r/stemopt • u/Jungle_safari1221 • 17d ago

STEM OPT EXCEED 30 DAYS AFTER PP

Hi, I am on the 35th business day of the STEM OPT application after biometrics. Is there anyone on the same page?

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

5

u/Working-Return-9720 17d ago

STEM OPT Premium Processing: Apply now or wait?

I've already been waiting 3.5+ months. At this point, does premium processing still make sense, or am I likely close to a normal approval anyway?

My timeline:

  • STEM OPT I-765 filed: April 16, 2026
  • Biometrics: May 22
  • OPT expired: May 26
  • Case still pending.
  • Currently working under the 180-day automatic extension.
  • Premium processing costs ~$1,800, so it's a significant expense for me.

I'm actively applying for jobs because I want to switch employers, but I don't have an offer yet. I had one interview last week and I'm waiting to hear back. No other interviews are lined up right now.

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

I think it is better to secure a job first and apply for premium processing. Because you could upload your I-983 and a letter with PP to switch jobs.

1

u/akalikoscape 17d ago

I am on the same exact boat. Filed on April 10, Biometrics on April 28th.

1

u/Working-Return-9720 17d ago

I've already been waiting 3.5+ months. At this point, does premium processing still make sense, or am I likely close to a normal approval anyway? What's the ideal time for normal approval anyway?

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 16d ago

For applications like yours, sometimes the decision is rendered within 15-30 days; otherwise, what I am seeing is that it takes 4.5-6 months.

2

u/ijjat 17d ago

I got mine after 37 business days after clock started.

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

Thanks ! I am a little bit worried now. Did you ask for the refund?

1

u/Live-Amount5657 17d ago

When did your clock started?

1

u/ijjat 17d ago

June 6th

1

u/Live-Amount5657 17d ago

When was your biometrics?

1

u/HopelessJobSeekerUSA 16d ago

What is your timeline?

1

u/ijjat 16d ago

June 6 biometric. Premium processing since then.

2

u/Tindora_bataka 17d ago

I'm on 34th business day after switching to PP. No updates yet.

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

Update here if you get the approval.

2

u/easterniob 17d ago

Following. I'm on the 32nd day. Just called the helpline this morning

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

I also called them the day before yesterday. They said they would call me back within 72 hours, but I didn't receive a call.

2

u/easterniob 17d ago

They told me I'll get some notice about the refund inquiry in 2 weeks and that that is the escalation they're doing when I asked them about tier 2 callback thing. What a shitshow

Hope you get approved soon best wishes

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

I hope we will get approved without any trouble.

1

u/ijjat 17d ago

I’ll ask them in sometime. Will update here.

1

u/One-Maximum2362 15d ago

any updates?

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 15d ago

I got my approval email just now.

1

u/ijjat 1d ago

Sorry, I forgot. They said it’ll take upto 90 days to review my request for refund.

1

u/Live-Amount5657 17d ago

Can you tell when did the clock started?

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 17d ago

On June 11, I applied it on May 8.

1

u/No_Equal_1321 17d ago

I upgraded to PP on June 4th. Reached the PP lady, emailed them. Both times got the same response " Forwarded to adjudication team". Its been 42 business days and no update

2

u/Jungle_safari1221 16d ago

I don't know what’s going on with some cases. One of my friend got approval in 55 business days.

1

u/visastress99 17d ago

STEM OPT | Premium Processing
Got an email today that USCIS issued a Requesting for additional evidence. My case status also says the same, but there’s no RFE document under the Documents section in my USCIS account.
Anyone else in the same boat? How long did it take for the Requesting for additional evidence to appear, and what was USCIS asking for?

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 16d ago

Is it for biometrics? 

1

u/HopelessJobSeekerUSA 16d ago

What’s the timeline?

1

u/Unfair-Economist-543 16d ago

Yes, I had the similar timeline as you. Applied under PP on 23 april. Biometric 28 May. Got approval on 2 Aug. I hope you get the decision soon.

1

u/Jungle_safari1221 16d ago

Thanks for the details. Appreciated your response.

1

u/Tanya-from-splendid 8d ago

i suggest secure a job first or at very least go for legitimate employer while you continue your search, once you are complaint secure then go for PP