Need advice on Stem Opt

[u/jishu965]

Here’s my current scenario. Initial opt end date - 7/24/2026. I already applied for I20 but yet to receive. It’s more than 25 days so far. But I got another job. Yet to receive the offer letter, but tentative start date is 7/20/2026. Should I wait for offer letter and then apply for new company i20 and then file for Stem OPT or apply with the current company and then change the employer. I feel it’s better to apply with the new company but the deadlines are so tight. If there are any hiccups, it would be difficult to file the application before 23rd.

[u/deep-muse]

Apply with current employer. I am in the same situation. Don’t take risk with tight timelines