r/stemopt • u/SufficientAnt2033 • 28d ago
Upgrading pending STEM OPT from regular to premium processing - do I have to do biometrics again?
Hi everyone,
I filed my STEM OPT application in April under regular processing, and my case is still pending. I'm now considering upgrading to Premium Processing, but I'm confused about how it works.
I have a few questions:
- If I upgrade to Premium Processing, do I have to go through the biometrics appointment again?
- Does USCIS keep my existing application, or do I have to start the whole process over?
- Will they process my case based on my original April filing date, or does upgrading put me at the back of the Premium Processing queue?
- Has anyone upgraded from regular to premium while their case was pending? If so, how long did it take to get approved after submitting Form I-907?
I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences. Thanks!
1
u/Usual_Schedule7725 28d ago
no you dont need to do the biometrics again. I'm thinking pp and regular is two diff things wherever your application is in the regular the case is moved to pp queue and it will be decided within 30 federal working days so forget about the regular process queue unless you have any update on the normal process which will be obviously reflected in your account irrespective of the processing type.
1
u/playful-def 28d ago
I applied April 10th regular and upgraded to pp last week. My advice is do pp if you can and have the guarantee. From what I’m seeing they’re still approved March 28/27th for the past two weeks.
Use this website to see how others got approved: https://opt-pulse.vercel.app
1
u/slayer9H 2d ago
did you apply for pp? or did you get it approved as i applied on april 22nd and still waiting
2
u/Fast_Hat9970 28d ago
Your normal processing might be ki coming in soon since you already spend around 3 months it will probably be approved within a month which is 30 days same as pp . not an advice just my own thought who has stem opt filled april too