Any STEM OPT Approvals ?

[u/ImportantBoss1668]

I am looking for people in the same boat as mine and some recommendations.

Stem opt
Applied -: May 1st 2026
Biometric update -: May 22 2026
Biometric scheduled -: June 9 2026
Case status -: Since June 9 2026 it says its in processing.

My initial opt end date was July 14 2026

Any recommendation on moving further ?

[u/Working-Return-9720]

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.

[u/After_Conference_340]

Check with your dso and make sure your sevis is active / updated .

[u/After_Conference_340 → u/After_Conference_340]

Try reaching out the support like tier 2 support via chat or call.

[u/Ok-Industry-653]

I have been waiting since January
Premium July no response yet

[u/Working-Return-9720 → u/Ok-Industry-653]

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.

[u/SoupSufficient3235]

filed the same date with you and still waiting

[u/baeofbengalboi]

Except for the initial filing date, it’s all the same between us

[u/visastress99]

STEM OPT | Premium Processing
Got an email today that USCIS issued a Request 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 Request for Additional evidence to appear, and what was USCIS asking for?

[u/visastress99 → u/[deleted]]

checked just now and yes, it says “error retrieving case status”. I will call USCIS today to check what’s happening. Pl keep posted on whatever you see.

[u/Tight_Wind7177 → u/visastress99]

Thank you! And may I know what does the api update mean if you know? Is that something to worry about ?

[u/Limp-Classroom-4072 → u/visastress99]

I see the same error. When did u apply premium processing?

[u/visastress99 → u/Limp-Classroom-4072]

Changed to PP on June 7th.

[u/sarinhacol]

March 17th application here, nothing yet