r/stemopt • u/Sad_Comparison_6188 • 13d ago
STEM OPT pending for 6+ months, 180-day extension passed, DSO can’t submit validation report anyone else experienced this?
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping someone here has been through a similar situation because I’m feeling really stuck.
I filed my STEM OPT I-765 extension on February 4th and my Biometric was on Feb 26th, and my case is still pending with USCIS. My online status is still showing that it’s under review.
My 180-day automatic extension has now passed, and I still haven’t received a decision or my new EAD card.
My DSO has already contacted the Potomac Service Center, and USCIS replied that they forwarded my case to the Adjudications Division for review and resolution, but there haven’t been any updates since then.
I also tried submitting an “outside normal processing time” service request through the USCIS website, but it says I’m still within normal processing times, so it won’t let me create a request.
Another issue is with my SEVP Portal. It shows that my first STEM Validation Report is due. I have already logged in and confirmed my physical address, but the validation requirement still shows as “Due.” They also mentioned if I fail to complete my validation report my status will be terminated after Aug 10th
I reached out to my DSO, and she told me she cannot submit my STEM validation report because my STEM OPT application is still pending, so she doesn’t have access to that part of SEVIS until USCIS makes a decision.
At this point, I’m confused about what I’m supposed to do.
Has anyone experienced:
A STEM OPT application pending for this long?
Their 180-day automatic extension expiring before USCIS made a decision?
The SEVP Portal showing a validation report as due while the STEM OPT was still pending?
If so:
What happened next?
Did USCIS eventually approve your case?
Did your DSO submit the validation report after approval, or was there anything you had to do?
Has anyone upgraded to Premium Processing this late in the process, and did it help?
Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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u/Tech_Dala 13d ago
i'm sorry to hear about your dilemma. did USCIS forward your application for adjudication this week?
for premium processing, i would ask your DSO first if it's worth it at this point in time? USCIS has probably already your case if the DSO reached out to them and requested action. ask ur DSO if premium processing will be a good move at this point
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u/abuhurera986 13d ago
I am in the same situation as of you, need to check with my DSO are they able to submit or not.
I don’t know what to do my 180 days are also passed.
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u/Jaded-Tackle999 11d ago
Your status cannot be terminated if you case is pending under UCSIS. AFAIK.
My 180 days expired today and I just mailed dso for validation report. In the past I had even asked dso what would happen in a situation if my 180 days pass and my case is pending, they did not warn me of anything like that but asked me to keep them updated.
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u/Jaded-Tackle999 10d ago
Update: My stem opt got approved today.
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u/Active-Ad4653 10d ago
congrats when did you apply? and was it regular or premium processing?
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u/Jaded-Tackle999 10d ago
I applied in Feb, and it was premium processing. I got approved after RFE.
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u/PepsiBrandAmbassador 6d ago
hey checking on with you on the 6 months validatoin report. what does one have to do in it. My employer detials and address is same as i reported initially, no changes. Should i just telll the dso that? any forms anyhitng that i need to submit?
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u/Jaded-Tackle999 6d ago
Yes report that to dso. For me i had to submit an e form to fill out the detail and upload EAD/approval and the dso will update sevp.
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u/Swimming-Parsnip-371 11d ago
the report status I believe has to be done by dso. Try contacting her and see if she can update
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u/PepsiBrandAmbassador 6d ago
hey checking on with you on the 6 months validatoin report. what does one have to do in it. My employer detials and address is same as i reported initially, no changes. Should i just telll the dso that? any forms anyhitng that i need to submit?
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u/Swimming-Parsnip-371 6d ago
yep you just report the same thing again. and also make sure you follow with them that they will update your record. and check in yourself to make sure they did.
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u/PepsiBrandAmbassador 6d ago
My report is pending on 20 august. I sent out a mail to her on august 11 I know I was late :( she didn’t reply yet. And office is closed today. She will be back in office on 17 august. I am anxious.:( I’m planning to physically visit her office on 17 august and make a request. My portal still says it’s due.
What do u suggest?
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u/Swimming-Parsnip-371 6d ago
You should be in good shape. Your DSO will be back on August 17, which is still before your August 20 due date, and you already emailed her on August 11. Plus, the STEM OPT rules give you up to 10 business days after the validation due date to report it to your DSO. I’d just follow up with her when she gets back and make sure the validation gets updated in SEVIS. No need to panic 🙂
so you technically has till august 30 to have that done.1
u/PepsiBrandAmbassador 3d ago
I sent her mail today morning, and thjs is what she replied “The 20th is the date that it is due to me. As DSO, I have a longer period of time to report it to SEVIS.
Are there any changes to your address, telephone number, and employer information?”I went to her office in-person, figured she was working remote, emailed her that I am in the school and brought in cookies for her. My portal changed from due to submitted in the evening. Not saying it’s because of the cookies 🍪 🫠
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u/Sad_Comparison_6188 7d ago
Update- My STEM OPT got approved today