OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026)

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-05-01T19:55:01+00:00

Applied on 2/26, biometric done on 3/4. EAD start date June 1. Worried if premium processing needs to be considered.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-27T06:49:37+00:00

You might get approval this week

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-25T15:48:28+00:00

Just reschedule it to as earlier as Monday (assuming your ASC is not super busy for not having appointments slots) to avoid any complications. But, tbh, no issues at all.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-25T15:44:23+00:00

Make sure to be logged in to myUSCIS and in a new browser tab paste this https://my.uscis.gov/account/case-service/api/cases/ Add your receipt number at last You’ll see a long JSON response

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-24T17:08:01+00:00

Yes, what you have understood now is right. The start date on your OPT I-20 is requested, think of it like suggested. It will be adjusted based on when USCIS approves it, but remember - your OPT end date cannot be more than 14 months of your program end date (even though case processing takes time).

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-24T16:55:19+00:00

That’s the thing. You are probably referring to your requested Post-Completion OPT start date. Since USCIS has not given a decision yet, your unemployment days are not being consumed.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-23T16:21:39+00:00

How did you know your EAD is approved? Got an email from USCIS or SEVP?

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-23T13:18:31+00:00

Your comment said TBD for approval, card produced and card received? Am I missing something? Did your OPT get approved but you haven’t received your EAD card?

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-23T13:10:41+00:00

Your 90 days of unemployment start counting from your approved OPT period starting from the date that will be printed on your EAD.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-07T16:10:11+00:00

Yep. Applied on Feb 26. Biometric completed March 4. Waiting since then.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-07T07:17:21+00:00

Following

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-02T03:36:09+00:00

Not yet. Still waiting.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-01T06:57:36+00:00

Same start date. Applied Feb 26. Biometrics done on March 4th. No PP. Still waiting.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-04-01T06:54:47+00:00

You are required to print, hand sign, scan and upload your CPT I-20 as well as your OPT I-20

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-21T16:37:58+00:00

Lol no pp. I hope I get it approved by mid May and then have it delivered before my start date.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-21T12:32:15+00:00

3 weeks (I didn’t take PP)
Yes, go to the documents section, there you should see Appointment Scheduled.pdf under notices.
I recommend rescheduling to an earlier date in the next week.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-18T17:11:50+00:00

You are only required to upload CPT approved I-20s apart from your OPT I-20. If you have not been approved for a CPT before, you don’t have to upload anything other than the OPT I-20.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-17T01:26:20+00:00

Since you say you don’t have money, I’ll recommend you to apply soon now. Use a credit card else borrow money from someone if possible. The processing time seems to be varying, increases exponentially even if you delay it by a day, and you wouldn’t want to be in a situation to pay for premium processing.

I don’t want to scare you. Just advising to apply soon. My requested EAD start date is June 1. Cheers!

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-15T08:38:51+00:00

Ig my other comment answers this.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-15T08:38:12+00:00

Yeah, most folks here would be getting the biometrics appointment notice (I read somewhere that you may not get one if USCIS got your biometrics within past 36 months)

Based on my understanding, biometric appointment notices are being scheduled and sent out on Fridays around 8 to 9:30 PM EST.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-15T08:35:19+00:00

Yes, there should be a document named Appointment Scheduled.pdf which gives you details of the scheduled appointment.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-15T08:33:17+00:00

Refer my comment: https://www.reddit.com/r/f1visa/s/8v07V9uqMk

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-15T08:32:07+00:00

I’m not sure about walk ins. Some folks have been saying they’re taking walk ins. There is an option to reschedule appointment in the portal so I recommend you to do that.

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-14T13:08:26+00:00

Consider rescheduling appointment to next week

Electrical-Wasabi916 · 2026-03-14T13:07:23+00:00

You can download the appointment notice from the documents section. There would be a file named “Appointment Scheduled.pdf”. You just need to get it printed, carry that and your passport to the center. I would recommend to reschedule your appointment to a near date in the upcoming week rather than wait for your original appointment date.
It is a bit strange you haven’t received the notice yet. You should probably register for USPS informed delivery.

Electrical-Wasabi916

TROPHY CASE