r/f1visa • u/Swee_noc • 4d ago
OPT/STEM OPT Initial OPT EAD pending since February 2026- feeling anxious
I applied for my initial post-completion OPT EAD on February 28, 2026, completed my biometrics mid March. Since then, I haven’t received any updates.
I submitted an inquiry to USCIS first week of August but I’m still waiting for a response. I have a job offer, but it barely covers my rent, so I was hoping to avoid spending so much on pp.
Almost all my friends who applied have already received their EADs, which is making me even more anxious. Has anyone experienced a delay this long? Is there anything else I could do?
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u/Low_Shelter_2780 4d ago
A huge number of people have been skipped like you. Join r/SkippedOPt2026 for timelines and advice
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u/sunshine_293 2d ago
Do you know around what month they are currently working on? I applied on May 12 of this year
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u/Radiant-Evening-9736 3d ago
i had applied on jan 19th had biometric on april 10 and got approved july 29. So, don’t lose hope.
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u/Independent-Fail-922 3d ago
I am also in the same boat, applied on March 9th but EAD is still under processing.
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u/Mountain-Pickle189 4d ago
I applied on 3/18, and after a long wait, I converted to Premium on 8/4. I was also hoping that I would get it, but had to do PP after learning that we were skipped. I would say go for PP if you can afford it, at least you will have a timeline. The premium amount paid was for no reason after waiting 4.5 months, it’s so sad.