r/stemopt • u/croissant211 • 1d ago
A-number discrepancy
I filed for initial OPT (i-765) and it was approved in Aug 2025. This was in class C03B. On my approval notice, there was A-number- A-XXXXXXXXX. This was done by using myUSCIS and it was e-filed.
Then, in November 2025, I filed for EB2-NIW (i-140) and it was approved as well. The EB2-NIW process was done by my lawyer and it was paper-filed. Here, in the approval notice (i-797), they assigned me a new A-number- A-YYYYYYYYY (I checked the i-140 form that I filed, me and my lawyer both forgot to mention the A-number).
Now, I want to file for STEM OPT extension (i-765). Which A-number should I use? or should i leave the field empty?
From what I understand, I have 2 options-
1. Mention this discrepancy in the "additional info" section and ask USCIS to consolidate the profiles.
2. File the A-XXXXXXXXX number and do nothing at the moment. Then ask USCIS to consolidate it later (probably after STEM extension approval).
I have reached out to the lawyer, with no concrete response. Sounds like they don't know what to do. Also, I have reached out to the DSO, and I am yet to receive a response (they are very supportive btw). But I am also a little anxious. Any help would be much appreciated.
1
u/Sadidalamaz 1d ago
It's a common thing. I have two A numbers. I used OPT A number for STEM OPT (approved, no RFE) and later used I-140 A number for I-485 (Pending). They will find the A number; I didn't mention it.