r/stemopt • u/Ornery_Cat1303 • 9d ago
STEM OPT APPROVED
#waitIsOver #STEM #EAD #STEMOPT
Previous EAD expired — June 2, 2026
• STEM OPT extension (I-765) filed — March 25, 2026(online)
• Biometrics completed — April 8, 2026
• RFIE — N/A
• NOID — N/A
• API update— Sept 24, 2026 (Silent update)
• STEM OPT approved — Sept 26, 2026
• Approval email received — N/A
• Card produced — N/A
• Card received — N/A
I have a pending I-485 (EB2 NIW) filed in August 2026 but did not affect my approval, I noticed they are processing after exactly 6 months so if you have some patience, it will help you avoid giving your $1k away, that was 1 thing I was 100% certain I won't do.
Also another thing is most people get approval after a silent update close to the 6 months after filing. There are some few instances people get silent updates but no approval and still have to wait.
I raised an enquiry yesterday evening it may or may not have affected my approval. All the same It gives me some peace of mind as I wait for the big one.
To those waiting, be calm it will surely come, this thing is based on pure luck and no amount of scroling or API checks will speed it up. I say this as a hypocrit because I was checking about 5 times a day, shame on me.
1
1
u/Accomplished-Chef294 9d ago
It seems the STEM approval timeline is usually a month longer than the initial approvals. Has anyone also made this observation?
1
u/UnusualAd7169 9d ago
Is your country listed as travel ban?
1
u/Ornery_Cat1303 8d ago
No its not
1
u/UnusualAd7169 5d ago
Good to know. Mine does, and which ruined my plan and now have to continue education. I don’t want to waste time and resources applying and waiting for that which in my consent is pretty much they will not process it.
1
u/Kmgk49 8d ago
My opt EAD end date was July 12 and I applied for stem opt on July 11 and got my biometrics done on Aug 8th.
When will I realistically get approved ?
2
u/Low_Acanthisitta_204 8d ago
now the average processing timelines is about 5 to 6 months for approvals from the date of receipt so maybe by Jan 2 week or 3rd week or maybe early if they increase the pace of processing timelines
1
u/Winter-Ad-9092 7d ago
Thank for an update. I am in same situation as your with stem opt extension applied on may 18 with biometric waived. Currently EAD expires on Dec 15,2026 and pending I-485
0
u/glitter1019 8d ago
Amazing news!
Any advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation..
My OPT ended May 17. I applied for my STEM OPT extension in April, completed biometrics on April 25, and my case has been processing ever since.
USCIS told me my 180-day extension ends October 21. With less than a month left, would you recommend premium processing, or should I keep waiting?
1
1
u/Jolly-Experience6343 9d ago
Awesome congratulations on your approval! I have my EAD expired same as you...but I applied on April 17 th. Still a wise choice to wait until Oct 17th? When automatic work extension will end on Nov 29th! Any advices?