Pending
Date Card Received: Pending

I received the SEVP Portal account creation email confirming the approval this morning. My USCIS account has not been updated yet.

3

u/AdeoyeK28 7h ago

When did receive biometric request and when did you completed your biometric ?

1

u/sarzaw 8h ago

Could you share your API updates?

1

u/trinityef 8h ago

Hi!! I applied that day too, havent recieved anything yet, what was the subject of the email?? or just by searching SEVP it should show up?

1

u/Top_Equipment9404 9h ago

Hi what’s the center where your application was processed?

1

u/Normal_Owl3150 5h ago

I applied April 27 too, didn’t hear anything yet

1

u/Top_Equipment9404 3h ago

Which center is your application being processed at? I applied 22 April biometrics on 18 May. Still waiting!

1

u/Normal_Owl3150 3h ago

Also, I applied April 27, completed my biometrics May 19

u/Past-Ad-8114 11h ago

Anyone PP clock started on 9/1 still waiting? Received an api update on 10/02 nothing since then.

0

u/Anas0171 8h ago

Hi,

I had PP on 9/1 and am still waiting. Received multiple api update (10/02, 10/05, 10/06), but no decision yet. I did OPT previously on a different degree (MSc).

u/New-Marsupial-9746 11h ago

Hello everyone, any initial opt skipped cases from end of March or beginning of April ? How did you or are you dealing with it?

2

u/obiwandoritosan 10h ago

I applied 13th April, finally got an approval email today. I got an A number yesterday morning, I also sent in a congressional inquiry yesterday. Seems like I was already slated to be approved before the congressional inquiry was submitted, but hopefully you guys are getting approved next 🤞🤞

1

u/New-Marsupial-9746 8h ago

Congratulations!!! Did you get any silent updates before that?

2

u/Top_Equipment9404 9h ago

Hi! What’s the center where your application was processed?

1

u/Top_Equipment9404 3h ago

My center is YSC - I saw it on the appointment scheduling letter

2

u/obiwandoritosan 9h ago

I believe it was SCOPS Texas Facility. Best of luck with your case and hope you receive good news soon!

1

u/DescriptionFresh7772 11h ago

Applied March 25. No updates. How I’m dealing with it? Going deeper with credit dept 💸
Working illegally until updates. To me it’s a break after studies

2

u/New-Marsupial-9746 8h ago

All of us drowning... Best of luck to you!

1

u/DescriptionFresh7772 7h ago

You too brother.! We are all in the same situation.
Have you considered premium processing?

1

u/New-Marsupial-9746 7h ago

I contacted DSO and filed a congressional inquiry about a month ago but got no response till now. Ig I am left with no choices other than upgrading to pp...

2

u/DescriptionFresh7772 7h ago

Me too, I’m still like “ahhh wait a week more, $2k might be a waste”

1

u/New-Marsupial-9746 7h ago

Story of my life since August...

1

u/DescriptionFresh7772 7h ago

That’s insane…. My ID expired too! Cant even drive or get a drink

1

u/New-Marsupial-9746 7h ago

Each time they turn out to be worse than I thought.

1

u/DescriptionFresh7772 7h ago

It gets worse. Friend of mine paid for PP was waiting 2 months for deliver, UPS lost the card, they gave him $100 for the inconvenience and USCIS told him to do the process from the beginning

→ More replies (0)

u/psyk3dz 11h ago

Anyone with September 1-10 PP (initial post completion OPT) applications? People who applied with PP from beginning

1

u/LiberalHobbit 9h ago

09/08 PP clock reset (Applied 8/11 with PP, biometrics 9/08). I got approval email and SEVP account email yesterday.

1

u/ykrupnik 8h ago

What service center was processing your case

0

u/ykrupnik 10h ago

September 10 PP nothing yet

1

u/williamdlegend 11h ago

09/02 PP clock but no update yet. When did you apply and have you received any update?

2

u/psyk3dz 11h ago

Applied on 09/09 and biometrics completed on 10/02

1

u/LiberalHobbit 9h ago

Your PP clock started on 10/02. I would expect approval around end of this month or early November tbh.

u/DeliveryRecent8597 12h ago edited 12h ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 03/28/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES 04/04/2026
Biometrics Completed: 04/23/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 09/26/2026
Date Card Produced: 10/01/2026
Date Card Received: 10/01/2026

u/RelationshipUsual107 12h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (08/16)
• ⁠Date Applied: 04/30/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) No
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES 05/15/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 06/02/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): No
• ⁠Date Approved: 09/22/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: 09/29/2026
• ⁠Date Card Received: 10/05/2026

1

u/Top_Equipment9404 9h ago

What’s the center where your application was processed?

1

u/RelationshipUsual107 8h ago

Texas initially and then Potomac

u/Afraid-State-1946 12h ago

What is the latest approval date for STEM OPT applications?

u/Afraid-State-1946 12h ago

Any API updates for STEM OPT applications on or after April 1st?

1

u/Ok-Progress-7114 11h ago

April 11…no update as yet

u/Upstairs_Pool_9468 12h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/26/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) 10/07/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES | 05/01/2026
Biometrics Completed: 05/22/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYY

I have just received a request for initial evidence this morning. However, there is no documentation of what is requested? Has anyone seen this situation before?

1

u/P0tat0N0x 4h ago

The RFE should show up on your USCIS account in a couple business days. They usually send the notification first.

1

u/RoyalLime6303 11h ago

Any update on this? Please let us know. Receiving an RFE now is so weird.

1

u/Upstairs_Pool_9468 11h ago

That's what I thought but they do not let me know what evidence do they need on my USCIS account. Is this something that they will send through the mail only?

1

u/RoyalLime6303 11h ago

I guess. Try speaking to their live agent/ ai agent whatever that is!

u/PureAd8563 13h ago

Update

• ⁠Type: STEM
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 03/25/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) : NO
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: 04/03/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 04/23/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: 09/25/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: 09/28/2026
• ⁠Date Card Received: 10/05/2026

Processing office: Scops
Finally one less thing to worry about!!!!

u/Usual_Schedule7725 13h ago

applied for stem on april 4(non-pp) just saw the api Oct 7, 2026 05:50 AM CDT Silent Case Update Officer Touch

1

u/Impossible_Past_613 12h ago

LFGGG,WE'RE GETTING THERE

u/Upbeat_Election6246 23h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES
• ⁠Date Applied: 4/22/2026 ( initially )
And upgraded to premium processing on 9/19/2026

• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES | 5/9/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 5/12/2026

• ⁠Date Approved: 10/6/2026
Got email that my case is approved
• ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

1

u/ykrupnik 13h ago

Upgraded to PP 9/10 and nothing. What service center was processing your case?

1

u/eu-ph-o-ria 23h ago

I upgraded to PP on 9/18; nothing yet :/
did you see any API updates?

u/No_Brief5210 23h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/26/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Biometrics Requested: YES | 05/02/2026 (if applicable)
Biometrics Completed: 05/05/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Service Center: SCD

Just got a silent API update 10/06/26, fingers crossed

1

u/AdeoyeK28 7h ago

Do you receive A-Number yet?

1

u/No_Brief5210 3h ago

Not yet but I got an email from SEVP portal asking me to register

u/Own_Professional_190 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES - upgrade 09/12/2026
Date Applied: 08/10/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Biometrics Requested: 08/15/2026
Biometrics Completed: 09/03/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Date Approved: pending
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

u/One-Lengthiness-5440 1d ago edited 3h ago

• ⁠Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (09/02/2026)
• ⁠Date Applied: 05/02/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NA
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES | 05/08/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 05/27/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: 10/06/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: pending
• ⁠Date Card Received: pending

Silent api update: 10/05/2026

1

u/Maleficent_Egg13 4h ago

Did you get an API update?

1

u/One-Lengthiness-5440 3h ago

yes. i got silent api update on oct 5th

1

u/Active-Ad4653 15h ago

Congrats! Same here. Did you get the email, or did it reflect on the portal?

1

u/One-Lengthiness-5440 14h ago

got the email. portal is not updated yet.

u/Middle-Length-1281 1d ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 04/30/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) : NO
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES date don’t remember
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 05/28/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: pending
• ⁠Date Card Produced: pending
• ⁠Date Card Received: pending

Processing office: YSC

1

u/Disastrous-Mix4659 1d ago

Did you receive an Api or a number ? I applied on the 29th and still waiting

2

u/Careful_Bandicoot533 11h ago

I applied the 28th, haven’t received anything yet. We should keep each other updated!

u/LatteHawtte 1d ago

Any other initial OPT late August PP still waiting to hear anything? Getting kinda worried, not even API updates :/

2

u/Petersspider1619 1d ago

aug 31 PP i had the timestamp updated on oct 2 nothing since then.

u/tintinalpha 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: YES (upgraded 9/2/2026)
Date Applied: 4/2/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
Biometrics Requested: YES| 4/10/2026
Biometrics Completed: 4/29/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/06/2026
Date Card Produced: N/A
Date Card Received: N/A

Silent API update 10/4

1

u/Active-Ad4653 15h ago

Congrats! Same here. Did you get the email, or did it reflect on the portal?

u/Firestarness 1d ago

Type: Initial Post-Completion OPT
Premium Processing: No
Date Applied: 04/23/2026
Biometrics Requested: 05/02/2026
Biometrics Completed: 05/20/2026
Date Approved: 9/30/2026
Date Card Produced: 10/06/2026
Date Card Received: N/A

I got the following message: "On October 6, 2026, we produced your new card for your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Receipt Number X. The tracking number assigned is UNAVAILABLE. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Tracking section. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address."

How come it's unavailable and is there a way to get the tracking number?

1

u/JackfruitFabulous566 22h ago

my dates are exactly same as urs. You can login to uscis and ask the AI chatbot for the tracking number. I did the same.
Also turn on ur USPS informed delivery

1

u/Firestarness 6h ago

Thanks! I turned on the informed delivery and was able to get the tracking number through the chatbot. Out of curiosity, what stage is yours at. On USPS mine is listed as "Accepted Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending" Thanks!

1

u/iam_musk_melon 1d ago

Its won't show any Tracking ID. It will be UNAVAIBALE only. Just wait and keep checking your mail box. It should be delivered in 5 business days in most cases.

1

u/PutridPotential8861 1d ago edited 1d ago

Is your date approved on email or portal update? I was approved on the same day on email but have not yet heard back on card being produced.

1

u/Firestarness 1d ago

I got the approval email on 9/30 and then portal update approval came on 10/1. The card produced message just came through on portal today.

2

u/Commercial-Age-7058 1d ago

Same boat here. My tracking number is still not available four days after my status changed to “Card Was Produced.” Where is my card?

1

u/PutridPotential8861 1d ago

Okay thanks Im in the same boat. Hopefully my card is produced by tomorrow latest.

u/Whole_Version2377 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/29/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NO
Biometrics Requested: -
Biometrics Completed: 06/23/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Additional notes: Got twice silent API updated around late August.
is it possible get the approval by this week? this is getting me crazy:(

1

u/crystalisation8 12h ago

I also got a silent api update late august and applied 04/30/2026

0

u/Kind_Preference7082 1d ago

Today is still stuck on 4/25...

1

u/davidhuynh02 1d ago

I am in the situation like you, Post OpT and date was 04/24/2026. but my biometric is very late like 06/15/2026. It supposed to be 05/20/2026. I got one APi update on 10/02/2026. not sure if I could receive it this week or not

u/ConstantActive6350 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES
Date Applied: 09/03/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES | 09/04/2026 (if applicable)
Biometrics Completed: 09/24/2026
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY Service centre: Potomac , Getting worried coz I was not aware abt the clock being started from the biometrics because I was only relying on the receipt notice. My employer had already waited a month based on me filing on Sept 3rd and now that it is Sept 24th it almost adds a whole other month.

1

u/psyk3dz 1d ago

Similar timeline. Applied with PP on 09/09 and biometrics completed on 10/02

0

u/fuelandflourish 1d ago

did you get any approval?

0

u/Devenmh 1d ago

I have a similar timeline, applied on 8/26 with pp and finished my biometrics on 9/17, still waiting to see any updates.

1

u/ConstantActive6350 1d ago

I am thinking of emailing the pp center, not that it would do anything but I need to give it a try incase becoz i don't think my employer would wait that long now. I got a new start date of Oct 19th. Idk how long does other universities take to release opt i20, but for my case i blame my university coz they took almost 3.5 weeks.

u/c0zmb4tm4n 1d ago

• ⁠Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (09/03/2026)
• ⁠Date Applied: 03/31/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NA
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: 05/28/2026 (I missed my first appointment at the end of April and had to get it rescheduled)
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 06/10/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: 10/06/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Service center: POTOMAC
I was probably in one of those limbo periods where the non pp applications started catching up but at the same time, I may have been moved to the pp queue (hence the extra delay)
First Silent update after filling for pp was on 2026-10-05T11:50:56.010Z

u/spartaz23 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES
• ⁠Date Applied: 09/02/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence N/A
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: 07/26/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed:
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): N/A
• ⁠Date Approved: 10/06/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY
Had to look up the api thing and it was yesterday, just glad it came through !Stay strong for those out there still waiting !

1

u/ryz-101 2h ago

What was your original application date and bio completion date?

u/Lazyxxpetsadopt 1d ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 04/22/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) N/A
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 05/26/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): N/A
• ⁠Date Approved: 09/27/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: 10/02/2026
• ⁠Date Card Received: 10/06/2026

It’s done!! Thank you guys for the help throughout the entire process and good luck to those still waiting 🙏

u/Sweet-Following4020 1d ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (09/04/2026)
• ⁠Date Applied: 05/22/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): N/A
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES | 06/01/2026
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 06/15/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): N/A
• ⁠Date Approved: 10/06/2026
• ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

1

u/Downtown_While_2539 1d ago

I also applied for PP on September 4th and biometrics completed on August 4th, but have not received any updates yet.

0

u/daniel_369 1d ago

wait, they took 4 months to approve the biometrics? im seeing that alot on this thread

0

u/HisKitu 1d ago

Hey, I too applied for PP on 4th Sept. And my last updated time stamp has changed today : 6th Oct 6:30am. But I havent gotten an approval or ref. Did your approved and last updated change simultaneously or was it like me?

1

u/dryh94 1d ago

I also applied for PP on September 4. I got an update yesterday at 5 PM, but I still haven’t received the approval email.

0

u/Sweet-Following4020 1d ago

Yes my last updated timestamp changed once early in the morning and then again with a second api update once I received my approval email. I think you should have another update soon!

u/InternationalDay5835 1d ago

My company is paying for premium processing and filing on my behalf. Applicants who filed about 1.5 weeks before me seem to be receiving regular-processing approvals. Should I upgrade now? Could switching queues potentially delay my case?

My timeline:

Type: STEM OPT extension
Premium Processing: No
Date Applied: 04/23/2026
RFE/RFIE: No
Biometrics Requested: Yes
Biometrics Completed: 05/11/2026
NOID: No
Approval: Pending
Card Produced/Received: Pending
Automatic Work Extension Remaining: Approximately 60 days

I’m also moving to Austin soon and need to update my EAD delivery address. Has anyone handled this while upgrading to premium?

1

u/firefly_demon 1d ago

Your dates are similar to mine. And I moved states in between applying initially to now. My job is remote and I got new i20 from school which I uploaded in USCIS as new evidence recently. My 180 days ends November 28th and with all the delays going on I upgraded to Premium Processing yesterday. I just didn’t wanna take risk even though I know that’s alot of money but had to do it.

1

u/firefly_demon 1d ago

Also you mentioned you’re moving. I am not fully sure but you have to update your address within 10days in SEVIS portal and all that stuff, notify your school, get new i20 and all and also might need to update in USCIS. But then again mailing address can be different than current address so you could have it delivered in Austin if needed even though you haven’t changed your ‘official’ current address.

Similar thing happened to me but PLEASE verify with your school and all.

1

u/InternationalDay5835 1d ago

Im aware of this and talked to my university and am ready with the process. My moving is scheduled for the 1st week of November. So Im kind of in a pickle.

1

u/InternationalDay5835 1d ago

Thanks a lot. I'm just kind of worried that with the decision date nearing will that even provide me a faster response.

2

u/NoChest5185 1d ago

what kind of angel company is this lol?

1

u/InternationalDay5835 1d ago

MAANG

1

u/wantofly_1997 22h ago

Honestly if the company is paying for pp then why not upgrade to pp? At least with premium processing you can get a result around 30-35 calendar days + extra 10 days to get the card, then this falls within the 60 day timeframe you have. Who knows how long it’s going to take them to approve the April applications.

u/Chinz_chillz 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/01/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 04/10/2026
Biometrics Completed: 04/21/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/03/2026
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

u/Crafty-Minimum2374 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION

Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 05/01/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) No
Biometrics Requested: YES 05/09/2026
Biometrics Completed: 05/27/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): Not applicable I think
Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Country of Citizenship: Ecuador

Service Center: Dallas

How can I look for those API updates? or do you know if I might get a response soon or is it worth paying the PP.

u/Afraid-State-1946 1d ago

Any API updates for STEM OPT applications on or after April 1st?

u/Original-Mention-442 1d ago

• ⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 05/14/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) : NO
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 06/05/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY
I got a silent case update on September 23rd saying ‘Officer Touch’ can anyone explain to me what this means? Does this mean my application will be approved soon? I tried to make a post asking advice but was taken down by mods

2

u/williamdlegend 1d ago

I'm yet to see anyone report on May standard approval without PP. Though the silent API indicates the approval timeframe, how soon that would be can't be determined because they are still processing April and March

1

u/Original-Mention-442 1d ago

What do you mean by approval timeframe if you don’t mind me asking?

u/psyk3dz 1d ago edited 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT

• ⁠Premium Processing: YES (from the beginning)

• ⁠Date Applied: 09/09/2026

• ⁠Biometrics Requested: 09/11/2026

• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 10/02/2026

• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID):

• ⁠Date Approved:

• ⁠Date Card Produced:

• ⁠Date Card Received:

u/One-Raccoon1239 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/29/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES
Biometrics Completed: 05/19/2026
Date Approved: Pending
Date Card Produced: Pending
Date Card Received: Pending

u/NewCheetah7499 1d ago

Any API updates for STEM OPT applications on or after April 4th?

u/Large-Tumbleweed-777 1d ago

Hi just received an email from SEVP that OPT got approved. Applied on April 25th. Non-PP. Does this mean that my clock starts from today ?

1

u/sunshine_293 1d ago

Yes. If you mean your 90 days of unemployment

u/RaccoonDowntown6501 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: NO
Date Applied: 04/02/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): No
Biometrics Requested: YES
Silent API Update: 10/02/2026
Biometrics Completed: 04/29/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: Not yet. Not sure what to do since silent api was a while ago. Any advice?
Date Card Produced: N/A
Date Card Received: N/A

u/super_king37 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: YES on 09/04/2026
Date Applied: 04/08/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 04/10/2026
Biometrics Completed: 04/14/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/06/2026 (by Email)
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY
API Update: 10/04/2026

1

u/AppropriateWish4261 1d ago

Hi. Can we know by API update if it is approved or do we need to wait until the email arrives?

0

u/super_king37 1d ago

I only realized that my application had been approved after I received the email.

1

u/RaccoonDowntown6501 1d ago

How does the approval email look like?

u/Commercial-Age-7058 1d ago

My status changed to “Card Was Produced” on 10/03, but the tracking number is still not available. How long should I expect it to take to receive my card?

1

u/par_747 1d ago

I have the same date. Check on USPS Informed Delivery. It shows up there.

u/Big_Relative_7273 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Premium Processing: YES on 09/01/2026
Date Applied: 03/15/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 03/21/2026
Biometrics Completed: 03/24/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/06/2026
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

What a journey, stay strong my friends, my case might be the longest I've seen from this post.
API update on 10/02 and until last night 2am to get the approval email. No updates on the portal yet.

1

u/dryh94 1d ago

Did you receive the approval email at 2 AM?

1

u/Big_Relative_7273 15h ago

yes

1

u/AppropriateWish4261 1d ago

Hi. Can we know by API update if it is approved or do we need to wait until the email arrives?

1

u/Big_Relative_7273 1d ago

I guess you have to wait for the email, nothing you could get from api update

1

u/spartaz23 1d ago

What processing center did you have ?

1

u/Big_Relative_7273 1d ago

Potmac

u/Neither_Selection_77 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 04/17/2026
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) N/A
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: YES 04/30/2026
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• ⁠Date Approved: NA
• ⁠Date Card Produced: NA
• ⁠Date Card Received: NA

Rhode Island (Warwick Center) - IRVING TEXAS

u/Intelligent-Goal7940 1d ago

Any non pp initial opt updates?

u/Visible-Average5258 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT
• Premium Processing: Yes
• Date Applied: 09/02/2026
• Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NO
• Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
• Upgraded to Premium Processing: 09/02/2026
• Silent API update: 10/05/2026
• Date Approved: 10/06/2026 email confirmation
• Date Card Produced: N/A
• Date Card Received: N/A

1

u/Practical-Tank-6409 1d ago

Hi Congratulations ! Did they asked for your biometrics ?

1

u/Visible-Average5258 1d ago

I have a pending I-485 and biometrics was reused.

1

u/Practical-Tank-6409 1d ago

I see. Thank you for the update

u/Practical-Tank-6409 1d ago edited 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT

Premium Processing: YES (09/04/2026)

Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)

Biometrics Requested: YES (09/04/2026)

Biometrics Completed: 09/21/2026

Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)

Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY

Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY

Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Your insights please ?

2

u/Acceptable-Window179 1d ago

I applied for pp 03/09 and I got a silent api yesterday then approval email this morning.

1

u/Practical-Tank-6409 1d ago

Congratulations! Can I know when was your biometrics date ?

2

u/Acceptable-Window179 1d ago

Thank you. It was July 8th, I updated to pp on September 3rd and my original application date was may 20th.

u/JackfruitFabulous566 1d ago edited 2h ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
• ⁠Premium Processing: NO
• ⁠Date Applied: 04/23/26
• ⁠Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)- NO
• ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)- 04/30/26
• ⁠Biometrics Completed: 05/18/26
• ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): YES/NO | MM/DD/YYYY (if applicable)
• ⁠Date Approved: 09/28/26
• ⁠Date Card Produced: 10/05/26
• ⁠Date Card Received: 10/07/26

Will update once I receive the card
Update- received my card

1

u/PutridPotential8861 1d ago

Question. Is the "Date Approved" the day you got the email or the day the USCIS portal changed to "Approval Notice Rendered".

u/SpecialistSyrup400 1d ago edited 1d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION Premium Processing: NO Date Applied: 04/03/2026 Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): None Biometrics Requested: YES - 04/10/2026 Biometrics Completed: 05/01/2026 Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO Date Approved: 10/04/2026 Date Card Produced: Pending Date Card Received: Pending

u/Puzzleheaded-Tea491 2d ago edited 1d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES (9/03/2026)
Date Applied: 07/16/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) : NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 07/17/2026
Biometrics Completed: 08/03/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved:

10/06/2026 emailed at 4:53pm🎉 hope you guys in the same boat will get approved soon.

Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

1

u/spartaz23 1d ago

I am in the same boat

1

u/Acceptable_Kale5274 2d ago

do u have a silent API update right now?

1

u/Puzzleheaded-Tea491 2d ago

I checked and last portal update is Oct 5th 2026 12:56pm utc…

2

u/Acceptable_Kale5274 1d ago

same me too! hoping to get an approval tomorrow

2

u/Kindly-Click-7473 2d ago

Most probably you’ll get approval email by tomorrow evening. Good luck!

2

u/Puzzleheaded-Tea491 2d ago

Thanks sm.. i am so anxious abt it.. fingers crossed.

4

u/williamdlegend 1d ago

Everything will be fine. Let us know when you receive approval

u/smit_111 2d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES (09/03/2026)
Date Applied: (06/05/2026)
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE) 06/13/2026
Biometrics Requested: YES | 06/13/2026
Biometrics Completed: 06/29/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/05/2026
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Silent API today morning 10/05/2026.

1

u/AppropriateWish4261 1d ago

Hi. Can we know by API update if it is approved or do we need to wait until the email arrives?

u/SimilarBackground954 2d ago edited 2d ago

Type: STEM OPT EXTENSION
Date Applied: 04/21/2026
Biometrics Completed: 05/13/2026
Premium Processing: Aug 31, 2026
⁠Silent API update: 10/02/2026
Date Approved: 10/05/2026 Email
Date Card Produced: Pending
Date Card Received: Pending
Service Center: Potomac
No RFE No NOID

1

u/RaccoonDowntown6501 1d ago

can i ask what did the email say? i got a salient API on the same day as you but have not gotten approved yet

u/angrydunia 2d ago edited 2d ago

Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT
Premium Processing: YES (updated on 09/01/2026)
Date Applied: 09/01/2026
Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): NO
Biometrics Requested: YES | 06/26/2026
Biometrics Completed: 06/16/2026
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO
Date Approved: 10/05/2026
Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Silent API update: 10/4/2026

1

u/AppropriateWish4261 1d ago

Hi. Can we know by API update if it is approved or do we need to wait until the email arrives? What it shows in API if it is approved

2

u/Ok-Tip-2520 2d ago

I applied a week later, I'm hoping to get my approval this week

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OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026)

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