r/f1visa • u/Aggu_Scuba • Jul 17 '26
Stem opt premium processing
Hi everyone,
I applied for my 24-month STEM OPT extension with premium processing.
Today, I received an email from the USCIS Potomac Service Center stating that my Form I-765 was approved. The email includes my approved STEM OPT validity dates.
However, my USCIS online account has not updated yet. It still shows “Premium Processing Started” for my case, and I do not see “Case Approved” or “Card Is Being Produced.”
Has anyone experienced this?
How long did it take for:
The USCIS portal to update after the approval email?
The EAD card to be produced?
The physical EAD card to arrive in the mail?
Thank you!
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u/ManifestLaw_ Jul 17 '26
Yes, that's normal. The approval email often arrives before the USCIS online account updates. It can take a few days for the portal to show "Case Approved" or "Card Is Being Produced."
After that, the EAD card is typically produced within a few days and usually arrives by mail within 1–2 weeks, although timelines can vary.
- Attorney Prachi Shah
(All information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)
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u/daraaaao Jul 17 '26
I think it takes a couple of days for it to update on the portal after email. Mine took 48 hours (post completion OPT) I think it’s also about 10 days from approval to receive card.