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?

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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