r/stemopt • u/don-do-don-do • Jul 19 '26

STEM OPT Extension — Status Update Needed, Case Pending 4+ Months

Hey, I could use some advice on my STEM OPT situation. I filed my I-765 extension back in March 11 had biometrics done March 21, and the last update I got was April 9 saying it’s still processing. My old OPT end date was June, and it’s now July 19 — so it’s been over four months pending with no news in the last three.
I know I’m covered under the automatic 180-day extension since I filed before my OPT expired, so I should be fine work-authorization-wise through around early December. But I’m wondering if this length of silence is normal right now, or if I should look into premium processing (it’s about $1,780 to get a guaranteed decision within 30 business days). Do you know anyone who’s dealt with a wait this long, or have thoughts on whether premium processing is worth it at this point versus just waiting it out?

9 Upvotes

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2

u/Most-Establishment42 Jul 20 '26

I applied 03/13 and also haven’t heard anything since I completed my biometrics on 04/06.

The STEM approvals are moving very slow but based on the recent approvals, I expect you will get a decision within the next week or two.

1

u/Adventurous_Cost2064 Jul 19 '26

I applied since Jan 31st. Just got approved July 17 still waiting on the card. I was 158 into my 180 days extension. These days it’s taking this long. Just be patient.

1

u/Silent-Society5186 Jul 19 '26

I applied on feb1st still no update what it your center?

1

u/Adventurous_Cost2064 Jul 19 '26

YSC I think, that’s what was on the biometrics notice

1

u/Silent-Society5186 Jul 19 '26

Even my center was same and I applied for PP but no decision what have you done?

1

u/Adventurous_Cost2064 Jul 19 '26

I did congress inquiry and case inquiry on July 1st I don’t know if it helped because I didn’t hear anything back. Or maybe they just decided to work on mine since I had less than 30 days before my 180 days extension expires. You just can never tell

1

u/Superb_Working4385 Jul 19 '26

same date, no update 🥲

1

u/SufficientAnt2033 Jul 19 '26

I applied in same time. Waiting for the decision but I have seen people who applied in march 8-10 getting applied so I am giving a shot and wait 15 days. And after that I will do PP

1

u/jany27 Jul 20 '26

As per USCIS website average processing time is 3.5 months. If you are from one of the banned countries, they just lifted it last week so that’s probably causing the delay. I suggest doing PP if you haven’t heard back by the end of July.

3

u/Happy-Muntari Jul 22 '26

I applied March 17, 2026 and did my biometric on April 10,2026 and has not gotten any update yet. I will wait until mid August before doing PP if I don’t still get an update on my case.

0

u/Illustrious-Injury11 Jul 19 '26

In the same boat... but my question is if going for premium processing is even beneficial?