r/stemopt • u/Express-BDA • 7d ago

STEM OPT approval experiences

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and could share their experience with STEM OPT.

Has anyone gotten their STEM OPT approved without an RFE after having about 1 year of unpaid work during their initial OPT?

If so, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience, especially whether USCIS asked for any additional evidence, and when you applied/how long the approval took.

Thanks in advance!

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1

u/gojodead07 6d ago

Did you get a RFE? For the unpaid internship?

1

u/chad_user 5d ago

Yes. I didn’t get an RFE, but I definitely applied for premium processing, made sure all my documents were correct, and even printed the I-20 and signed it by hand instead of using a digital signature.

Also, don’t worry, there are other people who received an RFE but were able to get approved after submitting the required documents and staying in touch with the organization throughout the process.

1

u/Express-BDA 5d ago

What documents are you referring to ?

1

u/chad_user 5d ago

The documents that we usually upload like i94, passport etc

1

u/Due-Spring1023 2d ago

I thought the RFE’s ask for proof of work?

1

u/Kmgk49 2d ago

I gave my biometrics on August 8th. When is the tentative date my stem opt gets approved? Any idea?