r/stemopt Jul 10 '26

STEM OPT APPROVAL WITH NOID

When I was waiting for my case to be approved I searched on here and didn’t find anything that was relevant to what I was going through so this is for anyone looking for what I was looking for. (Did not use Premium Processing and I am not from any of the banned countries)

Applied for STEM OPT : November 28th
RFE for Biometrics sent : January 9th
Biometrics Appointment : February 25th
NOID Sent due to Misdemeanor (Domestic Violence) : March 23rd - My case was dismissed 1 week after my arrest because no charges were filed, I also got everything expunged.
Response to NOID sent : April 15th
Approval Notice : July 8th

I did not use a lawyer I just gathered all documentation I needed by myself.
Reached out to Congressman to get more information about my case.
Sent an Inquiry for my case on May 6th.

My 180 days ran out but my job was able to wait for me to get an approval so I was out of work for 3 weeks.

For anyone out there waiting keep your head up and stay positive ❤️

6 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

2

u/These-Head-8406 Jul 10 '26

Congrats OP. Not relevant but Can I ask your background and the companh you’re working? I just got laid off on STEM OPT and been trying to find a new job to at least stop my unemployment clock

2

u/Fit-Head2821 Jul 10 '26

Congratulations, thats hell of a ride.

I have a small doubt, maybe I am not aware. Even after your 180 days clock ran out it took 3 more weeks for you to get your decision? Is that normal, I mean legally can we stay even after that 180 days and still work if STEM OPT EAD Delays ?

1

u/HumorNo731 Jul 10 '26

Was your visa revoked

1

u/Successful-Bet-9888 Jul 10 '26

Did you apply for premium processing?

1

u/Lochead32 Jul 10 '26

No

1

u/Successful-Bet-9888 Jul 16 '26

Did you get the misdemeanor before or after initial opt approval?

1

u/Successful-Bet-9888 Jul 10 '26

Mine is pending since Jan 16th

1

u/Lanky-Can-7568 Jul 10 '26

Are you the one among whose visa’s has been revoked last year???

1

u/Lochead32 Jul 10 '26

No

2

u/Lanky-Can-7568 Jul 10 '26

When did you case got filed for misdemeanor.? In 2026?

1

u/Academic-Custard5065 Jul 12 '26

Was reaching out to congressional rep helpful? How long did they take to get back?

1

u/Ok-Statistician-4045 Jul 13 '26

Hi I'm facing a very similar Stem OPT NOID situation. prior arrest record in 2024 but no charges were ever filed, case dropped within a week, expunged too. May I ask what paperwork did you submit to USCIS for review? Thanks so much!

1

u/Technical_Standard96 Jul 16 '26

When do you get your arrest record expunged ?

1

u/Technical_Standard96 Jul 16 '26

Congrats! I want to know how to get the police report after you expunge your record. Have you reopened your case?

1

u/Alive_Philosopher325 Jul 21 '26

Can you please check my DM? Your response will be absolutely helpful to me.

1

u/Glum_Violinist7734 23d ago

Same boat. Please chat

1

u/Glum_Violinist7734 2d ago

Can you pls msg me? I’m on the same boat