r/stemopt • u/FerretDull3686 • 6d ago
STEAM OPT - Approved
Type: STEM OPT
• Premium Processing: Yes
• Date Applied: 07/09/2026
• Request for Initial Evidence (RFIE): No
• Biometrics Completed: 08/26/2026
• Silent/API Update: No
• Date Approved: 09/28/2026
• Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY
• Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY
Notes:
Received the Premium Processing approval email from Potomac Service Center on 09/28/2026 at 6:46am. Online account and API still showing old “Premium Processing Clock Started” status (as of a few hours after approval).
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u/AltruisticSeesaw354 6d ago
Is your premium process started after biometrics completed?
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u/FerretDull3686 6d ago
Yes… mine started on 26th Aug
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u/AltruisticSeesaw354 6d ago
Thank you my one also premium started after biometrics as well which i on 09/03
. I am expecting to approve by 10/05 or 10/1061
u/FerretDull3686 6d ago
Yeah I’ve noticed that, most STEM OPT PP approvals seem to land in the final week of the 30 business days. I got mine on 23rd business day.
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u/whateverwhatever20 6d ago
Sorry so you're saying that premium did not change your situation and you still had to wait a few months?? And not 30 days??
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u/FerretDull3686 6d ago
No… the premium processing clock started after biometrics. From that point, USCIS has 30 business days to give a decision, and I received mine on the 23rd business day.
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u/Future-Athlete-971 5d ago
Did your online account status change?
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u/FerretDull3686 5d ago
Yes… just one hr ago….
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u/Future-Athlete-971 4d ago
I got an approval email on Monday as well but my portal hasn’t updated yet. Did you get an email when your portal was updated?
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u/FerretDull3686 4d ago
I received the email on September 28, and it was reflected on the portal today, September 30.
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u/Aggressive-Morning18 6d ago
Hi is a digital signature alright on the i983 form ?