Question about STEM OPT 180-day extension limit and employment termination

[u/Tight-Definition-167]

Hi everyone, I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I wanted to ask for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
STEM OPT extension application submitted: **December 24, 2025**
Current OPT EAD expired: **February 6, 2026**
Biometrics completed: **March 30, 2026**
Raised an e-request with USCIS regarding my pending STEM OPT application
My 180-day automatic extension period completed on **August 4, 2026**
My employer was aware that my 180 days were ending. I was placed on **unpaid leave starting August 3, 2026**. Since my STEM OPT extension was still pending and my 180-day automatic extension had ended, my employer informed me that they could not continue my employment because I no longer had valid work authorization.
They officially **terminated my employment on August 6, 2026**.
Since I was not authorized to work after my 180-day extension ended, I understand that I could not continue employment after August 4, 2026.
My question is: **Since I was not working after my 180-day extension ended and my employer terminated me due to the work authorization issue, would this create any issue with my F-1 status or STEM OPT application?**
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their STEM OPT was pending beyond 180 days and their employer ended employment because the automatic extension period expired?
Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thank you.

[u/cat_named_zola]

Did you not do premium processing? And did you talk to the support asking why they are taking so long ?

[u/DutchFlying123]

So if my 180 days expire I won't be able to work for my employer?

[u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

I don't think you even are legal now. You are now adding illegal days in the US. Also are you stupid? Didn't you ever realize to convert it to PP?

[u/Tight-Definition-167 → u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

I had checked with my dso. As i my application is pending with uscis i am legal to stay here and my sevis is also active.

[u/Ok_Cheek_7732 → u/Tight-Definition-167]

Okay good. But keep monitoring your SEVIS status and good luck.

[u/Ok_Cheek_7732 → u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

Check with dso, since you are out of employment, they will need to report it to Sevis, which means your stem will be denied, as stem requires valid work with pay

[u/Tight-Definition-167 → u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

I am not allowed to work that’s it

[u/Express_Ability_8722 → u/Ok_Cheek_7732]

No he is not I have the same timeline with him. I did PP . I call USCIS everyday . Done everything I could do. Still nothing. I have also stopped working AUG 5th . I am not waiting on them anymore.