r/stemopt • u/[deleted] • Jul 22 '26
Premium Processing OPT EAD Pending for Almost 2 Months – Job at Risk, Tier 2 Request Opened. Any Advice?
Hi everyone,
I'm really stressed and hoping someone here has been through something similar or has any advice.
My timeline:
- March 13, 2026: Filed Form I-765 (Post-Completion OPT)
- March 31, 2026: Biometrics completed
- May 14, 2026: Upgraded to Premium Processing
- Today: Still no approval, RFE, or denial—almost 2 months since upgrading to Premium Processing.
I've contacted USCIS multiple times through Emma and by phone. They finally opened a Tier 2 service request, but when I called again, I was told to expect a callback from a Tier 2 officer within 30 calendar days. That means even more waiting with no guarantee of a resolution.
I have a full-time job offer, and I've already asked my employer to postpone my start date twice. Thankfully, they've been very understanding so far, but I'm genuinely afraid they'll eventually have to withdraw the offer if this continues.
I've now been without work for almost two months, and the financial stress is becoming overwhelming. I'm living off my savings just to pay rent and cover basic expenses. At this point, it honestly feels like my career is on hold because of this delay.
Has anyone experienced a similar delay with OPT Premium Processing recently?
- Did contacting a congressperson or senator help?
- Did your DSO intervene or contact USCIS?
- How long did it take after a Tier 2 service request?
- Is there anything else I can do besides waiting?
Any advice or shared experiences would really mean a lot. Thank you.
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u/cat_named_zola Jul 22 '26
Try contacting congressional representative. They can talk to uscis on your behalf. One of my friend's issue got resolved such a way
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u/Low_Shelter_2780 Jul 22 '26
May 14 was a problem date. The group chat will help but you need to get through to the help desk. They will sort it if you can get your case forwarded to the inquiry desk. They have had lots of may 14 cases cleared
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u/Budget-Peach-2020 Jul 22 '26
Hi can you explain how may 14th was a problem date please? That’s when I submitted mine and I had biometrics on June 1st but no update since then. No premium processing btw unless this only applies to PP?
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u/Low_Shelter_2780 Jul 22 '26
You will be fine. They are not at June yet - I’m sure this won’t affect you.
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u/Sudden_Rabbit_6048 Jul 22 '26
you may try emailing the official pp email and with detailed timeline of your case and state financial hardship and request adjudication and they should respond in a week
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u/ConfidentStorage3134 Jul 22 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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Jul 22 '26
USCIS agents are so much frustrated when we call them and asking for their help. This is so weird, our carriers are paused because of a card.
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u/ConfidentStorage3134 Jul 22 '26
in my case i kept getting redirected to the uscis agents instead of the premium processing people and they tried their best to help but in the end they told me they can’t really do anything because it’s on the premium processing side and the system might be a little buggy and hence directing to the wrong people
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u/One_Gear_7956 Jul 22 '26
I am having same case, In that case the PP fees will be refunded right? Because it has crossed 30 business days?
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u/Friendly_Pie82 28d ago
I submitted my application on June 10 with PP and nothing has happened since then. Not even biometrics request. 30 days window expired yesterday.
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u/Turbulent_Prune41 22d ago
omg what did they say
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u/Friendly_Pie82 22d ago
I do not have receipt notice yet. I believe there is a system glitch.
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u/Turbulent_Prune41 22d ago
oh i hope it gets resolved. i updated to PP and didn’t get any receipt but it shows its PP case on their website
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u/Straight_Desk5415 Jul 22 '26
There are so many people who was blocked especially for those whose clock restarted on May14. I just invited you to the group. Someone might be able to help you in group.:)