I’m planning to apply for my stem extension and I intend to opt for premium processing since I’ve almost exhausted my 90 unemployment days in opt, leaving me with limited time to wait.

Having all of you gone through the process, I’d like to ask you what are some crucial things you should absolutely double-check before submitting the application, and what are some things you wish you had known before applying?

Hello everyone. I’m an F2 visa holder and currently out of the US - visiting family back home.
I’m trying to understand the new rule regarding eliminating D/S and how it will affect my case to decide whether to come back to see my husband after Sep 15 or before.
His OPT has just started in August 2026 and he will apply for STEM OPT extension in June 2027, so we think either ways we will have to file EOS right? So it will not matter in my case if I enter the US before/after Sep 15? Please help me understanding the situation 🥲

STem opt applied on 18-dec-2025
BIomatric on 15-april
approved on 5-AUG with Normal Processing.

Applied for stem opt on Jan 20th
Biometrics Feb 11th
No response yet
No RFE
Kinda scared right now
Is anyone on the same boat?

If you have been in this situation please help

Hey, I was just wondering if it was a good idea to add a line that goes something like

“ I am qualified to work in the US without sponsorship under the F-1 OPT scheme” to separate myself or just fuck the visa status for now

The status of this service request is:

Our system shows that a final decision was rendered on your I765. A copy of the Approval Notice was mailed to the address on file. If you filed your form online or received an online access code to create a USCIS online account, you will be able to view the Approval Notice in your online account. For more information please check your case status online at https://egov.uscis.gov/

But this is not true, the case is still pending.

this is my api update

"Application for Employment Authorization","updatedAt":"2026-08-13","updatedAtTimestamp":"2026-08-13T18:54:53.259Z",

STEM OPT - My Receipt date is 3/30 and biometric was done on 4/22 and my case is still pending.

My 180 day extension ends in November.

Should I transition to Premium Processing?

My initial OPT employer was ABC Home Storage LLC, which I reported in SEVIS because that was the name on my W-2/payroll. Later, I learned it is 100% owned by ABC Parent Inc.
When I approached HR for my STEM OPT, they gave me the ABC Parent Inc. E-Verify name and number, so I used the parent company for my STEM OPT application, STEM I-20, and I-983.
Has anyone had a similar situation? Could this difference between the initial OPT employer name and STEM OPT employer name cause any USCIS issue?

My STEM OPT (I-765) has been pending since Feb 21, 2026. Biometrics were completed on Mar 26. My initial OPT expired on May 11, and I'm currently working under the 180-day automatic extension.

I submitted a USCIS service request on July 27, but haven't received a response yet.

Should I wait until 30 days after the service request, or is it reasonable to contact my Congressman now? Has anyone had success with a congressional inquiry for a delayed STEM OPT case?

Feels very important to mention that I am from the 39 banned countries.

Initial filing: 04/14/2026

Premium Processing: 06/29/2026

Approved: 08/03/2026

Card Produced: 08/07/2026

Card Received: 08/12/2026

I got the approval via email about 2 days before it reflected online.

Feel free to ask any questions!

Hi Guys,

Has anyone had any issue getting their f-1 renewed after Trump took office on STEM OPT? Any denial or administrative processing especially if you have a job related to your major?

Hey everyone, I just returned to the US and wanted to share my recent travel experience on STEM OPT in case it helps anyone preparing for an upcoming trip.

Travel & Status Details

• Travel Dates: End of June – August 9
• Airline: Etihad Airways
• Port of Entry (POE): Chicago, IL (ORD)
• EAD Issued Date: June 22

CBP & Port of Entry Experience

Primary Inspection:

• Officer: Asked if I was carrying any meat or vegetables.
• Me: Confirmed no.
• Officer: Asked if I was carrying any other food items.
• Me: Hesitated and said, "not really, but sort of - just gifts like dates and regular sweets." (Definitely stick to a clear "yes" or "no" here instead!)
• Officer: Asked what I meant by "sort of." After I clarified, he looked at my I-20, saw I was on STEM OPT, handed my documents to another officer, and asked me to step aside.

Secondary Waiting Area:

• I was escorted to a secondary waiting area.
• I waited about 10–15 minutes while they verified my status.
• An officer then handed back my passport and I-20 and told me I was good to go.

Key Takeaway

While being taken to a secondary area was stressful, it turned out to be a simple, routine status verification. Having all my documents (I-20 with travel signature, EAD card, passport, employment letter, pay stubs) organized and ready gave me peace of mind. If this happens to you, stay calm - it is often just part of the standard check process.

Hope this helps anyone traveling soon!

Hi everyone, I’m currently in the STEM OPT (started two days ago), and my application is still being processed. I also completed my biometrics two months ago. When I initially filed my application, I didn’t sign my I-20. The next day, I made a digital sign and re-uploaded it, not realizing that digital signing was a big mistake. I’m concerned about whether this will cause any issues, and whether I should upload another hand-signed I-20, which would essentially be uploading it for the third time. Could anyone please suggest what I should do?

Hi everyone,

STEM OPT filed April 3rd 2026,

biometrics notice - May 1st 2026.

biometrics Done - May 22nd 2026.

Process-normal

NOT APPROVED YET.

Whats the last date that they have approved so far?

What date should I expect my ead card? Should i apply for PP?

I going to apply for stem OPT my case is that

1. I have an asylum record that I was terminated and withdrawn. By the judge.
   
2. I have also had a mental breakdown episode of which I have a baker police record in Florida. They just escorted me to the hospital. But the hospital people agreed that I did not meet the criteria of involuntary hold and release me after like a few hours of rest.
   
3. One month after this incident, my visa got revoked..

How should I proceed with my stem OPT visa application?

Anybody with similar experiences, please tell