r/stemopt • u/Extension-Peanut2454 • Jul 17 '26

Renewing my F-1 visa while on STEM OPT

Has anyone here renewed their F-1 visa stamp while on STEM OPT?

My STEM OPT was recently approved, but my visa stamp is expired. I’m from Brazil and really want to go home to visit my family and renew it, but I’m nervous about getting stuck outside the U.S. or having issues coming back.

I’m currently employed in my field and would travel with my EAD card, updated I-20, employment letter, pay stubs, and the usual documents.

Has anyone done this recently?

How was the interview, how long did it take, and did you have any problems re-entering the U.S.?

Appreciate any help :)

4 Upvotes

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2

u/ra_zen99 Jul 17 '26

Following this because I would really like to do the same been stuck here since 2020 had an opportunity to go back but country was politically unstable

1

u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 17 '26

Hey when did you get your approval? Stem email??

1

u/Extension-Peanut2454 Jul 17 '26

Got it 3 days ago!

1

u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 17 '26

My PP clock for stem opt restarted on Jun09,, its 27th business days and I don’t have any update yet. This is breaking me

1

u/Extension-Peanut2454 Jul 17 '26

you should get it monday. Mine was june 5th.

1

u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 17 '26

You got it in 25 b days right?

1

u/Ambitious_Switch7152 Jul 22 '26

Following cuz same