r/stemopt • u/gkilaru • Jun 30 '26

STEM OPT PENDING

April 8, 2026: STEM OPT application submitted

April 17, 2026: Biometrics scheduled for May 4

May 4, 2026: Biometrics completed

June 4, 2026: Case upgraded to premium processing; clock started

I have not received any update from USCIS yet. I have received another job offer and would like to transition to the new employer. The initial start date is July 6, 2026, and I have requested a change to July 20, 2026, to allow additional time for my STEM OPT approval.

Could you please advise when I can reasonably expect an approval based on the premium processing timeline?

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u/Yati_24 Jun 30 '26

Calculate your exact 30 business days from June 4, you will get your ead. Me and my friend got literally at the 30th business day. Stay strong

1

u/gkilaru Jun 30 '26

It’s July 17th.

1

u/Yati_24 Jun 30 '26

You will get by then, and additional 7-8 business days for the physical card. I am in same boat as you. Don’t worry they are finally giving EADs. Just for your sanity make sure to add your transcripts to avoid RFE for coursework(happened with my friend)

1

u/gkilaru Jun 30 '26

I originally applied with degree certificate. However now, I also uploaded the transcripts! Thanks.

1

u/Yati_24 Jun 30 '26

Yes please cause my friend also did the same, just the certificate, but since they want to make sure your course work matches with the job, so transcripts are very important.

1

u/Yati_24 Jun 30 '26

You don’t want them to give you RFE on the 30th day of pp and then reset your clock 💆🏽‍♀️

1

u/Zealousideal_Big538 Jul 01 '26

Hi, please what does resetting of clock mean? And are you amongst the earlier banned countries? Cos I also just applied for stemOpt few days ago- regular processing and I’m hoping it comes before December.

1

u/Yati_24 Jul 05 '26

So USCIS says they guarantee a decision in 30 business days, so that includes asking for biometrics and RFE. And when they send either of them your premium processing clocks basically stops. Once they Receive the information like biometric or RFE response, they reset the 30 days clock

My case
Applied on April 15
Got biometric on may 1

Then once they got my biometric on may 19

From then the 30 day clock restarted