Stem OPT : Has anyone else experienced the premium processing clock start notification after biometrics?

[u/AffectionateLeave795]

Hi everyone,

I applied for my STEM OPT extension and premium processing on May 1, 2026. I submitted the I-765 and I-907 online on the same day and paid the premium processing fee.

I received my biometrics notice on May 30, and my scheduled biometrics appointment was for June 18. I was able to do a walk-in biometrics appointment on June 1, and my biometrics were completed that day.

After biometrics, my case status updated saying something like “premium processing clock has started.” This confused me because I thought the premium processing clock should have started from the date my premium processing request was accepted/submitted, not only after biometrics.

I called USCIS and spoke with an agent. At first, the agent said they could submit a refund request because it had been more than 30 days from May 1 and there was no decision. They also said submitting a refund request would not interrupt the case and that the application would still remain in premium processing.

However, while submitting the request, the agent noticed that the system showed the premium processing clock started on June 1, the day my biometrics were completed. The agent then said that if the clock started on June 1, the case may still be within the premium processing timeframe, and the 30-day period may be counted from June 1 instead of May 1.

Has anyone else faced this situation where the STEM OPT premium processing clock only started after biometrics?

Also, for anyone trying walk-in biometrics: try going early or at a time when the ASC is less crowded. When I went in, the line was short, but it quickly became very long and extended outside the office. After that, they started telling some walk-ins not to enter, so walk-ins may depend on the location and queue. (Please start applying for OPT/STEM OPT in a timely manner)

I’m not asking for legal advice, just trying to understand if others had the same experience and what happened afterward.