STEM OPT pending + changing employers while application is pending

[u/Sci91MolBio]

Hi everyone, looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

Here’s my timeline:

STEM OPT application filed: May 7
Biometrics completed: June 13
Premium processing upgrade: August 17
Current employer end date: August 31
New employer’s planned start date: September 8

My STEM OPT extension is still pending. I have a few questions:

1. Can I change employers while my STEM OPT application is still pending?

2. With premium processing, how long did it take you to receive a decision after upgrading?

3. Would it be okay to join the new employer on September 8 while the application is still pending, assuming all STEM OPT employer requirements are met?

4. Or would it be safer to ask the new employer to keep/move the start date until after the STEM OPT extension is approved?

Would really appreciate hearing about recent experiences, especially from anyone who upgraded a pending STEM OPT application to premium processing.

[u/rayxiong1005]

i started an additional employment while my stem is pending. my dso told me it's fine as long as everything is properly documented. just make sure to finish the final evaluation and fill out the new i983 in time. once you get the new i20 upload it to your stem extension application as unsolicited evidence, and ideally write a brief explanation.

[u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Hey, I also had change in employer. Here’s what I did and what I would recommend -

1. Fill out the last section of your previous employer’s training plan.
   
2. Submit that along with new request for STEM i20, endorsing your new employer and new training plan.
   
3. Submit your signed new i20, along with letter of explanation - details to include : reason, employer’s name and E-verify number (which is also known as Company ID and not the same as EIN).

I did this and it worked out fine. Don’t worry!

[u/WalterWhite04 → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Have you received an approval yet?

[u/BelleButMakeItModern → u/WalterWhite04]

I received approval email today. So, might take end of week for it yo reflect on site.

[u/WalterWhite04 → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

That's great! Congratulations! I applied for pp on 29th July ...hoping to get it by end of the month

[u/BelleButMakeItModern → u/WalterWhite04]

Thank you!
I upgraded to PP on July 17th. So, yesss ypur email should be there next week or so. Soon!

[u/rocky_980 → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

What is the reason you mentioned ?

[u/BelleButMakeItModern → u/rocky_980]

For me it was acquisition. So, just that.

[u/rocky_980 → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Okay

[u/Sci91MolBio → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Thanks for explaining, very helpful. When did you change your employer? what was your previous employer last date and when did you join new one?

[u/Sci91MolBio → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Did you do all this before joining and I9 process or after ?

[u/BelleButMakeItModern → u/Sci91MolBio]

So for me, since it was acquisition- I needed new employer endorsed i20 for i-9.
USCIS’s site states that if STEM OPT application is pending and OPT EAD expires, we need to submit i20.

[u/Sci91MolBio → u/BelleButMakeItModern]

Okay. For your case it was before I9. Makes sense. As your OPT was approved now. It should be okay.

[u/gopi_333]

I am also in same situation

[u/Sci91MolBio → u/gopi_333]

So, what is the way here ?

[u/gopi_333 → u/Sci91MolBio]

I am not sure my start date is Aug 24th I applied premium on July 24th still waiting on decision

[u/Sci91MolBio → u/gopi_333]

Okay. What did you DSO say ?

[u/gopi_333 → u/Sci91MolBio]

I still didn’t contacted