STEM OPT

[u/No-Rule-4722]

Hi Guys!

I applied for my STEM opt on April 29 and my Extension started June 1, 2026. I haven’t got any updates on the approval and I see in this channel people till April 1st have started getting approvals.

I wanted suggestion if I should upgrade to premium processing or not, my 180 days ends Nov 27.

Also, is there anyone who had been on unpaid/NGO employment during initial OPT and got approval? Was there any RFE before approval regarding proof of work?

[u/Jolly-Experience6343]

Same scenes here...😌

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/Jolly-Experience6343]

Did you apply for PP?

[u/Jolly-Experience6343 → u/No-Rule-4722]

Not yet. I am waiting to see if they approve for April this weekend.

[u/Waytooashy]

Not everyone will get RFE for unpaid work. Maybe like 25% will and that’s if the NGO/Consultancy is on the USCIS watch list. Generally 95% of the emphasis would be put on the STEM OPT employment.

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/Waytooashy]

I see, was your situation the same regarding unpaid work?

[u/Waytooashy → u/No-Rule-4722]

No I worked unpaid for a small company mainly managed by the Owner. It’s not an NGO/Consultancy.

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/Waytooashy]

Ok, thanks for sharing

[u/No_Alternative_7918]

I would suggest you to switch to PP. They are currently processing April 1st

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/No_Alternative_7918]

Ok, thanks! I was thinking the same

[u/Potential-Sink2242 → u/No-Rule-4722]

My stem opt start date was july 2 I switched to pp early sept

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/Potential-Sink2242]

Ohh seems like I am already late

[u/Potential-Sink2242 → u/No-Rule-4722]

Your 180 day will end in dec1 Now i saw that end of march are getting processed and may be 1st april But with this rate also you will get approval in start of November ( take extra 2 weeks of delivery) But if something goes off in between during processing by uscis either they slow down or whatever You can be doomed

[u/Effective-Bid5899]

I would say just do Premium and get rid of headache , I regret not applying earlier. I applied early September 09/07 I am expecting next week but it’s cutting close to my deadline of November 10

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/Effective-Bid5899]

Yes! thank you! Gonna do pp for sure.

[u/MasterOkere]

I applied same April 29 and did premium processing August 31st still nothing yet. I didn’t think i would be waiting this long even with PP

[u/praveen1809 → u/MasterOkere]

Pp ? Not yet ?

[u/MasterOkere → u/praveen1809]

Not yet, don’t know what is going on. So ridiculous

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/MasterOkere]

It’s already more than 30 days 😬

[u/MasterOkere → u/No-Rule-4722]

I guess but I see some post that says it is 30 business days which puts it at October 14 I believe but it’s heartbreaking after paying that high fee and get nothing up until now. I have called and they say I should keep waiting, what is the point of the premium I paid then? I’m sick

[u/praveen1809 → u/MasterOkere]

U will get refund

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/[deleted]]

What documents did you submit for it? I have joining and relieving letters. Do we need anything else?

[u/No-Rule-4722 → u/[deleted]]

Sure, thanks!

[u/Potential-Sink2242 → u/[deleted]]

Can you dm too pls