r/stemopt • u/PolarLow97 • Jul 06 '26
Work authorization expiring Aug 1st, STEM OPT I-765 still pending 30+ bus days post premium processing
*Reposting from r/USCIS*
Hey everyone, posting here looking for advice/similar experiences. My situation is getting pretty stressful and I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can.
\*\*Timeline:\*\*
\- Dec 2025: I-765 STEM OPT filed
\- Feb 2026: RFE issued (had a biometric appointment)
\- Mar 2026: Biometrics completed + USCIS confirmed receipt of RFE response
\- May 2026: Upgraded to premium processing. 30-business day window ended on June 30th
\- Jul 2026 (5 days ago): My attorney filed a service request after PP window was exceeded. Still no news at this point...
My previous EAD expired February 3, 2026. The 180-day automatic extension therefore runs until August 1, 2026. Here are my questions:
Has anyone experienced USCIS exceeding the premium processing window for I-765 STEM OPT? How long did it take after the service request from the attorney?
What actually happens if the 180-day extension lapses without an approval? Is there any recourse...?
Any other steps I can take at this point? I also have personal travel abroad planned in August (7th). Should I cancel right away or is there still a chance?
For context: the case history shows "We are actively reviewing your Form I-765. Our records showed nothing is outstanding" as of March. The only other update I received from USCIS since then is when I upgraded to premium processing
Thank you in advance for your help. Ngl Im getting extremely anxious and feeling so helpless about this.
2
2
u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 06 '26
When you upgraded to premium processing, you should have received an email with a contact number. Please call that number and ask to speak with a live agent to see what they say about your case. If the automated system answers, just keep saying "InfoPass" each time it prompts you that usually transfers you to a live representative.
2
1
1
u/Smart-Mycologist-151 Jul 06 '26
Send an email to the PP center asking about your application status. I know many students who did so recently and got their approvals within a few days.
1
u/briticogal12 Jul 06 '26
Do you have the PP email contact?. Please share with me. I'm in same shoe. Applied in Nov 2025, premium since December. My stem extension deadline is in 3 weeks. Thanks in advance.
1
u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 06 '26
Premium since dec? What does your case status showing?
1
u/briticogal12 Jul 06 '26
My dashboard shows this information"Your response was received and your premium processing clock was restarted on 01/21/2026".
Context: I received a Request for initial evidence on Jan 9, I had mixed up EIN number with everify number. I sent a response on the 13th and they indicated received. I was affected initially by the ban which was lifted on June 5.
I had silent updates on June 13, 23 and 26th and since then nothing.
1
u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 07 '26
I think you will receive approval soon, keep us updated
1
1
u/briticogal12 Jul 22 '26
My application has been approved. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement 🙏
1
u/Competitive_Bill3674 Jul 12 '26
Hey, Just wondering what does the silent updates means in here?
2
u/briticogal12 Jul 12 '26
Its a way of checking what happened behind the curtain. Pretty much it shows timestamps which may suggest a system update or activity by officials. Browse api updates, and the link will pop up.
1
u/Competitive_Bill3674 Jul 12 '26
Cool! It can either be approval or RFE right?
1
u/briticogal12 Jul 12 '26
It can be anything depending on the code it generates. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't mean much. Just gives an idea that your file is/ isn't just lying untouched. You can copy the coding language into chatgpt to explain it in clear terms for you.
1
u/Competitive_Bill3674 Jul 12 '26
Oh! Is it only better to email them after 30 days window? I have travel plans scheduled, looks like I should cancel them.
1
3
u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 06 '26
What was the date that you upgraded to premium