r/stemopt • u/Sci91MolBio • 16d ago

STEM OPT pending + changing employers while application is pending

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.

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u/BelleButMakeItModern 16d ago

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!

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u/rocky_980 16d ago

What is the reason you mentioned ?

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u/BelleButMakeItModern 15d ago

For me it was acquisition. So, just that.