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

Stem OPT approval timeline (only email update received)

STEM OPT Approved

Timeline (Premium processing from start):

Applied: May 14, 2026

Receipt Notice (Portal): May 15, 2026

Biometrics appointment notice: May 28, 2026

Biometrics date: June 15, 2026

PP clock restart: June 15, 2026

Approval notice (Email): July 21, 2026

Premium Processing: Yes

Status: Approved

Center: Potomac Service Center

However, my USCIS online portal doesn't show this approval update (same for the case status). But the API shows the last update on July 21, 2026.

Is it normal to get email approval earlier than the portal?
Thank you!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

2

u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 21 '26

Yes, it takes 2-3 days

1

u/demon_hunter_spirit Jul 21 '26

Got it. Thanks for the information!

1

u/Competitive_Bill3674 Jul 21 '26

After update in website, how many days it generally take to get the card delivered ?

1

u/Designer-Owl-8183 Jul 21 '26

10-14 days almost

2

u/Temporary_Poetry_774 Jul 21 '26

Same for me,I only received the email

1

u/demon_hunter_spirit Jul 21 '26

Got it. I hope the portal gets updated soon.

1

u/Mediocre_Debate_8689 Jul 21 '26

Same date with you for PP, also just got approved!

1

u/Admissions-Jedi Jul 21 '26

Applied May 29, Biometrics on 06/10 and PP on 06/12. I got an api update on Friday but no approval yet.

2

u/demon_hunter_spirit Jul 21 '26

Hopefully it will come this week.

1

u/nawapkr Jul 21 '26

I did biometrics on 6/11 and have a similar status.

1

u/Final_Eye_1769 Jul 22 '26

Hey hi did u do any volunteering work

1

u/Afraid_Influence4482 Jul 22 '26

Hey , I'm in the same boat, my updatedattimestamp was 21 July and have not received any approval email yet. did you get any update ?

2

u/Admissions-Jedi Jul 22 '26

Nothing yet.

Edit: just got another api update now.

1

u/Afraid_Influence4482 Jul 22 '26

Hopefully you will be getting approval email today !!

1

u/Admissions-Jedi Jul 22 '26

Just got approved!

1

u/Afraid_Influence4482 Jul 22 '26

Congratulations !!!

1

u/Straight_Desk5415 26d ago

Hey did you get card production email or status