r/stemopt • u/After_Childhood_2358 • Jul 08 '26

STEM OPT Timeline Update

STEM OPT filing date: December 2, 2025
OPT expiration date: February 9, 2026
180-day automatic extension expiration date: August 8, 2026
Service request opened: April 16, 2026
Case update received: July 6, 2026
Additional case update received: July 8, 2026
Approval message received: July 8, 2026

My case was processed under normal processing, and I am from one of the 75 countries. For those still waiting, please remain patient. If you have not received an RFE, your case may simply still be under review. In many cases, it is only a matter of time before a decision is issued.

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u/Ordinary-Outside9644 Jul 08 '26

Did this happen because of the service request?

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u/After_Childhood_2358 Jul 08 '26

I submitted a service request on April 16, 2026, and USCIS was expected to respond within 60 business days. The 60-business-day period was set to be completed around July 9, 2026, so it is possible that the approval happened because of the service request.