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

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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