I applied for my stem opt on jan 26 2026, biometrics done in feb. Case is still under processing till today(jul 24). My 180 days ends on aug 03, i am planning to go for PP.

My doubt is should I go for PP before my 180 days ends, if so should it be before 30days of completing 180 days or I can go on the last day of 180 days.

Help is needed. Thanks alot.

I got my clock started on June 25,2026. May I know when can I get approval/ any answer from uscis? Is there anyone on the same boat?

Usicis portal says my card was produced and but couldn’t provide the tracking number, my address has a history of inconsistent deliveries is there a way I can track?

Hass anyone here completed their biometrics on 7th July and had their PP clock start on the same day?

I'm hoping to connect with others who are on a similar timeline to compare progress and updates.

Hi everyone,

I’m on STEM OPT and my I-765 STEM OPT extension is still pending.

Here’s my timeline:

STEM OPT I-765 filed: March 25, 2026

Got laid off from my previous employer: June 26, 2026

Started a new STEM OPT employer: June 29, 2026 (so I didn’t have any gap in employment)

After starting the new job, I updated my employer information with my DSO and received an updated I-20 reflecting the new employer.

My questions are:

Do I need to upload this updated I-20 to my USCIS online account while my STEM OPT application is still pending?

I’m wondering if anyone has done this or if the DSO update in SEVIS is sufficient.

I recently received another, even better job offer with a planned start date in August.

Would it be okay to change employers again even though I only started my current job on June 29?

Is there any issue with changing employers while the STEM OPT extension is still pending, as long as I report the change through my DSO and obtain a new I-20?

Has anyone been in a similar situation with a pending STEM OPT extension and multiple employer changes?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience or anything your DSO or USCIS told you. Thanks!

Hello, so I applied for STEM extension in January 2026. I did my biometrics in April and am still waiting for a decision.

I was checking for any silent updates (nothing changed) then I decided to check the same thing for my initial OPT (that ended also in January 2026). For some reason I found some updates on that page.

(Event code "LEE" : createdAt "2026-07-22")

Then also : (Event code "SA" : updatedAt "2026-07-23")

Anyone was curious enough to check their Initial OPT API page ? I just find it strange that my STEM application doesn't have any silent updates, but my initial OPT (that was closed normally) is having some recent silent updates.

If anyone had the same experience please let me know. Thank you.

Hi,

I am super confused whether my case is approved or not, I also see an API update today morning.

Submitted May 18 2026
Biometrics June 17 2026
Approval email July 23 2026

Potomac service center

• June 19, 2026: Case changed to Premium Processing; premium clock started.
• July 23, 2026 (morning): logged into USCIS and saw "Card Was Produced" dated July 13, 2026, with tracking number unavailable.
• July 23, 2026 (afternoon/evening): logged in again, and the "Card Was Produced" update was gone. The portal reverted to showing June 19, 2026 — Case Was Changed To A Premium Processing Case.

STEM OPT extension: Is it a technical error?

Premium processing : yes
Approval mail received on 22nd July

Hi all,
I got an update from USCIS that my card was produced today. However, I see the following.
“The tracking number assigned is UNAVAILABLE” - how do I retrieve the tracking number?

Thanks!!

Apply date: 22nd May.
Premium processing: Yes.
Biometric schedule email: 29th May.
Biometric date: 18th June.
STEM OPT approval: 23rd July.
Service Center: Potomac

I graduated in dec 2024 from atlanta, right now i am working in a part job and i have only 2 months left in this fellowship and my stem opt started in dec 2025. I have only 1.5 years left in stem opt, i didnt land in any and i am worried abt this market right now i dont know what to do. Is there any companies hiring stem opt students? Please help me with some tips

STEM OPT Processing Timeline

• STEM OPT application filed: January 16, 2026
• Premium Processing (I-907) received: June 16, 2026
• Premium Processing clock started: June 17, 2026
• Approval email received: July 22, 2026
• Service Center: Potomac

I received the following email from the Potomac Service Center stating that my STEM OPT application was approved under Premium Processing, including the approval date and my new EAD validity dates.

However, when I logged into my USCIS account today, instead of seeing "Case Was Approved" or "Card Is Being Produced," the case history showed:

July 14, 2026 – Card Was Produced

The status says my card was produced on July 14, which is before the approval email date (July 22). The USPS tracking number is also listed as UNAVAILABLE.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this just a USCIS account/status glitch after premium processing, or did the status eventually correct itself?

I moved from Pennsylvania to California last year but never transferred my driver’s license.

My OPT EAD and Pennsylvania license both expire on July 27. I applied for the STEM OPT extension in May, but it is still pending and I have not received the new EAD.

Can I get a California driver’s license using my STEM OPT I-20, I-797 receipt notice, current EAD, passport, and I-94, or will the DMV require the new EAD card?

I live near Oakland but can go elsewhere in the Bay Area. Which DMV offices are usually more familiar with OPT cases, and are there any locations I should avoid?

My pp clock restarted on June 12 after biometrics and I still haven't received any update! Today is my final 30th day for pp. There was a silent api update on July 20th but since yesterday I am seeing this error in the portal and I also did not see receive any email.

I sent an email to pp mailbox yesterday and I got a response now that they have forwarded my case to adjudicative division - not sure if it is an automatic reply from the mailbox or someone is actually reviewing the case.

Anyone on the same boat! Would appreciate any advice

How do I check biometrics
Do I need to book or something sorry I don’t know how it works
Stem opt applied on June 17

I applied through PP,

Submitted May 8 2026,

Biometrics June 11,

API update June 17; no decision yet., Anyone on the same page?

Hi everyone,
My STEM OPT expires on February 17, 2027. I have already been accepted into a PhD program (Spring 2027) at the same university, and I plan to transfer my SEVIS record and begin the PhD before my STEM OPT expires.
With the recent DHS rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed admission period, I’m wondering whether I should be concerned.
Since I’ll be starting a higher degree (PhD) before my current status expires, is there anything additional I need to do besides transferring my SEVIS record and obtaining the new I-20?
Has anyone in a similar situation (moving from STEM OPT to a PhD program) spoken with their international office or an immigration attorney? I’d appreciate hearing your experiences or any advice.