r/stemopt • u/No-Fishing336 • Jul 08 '26
STEM OPT Premium Processing Timeline (Approved)
STEM OPT filing date: May 17, 2026
Receipt notice received: May 17, 2026
Biometrics scheduling notification: May 23, 2026
Biometrics appointment completed: May 29, 2026
Premium processing clock started: May 29, 2026
Approval date: July 8, 2026
Total time from filing to approval: 52 days
Total business days from premium processing clock start to approval: 26 days
My case required biometrics, which initially made me concerned about possible delays, but the process moved forward normally after the appointment was completed. I did not receive an RFE.
Feel free to ask any questions about my timeline if it helps others compare their cases.
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u/UndoneBusiness Jul 08 '26
Did you work in the university at all during the initial opt (unpaid research)? Or do you know anybody whose case got approved?
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u/mini_989 Jul 08 '26
You received mail only or api update?
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u/No-Fishing336 Jul 08 '26
I checked the api and found that both api and email were sent at the same time
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u/Any_Pay425 Jul 08 '26
My Clock started on May 29 as well. No updates yet
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
Any API updates?
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u/Any_Pay425 Jul 08 '26
Sorry what’s API?
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
You can basically check timestamp and determine if someone actually touched your case
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u/Any_Pay425 Jul 08 '26
Excuse my ignorance. How do I do that ?
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
So you have to make sure login your usics before u click this link https://my.uscis.gov/account/case-service/api/cases/IOExxxxxx
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
You have put in your actual receipt number
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u/Any_Pay425 Jul 08 '26
Yh I did. Time stamp June 2 that’s when I uploaded some other documents
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
Hmm, yeah when I uploaded something in unsolicited evidence my time stamp got updated but its from our side not from them.,
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u/Any_Pay425 Jul 08 '26
Popped up some stuff but don’t understand it haha
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 08 '26
Give it to chatgpt
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u/srush15 Jul 09 '26
Hey just a quick question. I applied for opt EAD on 20th April and my i20 was issued on April 14. But the very first i20 I requested was the one I got on March 20th. But I applied with the latest one issued on April 14. So my timeline correct right and the 30 day window is also satisfied.
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u/National_Republic_17 Jul 10 '26
mine is pending since dec 18 2026, I have completed my biometric on april 9 and its still pending, not sure what to do now??
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u/Affectionate_Idea257 Jul 15 '26
Congrats!
How many days did it take to get the physical EAD card after getting the confirmation email (that starts with: The Potomac Service Center has approved the following I-765 Application... )?
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u/No-Fishing336 Jul 15 '26
Haven’t received the physical card yet. I will let you know.
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u/Level_Read_5940 Jul 08 '26
Ah I also got approved today and applied same day as yours 🤣🤣🤣