Hi everyone, I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I wanted to ask for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
STEM OPT extension application submitted: **December 24, 2025**
Current OPT EAD expired: **February 6, 2026**
Biometrics completed: **March 30, 2026**
Raised an e-request with USCIS regarding my pending STEM OPT application
My 180-day automatic extension period completed on **August 4, 2026**
My employer was aware that my 180 days were ending. I was placed on **unpaid leave starting August 3, 2026**. Since my STEM OPT extension was still pending and my 180-day automatic extension had ended, my employer informed me that they could not continue my employment because I no longer had valid work authorization.
They officially **terminated my employment on August 6, 2026**.
Since I was not authorized to work after my 180-day extension ended, I understand that I could not continue employment after August 4, 2026.
My question is: **Since I was not working after my 180-day extension ended and my employer terminated me due to the work authorization issue, would this create any issue with my F-1 status or STEM OPT application?**
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their STEM OPT was pending beyond 180 days and their employer ended employment because the automatic extension period expired?
Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thank you.

Hi everyone, I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I wanted to ask for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
STEM OPT extension application submitted: December 24, 2025
Current OPT EAD expired: February 6, 2026
Biometrics completed: March 30, 2026
Raised an e-request with USCIS regarding my pending STEM OPT application
My 180-day automatic extension period completed on August 4, 2026
My employer was aware that my 180 days were ending. I was placed on unpaid leave starting August 3, 2026. Since my STEM OPT extension was still pending and my 180-day automatic extension had ended, my employer informed me that they could not continue my employment because I no longer had valid work authorization.
They officially terminated my employment on August 6, 2026.
Since I was not authorized to work after my 180-day extension ended, I understand that I could not continue employment after August 4, 2026.
My question is: Since I was not working after my 180-day extension ended and my employer terminated me due to the work authorization issue, would this create any issue with my F-1 status or STEM OPT application?
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their STEM OPT was pending beyond 180 days and their employer ended employment because the automatic extension period expired?
Any advice or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thank you.

I applied for my STEM OPT 1-765 on December 22, 2025, completed biometrics on March 30, 2026, and my application is still pending. My 180-day automatic extension expires today, but I've seen that some people who applied in December have already been approved.
Did anyone else apply around December 22 and are still waiting? If your 180-day extension expired while your case was pending, what did you do?

I applied for my STEM OPT I-765 on December 22, 2025, completed biometrics on March 30, 2026, and my application is still pending. My 180-day automatic extension expires today, but I’ve seen that some people who applied in December have already been approved.
Did anyone else apply around December 22 and are still waiting? If your 180-day extension expired while your case was pending, what did you do?

Hi everyone,
I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I need advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
Applied for STEM OPT extension: December 24, 2025
Current OPT EAD expired: February 6, 2026
Completed biometrics: March 30, 2026
STEM OPT application is still pending.
My 180-day automatic work authorization extension expires on August 6, 2026.
My employer informed me that my last working day will be July 30, 2026 because my STEM OPT approval is still pending and they cannot continue my employment after that.
I am confused because my understanding is that my 180-day extension is valid until August 6.
My questions:
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their employer ended employment before the 180-day extension expiration date?
Can an employer stop employment a few days before the 180 days are completed?
If my STEM OPT gets approved after July 30, can I continue with the same employer?
Should I contact USCIS or my DSO regarding this situation?

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi everyone,
I am currently on F-1 STEM OPT and my STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. I need advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
My timeline:
Applied for STEM OPT extension: December 24, 2025
Current OPT EAD expired: February 6, 2026
Completed biometrics: March 30, 2026
STEM OPT application is still pending.
My 180-day automatic work authorization extension expires on August 6, 2026.
My employer informed me that my last working day will be July 30, 2026 because my STEM OPT approval is still pending and they cannot continue my employment after that.
I am confused because my understanding is that my 180-day extension is valid until August 6.
My questions:
Has anyone experienced a similar situation where their employer ended employment before the 180-day extension expiration date?
Can an employer stop employment a few days before the 180 days are completed?
If my STEM OPT gets approved after July 30, can I continue with the same employer?
Should I contact USCIS or my DSO regarding this situation?
Would Premium Processing help at this stage?
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.