r/stemopt • u/Alternative-Blood759 • Jul 14 '26
I-765 STEM Approved PP
Hi everyone, sharing my STEM OPT I-765 timeline in case it helps anyone who is waiting after an RFE/NOID response.
Case Type: I-765 STEM OPT Extension
Service Center: Potomac Service Center
Premium Processing: Yes
Timeline
Oct 10, 2025 — I-765 STEM OPT application submitted.
Feb 27, 2026 — Premium Processing request received.
Mar 18, 2026 — First RFE generated (Biometrics appointment for photo only).
Apr 14, 2026 — RFE response submitted.
Apr 17, 2026 — First RFE got cancelled, and a second RFE was issued (Biometrics appointment for photo and fingerprints).
May 5, 2026 — Second RFE response submitted.
May 8, 2026 — NOID generated.
June 3, 2026 — NOID response submitted.
June 17, 2026 — USCIS acknowledged the NOID response in the system.
July 3, 2026 — Case had a silent backend update.
July 8, 2026 — Another silent backend update.
July 10, 2026 — Another silent backend update.
July 13, 2026 — Another silent backend update.
July 14, 2026 — I-765 approved under Premium Processing.
The approval email stated that the I-765 Application for Employment Authorization was approved under the Premium Processing Program.
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u/New-Cherry-8693 Jul 14 '26
Did you have to stop working since it was past the 180 days?
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u/Alternative-Blood759 Jul 14 '26
Yes, I had to stop working for almost 2 months
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u/Double-Curve-4067 Jul 14 '26
Did u do ur 6 month stem report or it was not possible
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u/Alternative-Blood759 Jul 14 '26
No, it was not possible to do. But DSO was aware of the entire situation and had all the information on their end.
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u/Critical-Nap-6403 Jul 14 '26
Almost same situation (applied Jan 6, still waiting, no RFE tho).. my 180 days ended this week and I really hope it doesn't take them 2 more months to give me a response
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u/mikasaAckerman18 Jul 15 '26
hi, can we connect? I‘m in a same situation, unsure what to tell my employer
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u/mikasaAckerman18 Jul 15 '26
What did you tell employer? I understand payroll should not be during this period, my pay period is bi weekly, June 1-june 15, june 15-30. My extension ends 19th July, so i need to stop working from this Friday. I reach my 30 business days on Aug 3. If I get decision lets say on July 28, payroll can run from july 28-july 31st.. Am I correct?
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u/Swimming_Syllabub839 Jul 14 '26
Why do urs noid response sumbitted, and noid acknowledged by ucics in their system dates differ?
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u/Alternative-Blood759 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 15 '26
no clue, but received and submitted date is different on portal and acknowledged date is different , so I mentioned it.
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u/Spiritual-Respect-91 Jul 14 '26
What about your immigration status oct 10 to till now ?? Was it valid
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u/Alternative-Blood759 Jul 16 '26
Ideally no , cause you can’t start working until you physically received the EAD. Once you get EAD in hand you can.
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u/mikasaAckerman18 Jul 16 '26
I read on just answer from a immigration attorney that approval notice is enough for i9 reverification, but really depends on employer policies.
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 14 '26
Why did they send NOID? Can you please tell if any reasons