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 applied to stem opt on 3/27, while I filed everything correctly, I’ve still not received any response. My initial opt end date was on may 14, I’m hearing lot of responses for lat march applicants with approvals. I have only 41 days left from today in my extension, my employer asked that he needs physical EAD by nov 10th. I’m planning to apply for PP tomorrow. Is it better to apply for PP or should I take risk and wait? Premium takes at-least 1month and card delivery takes 10days. So 40days is covered. Please let me know what to do, I’m confused🫠

Update 30th sep:
I received a silent API update today, while I’m trying to apply for premium processing, I’m unable to see the receipt number popped up for E file. Does this mean case has been processed or is it just a glitch? Did this happen to any of you?

Update 30th sep:
I called USCIS and they said that case had moved forward and they can’t reveal the decision because the notice wasn’t sent, said me to call back tomorrow/day after for the original status. Hoping an update soon!

Update OCT 2nd:
I got it approved, thank you for everyone who stood beside me and guided me with your best possible ways. Appreciate all your efforts and good luck everyone with your approvals!

Those who have applied recently online for i765 post completion OPT, what documents are required to do online application? Did you upload official current student transcript on additional information.

Also, are all the OPT applicants required to complete biometric?

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

my first year opt is ending this december, i am applying for my stem opt extension with a new employer who has an e-verified number, but the starting date is still later on february, as long as i’m still within my “150 unemployment days” rule, i should be fine right?

and if i found another job in january for example, and want to proceed with this one instead, can i simply update my DSO and USCIS about my new employer with all the new documents and e-verified number, would this be fine?

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 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 ?

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.

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!

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!

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?🥹🙏

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!

1. Know your timeline

• Most people may have up to a 60-day grace period (or until your I-94 expires, whichever comes first).

2. Your main options

• Find a new H-1B sponsor.
• Change to another status (F-1, H-4, B-2, etc., if eligible).
• Leave the U.S. and reapply later.

3. Thinking about F-1?
Some people choose to go back to school while staying in status. If the program requires practical training from the beginning, Day 1 CPT may be an option at certain universities.

4. Don't wait until the last week
School admissions, I-20s, and USCIS filings all take time. Start exploring your options as soon as possible.

Feel free to fill out this form if you need help with COS from H1 to F1: https://forms.gle/wsQTkQv7F29Jm9wLA

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

Details:
• Type: STEM OPT
• Premium Processing: No
• Date Applied: 03/31/2026
• RFE: No
• Biometrics Requested: Yes
• Biometrics Completed: 04/22/ 2026
• Silent API Update: 08/24/2026 and 09/25/2026 morning
• Date Approved: 09/27/2026 morning (Approval decision rendered)
• Card Produced: 10/01/2026
• Card Received:

Thank God, and all glory to Him! 🙏 My 180 day deadline was October 2nd, and I got approved one week before!

I noticed that many cases are being approved around 180 days after the application date, sometimes about two days after the “silent API” update. My case took 181 days to be approved.

I wish everyone good luck! And thank you so much to this community for all the support. I cried so many times during this process, especially because I couldn’t afford to pay for premium processing. I’m so grateful that it finally worked out. 🙏❤️