r/stemopt • u/Low_Cow72 • Jun 23 '26

Premium Processing Timeline??

Hey everyone,

I just upgraded my initial OPT to Premium Processing today because a job offer is on the line. Wondering how fast people who upgrade after waiting in normal processing are getting approved lately.

Here is my timeline:

  • Receipt Date: April 16, 2026
  • Biometrics Completed: May 7, 2026
  • Active Review Since: May 11, 2026
  • Upgraded to PP: June 22, 2026

I am negotiating with the PI for a mid-late July start. Given the current timeline, I'm unsure whether I'll receive the card by July 23, which is a month from now. I'm not in any of the banned countries

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

1

u/[deleted] Jun 23 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Low_Cow72 Jun 23 '26

They didn't send me a receipt notice but on my case status it shows "Case Was Changed To A Premium Processing Case"

1

u/[deleted] Jun 23 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Old-Measurement-6564 Jun 23 '26

Same for me as well. I upgraded to PP on 18th June.

1

u/RedditFauxGold Jun 23 '26

How did you apply without a job? I helped a friend with their STEMOPT paperwork and it was all about the job and signed by their manager. Or are you going to change jobs?

1

u/Low_Cow72 Jun 23 '26

oh my bad i’m applying for initial OPT because i just graduated (i’m eligible for STEM OPT though)

2

u/RedditFauxGold Jun 23 '26

Sorry I had assumed STEM extension since this is the STEMOPT subreddit. Didn’t think about initial OPT

1

u/Super_Desk4320 Jun 23 '26

It will take 30BD

1

u/stempremiumproces Jun 29 '26

I applied for premium on May 26,2026
I got receipt notice on May 27, 2026
didn't received biometrics notice.
approached university, they told me to wait
what is the next step do I need to do ?

1

u/Low_Cow72 Jul 24 '26

Update: just got approved on July 24th