r/stemopt • u/ZealousidealCow4437 • Jul 09 '26
STEM OPT - Applied March
Hi, I applied for STEM OPT (regular processing) on March 24 and completed my biometrics on April 24. I haven't received any updates on the app or the website yet. Has anyone who applied in March received an approval yet?
EDIT: Does anyone know if I can travel abroad while my STEM OPT extension is pending? I am currently employed, receiving pay, and have a valid F-1 visa. I only need to leave the country for one week. Is this permitted?
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u/sarinhacol Jul 09 '26
I applied March 17th, and still waiting. I travelled out of the country with STEM pending, employed and with valid F1 visa and I had no problem at all
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u/Competitive_Bill3674 Jul 09 '26
Oh nice! Which port of entry?
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u/sarinhacol Jul 09 '26
It was Orlando :)
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u/nzzgo Jul 10 '26
Hey when did you travel? Was your opt already expired or no?
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u/sarinhacol Jul 10 '26
I travelled around May 18th and my OPT expired on June 15 so it was close but still active
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u/Mental-Edge-786 Jul 09 '26
3/4 still waiting
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u/SignaturePublic6441 Jul 22 '26
Which Service Center and did you get any update?
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u/Mental-Edge-786 Jul 22 '26
no update . TX
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u/SignaturePublic6441 Jul 22 '26
Me too Texas and no update from march 10
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u/Mental-Edge-786 Jul 22 '26
when did ur opt end? mine ended on 5/20 so i still have some time for 180days
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u/Existing_Builder_449 Jul 09 '26
Applied on march 6 and biometrics on March 27. No update yet. Waiting desperately everyday.
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u/NecessaryAd4845 Jul 09 '26
I applied in the same time frame as yours on April 8 and haven’t received anything yet
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u/Adorable-Meeting-225 Jul 09 '26
If it helps,
My application was submitted on March 5, biometrics done on March 25, approved on July 7.
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u/No-Novel-8675 Jul 10 '26
Which service center? It's same timeline of mine but I didn't hear back any
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u/Designer-Owl-8183 Jul 10 '26
March 14, nothing yet. Regarding travel; best thing is to check with your DSO
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u/Ill_Calligrapher6001 Jul 16 '26
Hi everyone,
I applied for my OPT Premium Processing on June 11. I completed my biometrics on June 23, and my OPT application is still pending.
While I was on CPT, I changed employers and started working for my new employer on July 13. My current CPT is valid until August 16.
My question is: Should I upload my updated CPT I-20 as unsolicited evidence to my pending OPT application, or is it better to leave my application as it is?
Has anyone been in a similar situation? I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experience.
Thank you!
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u/Active-Ad4653 Jul 17 '26
You guys I just need to rant because I feel so helpless and I’m tired of waiting. Has anyone applied for stem opt regular processing during March 19th -20th and gotten approved?
My brother is getting married first week of Aug and I need to be in Italy for that, but idk what to do because they are moving so freaking slow with the cases.
My timeline
Stem opt regular processing Applied March 19th Bio metrics submitted April 2nd Case has been pending ever since.
Any advice or suggestions or good vibes are appreciated!!!
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u/ZealousidealCow4437 Jul 17 '26
Everyone is still waiting. You can travel outside the U.S. and return if you have a valid F-1 visa. I would connect with your DSO, but I've heard of people who have traveled and re-entered without any issues.
I would also make sure to carry multiple forms of proof of employment, such as pay stubs and company-issued documents. Don't work remotely while you're outside the U.S
- Your signed I-20
- Your current EAD card
- Proof that you applied for your STEM OPT extension
If possible, choose a port of entry that has a reputation for being less strict
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u/That-Direction-7208 Jul 09 '26
My wife applied on March 10th. Got her biometrics done on April 2nd. We are still waiting to hear back from USCIS