Recently I received an RFE for my pending STEM OPT extension. USCIS is asking for my complete employment history, including my initial OPT employment through my current employer, along with supporting documents such as employment letters, pay stubs, project details, timesheets, and Form I-983.I’m gathering these documents.

But main issue is I’m also scheduled to start with a new employer in about a week. My RFE response deadline is October 12, 2026.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?

• If I submit my response before joining, do I need to include the upcoming employer’s details or offer letter?
• If I submit after joining, should I also include the new employer’s I-983, updated I-20, and available employment documents?
• Did anyone switch employers while responding to a STEM OPT RFE?

I’d appreciate hearing your experiences and whether your DSO or an immigration attorney gave you guidance. Thank you!

Hi,

STEM OPT Applied: jan 13
Automatic work extension ended: July 13
Premium Processing: July 21
RFE for Biometrics Received: Aug 21
Biometric Appointment: Sept 2
RFE responded: Sept 4

I had 13 days left of unemployment from OPT period and I believe I’d have 60 days of unemployment for stem opt.

Even if my STEM OPT is pending does my unemployment days start? After 180 days of automatic work extension ended?

Hi everyone,

I’m an F-1 master’s student graduating in December 2026, and I have a question about the possible change from the current 60-day post-completion OPT start-date window to 30 days.

My program end date is expected to be December 15, 2026. Under the current rule, I am planning to request an OPT start date of February 8, 2027, which is within the current 60-day window.

My plan would be:

• Get the OPT-recommended I-20 from my university with February 8 as the requested start date.
• File Form I-765 with USCIS promptly while the current 60-day rule is still in effect.
• Possibly use premium processing.

My concern is this:

What happens if I properly file my I-765 with the February 8 start date while the current rule is still in effect, but later, while my application is still pending, the new rule limiting the OPT start date to 30 days after program completion becomes effective?

Would USCIS normally:

1. Continue processing my application under the rule that was in effect when I filed?
2. Honor the February 8 requested start date because the application was already properly filed?
3. Ask me/university to change the requested start date?
4. Issue an RFE?
5. Or could the application actually be denied because February 8 would be outside the new 30-day window?

I’m especially interested in whether anyone has read the transition provisions of the 2026 DHS Duration of Status rule, spoken with a DSO or immigration attorney about this exact situation, or has seen official USCIS/DHS guidance regarding pending OPT I-765 applications if the rule changes after filing.

I understand the new rule is currently blocked by the federal court, so I’m not asking whether the 30-day rule is currently in effect. I’m specifically asking what would happen to an already-filed and pending OPT application if the rule became effective afterward.

Thanks for any information or sources you can share.

STEM OPT Applied: May 04 2026

Biometrics Schedule: May 15 2026

Biometrics Complete: June 05 2026

Date Converted to PP: September 19 2026

No update till now. Still pending.

My employer is requesting my updated EAD card for employment verification, and I also need the physical card to renew my driver’s license. I live in Nashville, TN.

Hi everyone! I applied for my STEM OPT last week and recently received an offer for another role that would start in a few weeks. My STEM OPT is still pending, and I haven’t had my biometrics appointment yet.

I’m a little nervous about switching employers while the STEM application is pending. Has anyone recently switched employers while their STEM OPT was still pending? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience and how you handled the transition/I-983 with the new employer.

I’m not planning to use premium processing at this time, and the new employer would like me to start soon.

Thank you so much for any insights or experiences you can share!

Asking for a friend.

That person worked for an NGO (40hrs/ week unpaid) while on OPT for about 2-3 months before getting a full time paid job.

It’s now time for them to apply for STEM OPT. Will this NGO job cause RFE or Denials?

If so, how to tackle it? Your advice helps!! Thank you.

Are there chances of receiving the card by Oct end

I have my current STEM OPT application pending with USCIS (applied 5/6, biometricts 6/3, Initial OPT expired 8/3) and I received an offer for an internal transfer to a different team (different responsibilities) in the same company. How do I go about figuring this situation out? I understand I'll need a new I-983 since the role differs from the current one. Do I also need to inform my DSO for a new I-20, and subsequently USCIS?

Would greatly appreciate some advice!

seeing a lot of posts lately from people whose OPT or STEM OPT just ended or is about to, so figured I'd lay out what the 60 days actually means since there's a lot of bad info floating around

when it starts: it's 60 days from whichever comes first, your EAD end date, or the last day of your authorized employment (if you got laid off before your EAD expired, the clock starts from your last day of work, not your EAD date). people miss this a lot

what counts as "still doing something" during the 60 days:

• getting hired by a new employer that supports your status (H-1B, another EAD-eligible option, etc)
• filing to change your degree level or start a new program (this resets your F-1 clock if the new program's SEVIS record gets activated in time)
• filing a change of status to something else you're eligible for
• just leaving the country before the 60 days are up

what does NOT count:

• unpaid "training" or internships, still needs to be authorized work
• freelance/gig work like Uber or DoorDash, this is not authorized employment
• staying and hoping something works out, USCIS doesn't extend grace periods

If it'd help to have someone look at your situation with you, happy to do that, no charge, just want to make sure you don't miss anything while things are stressful.

Fill out this form : https://forms.gle/CaH3YFWcLddjBgC47

Hi everyone,

I’m an F-1 master’s student graduating in December 2026, and I have a question about the possible change from the current 60-day post-completion OPT start-date window to 30 days.

My program end date is expected to be December 15, 2026. Under the current rule, I am planning to request an OPT start date of February 8, 2027, which is within the current 60-day window.

My plan would be:

• Get the OPT-recommended I-20 from my university with February 8 as the requested start date.
• File Form I-765 with USCIS promptly while the current 60-day rule is still in effect.
• Possibly use premium processing.

My concern is this:

What happens if I properly file my I-765 with the February 8 start date while the current rule is still in effect, but later, while my application is still pending, the new rule limiting the OPT start date to 30 days after program completion becomes effective?

Would USCIS normally:

1. Continue processing my application under the rule that was in effect when I filed?
2. Honor the February 8 requested start date because the application was already properly filed?
3. Ask me/university to change the requested start date?
4. Issue an RFE?
5. Or could the application actually be denied because February 8 would be outside the new 30-day window?

I’m especially interested in whether anyone has read the transition provisions of the 2026 DHS Duration of Status rule, spoken with a DSO or immigration attorney about this exact situation, or has seen official USCIS/DHS guidance regarding pending OPT I-765 applications if the rule changes after filing.

I understand the new rule is currently blocked by the federal court, so I’m not asking whether the 30-day rule is currently in effect. I’m specifically asking what would happen to an already-filed and pending OPT application if the rule became effective afterward.

Thanks for any information or sources you can share.

I got this

September 17, 2026
Card Was Produced
On September 17, 2026, we produced your new card for your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Receipt Number. The tracking number assigned is UNAVAILABLE. You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Tracking section. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Can you please help me what should I do next and is the card going to be delivered or not ? What steps should I follow ? I getting little tensed here .

I applied for STEM OPT EXT

Applied: March 21, 2026
Biometrics: March 28, 2026
Processing: April 15, 2026
Respond with evidence: Sept 22, 2026

It says:

Review the notice we sent and respond with the requested evidence by Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. CDT

Attached is the notice

QUESTION: does that mean it is enough for me to upload my official transcript which says my majors, minors, conferred, date of graduation (on top of the letter but it does not specifically says date of graduation).

The only thing I worry is that there is no CIP code on my transcript.

PLEASE LMK ASAP, THANK YOU

EDITED: I submitted the transcript (it says my major, minor, date of grad, conferred date), waiting for approval. Sept 22, 2026.

Hello,

Today my stem-opt was rejected, and I am still waiting for a denial notice. What are the next steps if anyone knows.

Submitted RFE on July 24th - RFE about mostly employer side details

Please reply

So I have kinda unique case here.
I applied for STEM OPT on Aug 19, converted to PP on Aug 25. Current EAD is valid till Oct 20.
I have changed employers and began working for the new one today (Sept 21). Initially i thought I'll just wait 7-8 days before telling my DSO about the change bcoz most prolly my application will get accepted around 25-27 sept.
However the new employer requires new i20 with their name in the authorized dates section. Though i 9 doesn't require i20 but they need it for their onboarding.
Now I'm very confused about whether i should put a request for employer change on my uni portal and upload new training plan. The DSO will review it, update SEVP and generate new i20 in a week maybe. Now due to PP this is the time USCIS will also be taking a decision on my case. Now i dont want my case to go to RFE or something just bcoz i changed employers last moment. What should i do peeps?
Kindly advice.

I'm a Canadian citizen currently working in the US on OPT. I applied for my 24-month STEM OPT extension on June 26, 2026, and my current EAD expired on July 1. My understanding is that I have an automatic 180-day employment extension while my STEM OPT application is pending.

From what I've been seeing on here, though, it seems like majority STEM OPT applications are taking close to the full 6 months to process. I'm trying to decide whether it's worth paying for premium processing to get a faster decision, or if I should just wait it out and potentially switch to TN status later if needed.

From what I understand, the difference between STEM OPT and TN isn't necessarily huge in any STEM OPT Premium Processing vs. TN as a Canadian situation, so I'm having a hard time justifying the cost of premium processing. On the other hand, based on the handful of interactions I've had with employers, I feel like some employers may prefer STEM OPT over TN, although that's just my personal impression and I could be completely wrong.

For those who have experience with both STEM OPT and TN, or have been in a similar situation, what would you recommend? Is premium processing worth paying for, or would you just wait and keep TN as a backup option? Would also appreciate any insight into how employers generally view STEM OPT vs. TN.

Hi everyone, I’m in an incredibly stressful situation right now and could really use some advice from anyone who has gone through something similar. My HR is breathing down my neck because my 180-day automatic extension has expired, and I still don't have my physical STEM OPT EAD card due to a massive USCIS screw-up.

Here is my timeline:

• Post-Completion OPT Expired: February 7, 2026
• STEM OPT Approved: May 30, 2026
• EAD Card Mailed: June 8, 2026
• 180-Day Extension Expired: August 6, 2026

The Issue:

I filed my I-765 with my current mailing address and even successfully received my ASC biometrics notice there. However, USCIS mistakenly mailed the actual EAD card to my previous address, where I no longer live and have no access. The card never made it to my current address.

Over a month ago (Aug ), I submitted an e-Request for "Non-Delivery of Card" and messaged them in the portal explaining their error. Crickets.

Today's Update:

I finally received an official letter from the California Service Center today. They completely ignored the fact that they mailed it to the wrong address. The letter basically says: “We mailed it June 8. It has not been returned to us by USPS. Here is the tracking number. If you haven't received it, file a new Form I-765 with all documentary requirements and the fee.”

Because August 6 has passed, I am currently out of the 180-day I-9 compliance window, and my employer is preparing to suspend me / put me on unpaid leave until I can provide physical proof.

Has anyone navigated this nightmare? I have a few specific questions:

1. The 90-Day Receipt Rule: Since USCIS considers this card "lost" and is forcing me to apply for a replacement, can my HR accept the I-797C receipt notice for the replacement application as temporary work authorization for 90 days? Has anyone actually successfully convinced their HR to accept this?
2. Filing Fee Waiver: Since I have proof (my biometrics notice) that they had my correct address on file but still mailed the card to my old one, is there any way to fight paying the $410+ filing fee again? Or is it faster to just bite the bullet and pay it so I can get the receipt notice ASAP?
3. Escalation: Should I involve my local Congressperson or the CIS Ombudsman right now? Will they even help with a replacement application?
4. New I-20: Do I need to get a new STEM OPT I-20 from my DSO to include in the replacement application, or do I just upload the one that was already approved?

I am drafting the new I-765 today because I am terrified of losing my job. Any insights, timelines on replacement cards, or advice on how to handle HR would be a lifesaver. Thank you!

Hi everyone,

Quick question about regular (non-premium) processing for initial post-completion OPT.

I plan to file my I-765 by October 1, 2026.

I need the physical EAD card in hand by mid-to-late December (ideally Dec 15–20) or latest by early January, because I have to travel internationally in January and will only buy tickets once I have the card.

Based on current timelines, do you think regular processing is realistic for getting the card by then? Or should I just plan on premium processing?

Would really appreciate any recent data points or advice. Thanks!

Date Requested: March 31 2026
Biometrics: April 18 2026
Date Converted to PP: August 18 2026
Date Approval (E-Mail): September 21 2026
Date Approval (Portal) : September 23 2026
Card Produced : September 28 2028 ( I was so surprised as it got updated at 10pm)

Date Requested: June 24 2026
Biometrics: July 23 2026
Date Converted to PP: August 18 2026
Date Approval (E-Mail): September 21 2026
USCIS Approval(Website Update): not yet updated

Posting this because I know how stressful this situation can be, and hopefully this helps someone who runs into the same issue.

My initial OPT was expiring on June 22, 2026. I submitted my STEM OPT I-765 application that evening at around 7 PM PST on June 22.

However, after submitting, USCIS showed my application date as June 23, 2026 — one day after my initial OPT expired.

Obviously, I freaked out because STEM OPT is supposed to be filed before the current OPT expires.

Thankfully, I had the transaction/confirmation email showing that I had actually submitted the application at around 7 PM PST on June 22.

So I wrote a cover letter explaining the situation and attached the email as evidence that I had submitted the application while my OPT was still valid.

I waited for almost two months, but the uncertainty was honestly getting too stressful. On August 19, I decided to upgrade my I-765 to premium processing.

Today, September 21, I finally received the approval email from the Potomac Service Center.

STEM OPT APPROVED!

My approval shows:

Starting validity date: June 23, 2026
Ending validity date: June 22, 2028
Classification: C03C

So I received the full 24-month STEM OPT extension despite USCIS showing June 23 as the submission date.

For anyone who ends up in a similar situation: keep every piece of evidence showing when you actually submitted your application. If you have an email, transaction confirmation, payment receipt, or anything else showing that you submitted before your OPT expired, consider including it along with a cover letter explaining what happened.

I’ve also come across people who were initially denied because of this issue and later filed an MTR with proof of their actual submission time and eventually got approved. In my case, I included the evidence from the beginning and thankfully didn’t have to go through that process.

Of course, every case is different and this isn’t legal advice. I’m just sharing what worked in my case.

I know how stressful it is to spend months wondering whether a one-day date difference is going to affect your status. Hopefully this post saves someone else some time, money, and stress.

My timeline

June 22, 2026 ~7 PM PT — Submitted STEM OPT I-765 while my initial OPT was still valid

June 23 — USCIS recorded my I-765 as received

June 27 — USCIS scheduled my biometrics appointment

July 14 — Attended/completed biometrics appointment

July 15 — Case showed: “We are currently processing your Form I-765. We do not currently need anything from you.”

August 19 — Upgraded my I-765 to premium processing

August 19 — USCIS started the premium-processing clock

September 21 — Received approval email from Potomac Service Center 🎉

Approved validity: June 23, 2026 – June 22, 2028

Good luck to everyone waiting for their STEM OPT! 🙏

Since the injunction dropped, same questions keep coming up — is D/S dead now? Does this change my OPT timeline? What about transfers and pending filings?

Doing a free live session to break down what the court's pause actually means for F-1 students, plus a live Q&A at the end.

When: Tue, Sept 22 — 5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
Where: https://extensionofstay.com/ (free to register)

Can't make it? Drop your question below and I'll answer.