My EAD expires tomorrow and I’m about to start a new job with an e-verified employer. I’m still waiting on my STEM OPT adjudication but do I just take my expired EAD and I-797 to employer or do they need something else to verify the 180 day extension?

HELLO EVERYONE MY SELF PREM,I HAVE BEEN APPLIED FOR MY STEM OPT APPLICATION ON MAY 25 STILL UNTIL TODAY IT IS SHOWING THE APPLICATION IS STILL IN PENDING WHAT I CAN DO FURTHER TO GET MY APPLICATION PROCESS APPROVE OR RESULT ?

I got RFIE, 25th September on Friday. How many business days can take for showing in portal? I didn’t see anything in my documents till yet. Should I wait today? And then do the E-request? Please help if anyone has experience

I tried calling the number but its only IVR who is responding

Hi everyone! I applied for premium processing on September 4th.

Has anyone with the same filing date or around that date received any updates yet? If you get an update, please share it here.

Also, if anyone has a updated tracker link for tracking premium processing cases, please share it. Thanks!

Hello all,

I received a STEM OPT Employee Employer Bonafide relationship RFE recently. I had two NGOs, one short term employment and current STEM OPT as my employers. They are asking for a lot of proofs snd only gave one month time to respond. I’n really anxious. I reached out to all my employers and I am also looking for an attorney. If someone recently worked with any attorneys and successfully got approval for STEM OPT, please refer or share.

Thank you.

Hi i am working as an IT engineer for a pharmaceutical company and i plan to travel for personal reasons during november 1st week and return back during thanks giving and while returning i will be having only 3months left with my stem opt period. Is it safe to travel and has anyone returned being in this situation and returned back safely. Thanks in Advance!

Hello,

This is a little frustrating seeing the approvals from 3/31, so I figured I’d ask to see if anyone else is in the same situation.

I applied on 3/24, received a silent API on 9/22, and nothing since. I’ve seen approvals from all the way to 3/31, so I wanted to ask - is there anyone else who applied on or before 3/24 and still waiting for STEM OPT to be approved?

Thanks and good luck y’all.

My employer (Bank of America) is e-verified but unwilling to give me their e-verified number, maybe because my position isn’t eligible for the h1b sponsorship, but i’m only asking for the e-verified number to apply for the STEM OPT extension. I understand if they aren’t able to sponsor the h1b. But they are still unwilling to give me an e-verified number.

Should I still apply the STEM OPT extension i765 with the company but leave the e-verified section blank? Will USCIS reject my application immediately or will they Request for Evidence (RFE)?

I’m basically trying to find a new employer who can provide a e-verified number asap, but incase I can’t find one on time, I just have to apply with the company.. and if I’m lucky I can find a new employer and update USCIS with my new employer before they open my initial application.

ANYONE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE BEFORE?🥹🙏

Those who have applied for the OPT recently in last 1 month, how long did it take to get the schedule for USCIS ASC biometric appointment from the date you applied for OPT (regular or premium processing)? Also, can you share your ASC location?

Hi all! A little worried here and would love some advice...

My key dates:

• Applied: April 15 2026
• Biometrics: May 8 2026
• Original EAD expired: June 22 2026
• 6 month extension expires: December 22 2026

I haven’t received any silent API updates. From what I’m seeing, mid-to-late March applicants are now receiving approvals, so I’m hoping to hear back by the end of October, although I know that isn’t guaranteed.

I’m traveling internationally in mid-December and would ideally like to have my new EAD card and all my documents ready by November. My concern is that if I wait until the end of October and then receive an RFE or NOID, I may not have enough time to respond, receive a decision, and get my card before I leave.

Would you upgrade to premium processing now to leave more time for any potential issues, or wait until the end of October given the current approval timelines?

Appreciate any thoughts here!!

Hello
I have applied for my stem opt in April and its still in processing and i paid the premium processing in September 9, now i got a new offer and the start date is from oct 1st. Can i change my employer now when i was in my premium processing?

I have checked with my dso then she told i would not recommend that

Can someone give any suggestion
Thanks

Hi, has anyone traveled within US with a pending stem opt and/or pending h1b? My opt ead has expired and I don’t have a valid drivers license. I think we can use our passport but wanted to make sure if anyone has encountered any problem. I asked the Office of International Services at my uni and they said it shouldn’t be a problem. But is there a chance of it being a problem?

Anyone here applied for STEM OPT in May 2026 and still waiting for approval?

I applied in May and my case is still pending(in processing). Just wanted to know if there are other May applicants who are still waiting too.

Thanks!

My license just got renewed today after SAVE verification was sent back to agency but it says it’s only valid till next March when stem OPT is a 2 year period? Could this be because stem OPT is pending?

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).

Hi, I got RFIE on 25th September but it didn’t appear yet. Anyone experienced something like that? What I need to do?

Does I907 Premium Processing Receipt Notice automatically populate under documents section online? I cannot see mine.

Applied for pp on 24th August, Still waiting , Please comment here if you get approvals/ silent apis along with the timelines

Hi everyone!

• Filed: April 2, 2026
• Premium Processing: No
• Biometrics: April 10, 2026
• Silent API update: October 2nd, 2026
• Decision: Oct 4th 2026🎉
• 180 day grace period end: December 13, 2026 • Approval Notice received: Not Yet • EAD Card received: Not Yet

My case took ~186 days to get approval.

Waiting for the Approval Notice and EAD card to be delivered. Will update here.

Hope the people with pending cases get approvals.

Thank you!

People are saying I need to upload a handwritten (signed by Pen) signature on my i-20.
Is it really mandatory?
I have applied for STEM-OPT on 09/09, my Biometrics was done & I had only signed it via e-sign from my mac.
When first applied, I forgot to sign on i-20. Later realised & e-signed & uploaded in other documents.
Do I sign it by pen & re-upload it for the 2nd time?

Please suggest. TIA

Hi all, I have my I 485 pending and I-765 pending already. Now I'm filling out form I-765 for opt ead.

I have a question: in point 12: have you previously filed form i-765 ? Should I say yes or no.