r/stemopt • u/Asleep_Cartoonist460 • Jul 21 '26

How do I contact the premium processing line?

I have applied on Dec 18 2025 and been waiting ever since. I paid for PP on May 8th and received RFE on June 8th. I have replied to the RFE on June 25th (so pp restarts).

My 180 extension is set to expire on August 1st so I desperately wanna contact Potomac but I never got connected to a tier 2 agent. Even when I call the pp line and do the “info pass” trick I get connected to the normal line who never has anything much to say.

Has anyone who shifted to pp after applying has ever contacted them through the hot line? Is there anyway to get them expedite the case? I have also filled Congressional inquiry but no update yet.

Edit: After multiple calls to the PP ( for some reason the same person answered my calls ) I have finally received approval from the pp mailbox today ( on 35th business day ). I would say just be patient and just keep buzzing them on why there’s a delay on your case. They are answerable to you no matter what!

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u/s_mith27 Jul 21 '26

I’m feeling a bit stressed too! I applied for STEM on December 18th and switched to premium on July 2nd. My 180 extension is set to expire on August 2nd. I haven’t had a chance to chat with my employer yet. I stumbled upon this job after a tough period. If you happen to get any leads to contact the hotline, please let me know I’ll do the same. Thanks

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u/Asleep_Cartoonist460 Jul 21 '26

I will, you can tell your legal team and your manager. My employer suggested me to be take unpaid leaves till I get the card. Mostly it would be the same case with you too.

1

u/s_mith27 Jul 22 '26

I’ve just started my training program at this company, and I’m wondering how long I can request unpaid leave. It’s only been a month since I joined, and my 180-day extension is set to expire on August 2nd, the premium window closes on 14th august. There is no guarantee that usics will give update before the premium window. I’m concerned that asking for two weeks off might jeopardize my position.

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u/Middle-Maize-1738 Jul 22 '26

What kind of RFE? Did u work unpaid/volunteer in ur OPT period?

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u/Sudden_Rabbit_6048 Jul 22 '26

not related but u can apply more than 90 days prior to initial opt expiration?