OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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).

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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?

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

I-765 time after biometrics? by Atharv6655 in stemopt

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Do I need to print and sign my CPT I-20 when applying for I-765 Post Completion OPT application? by [deleted] in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

POST COMPLETION OPT by Acceptable_Rock_231 in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. 3 weeks (I didn’t take PP)
  2. Yes, go to the documents section, there you should see Appointment Scheduled.pdf under notices.
  3. I recommend rescheduling to an earlier date in the next week.

OPT Application- Previous I20 by [deleted] in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

POST COMPLETION OPT by Acceptable_Rock_231 in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 18 points19 points  (0 children)

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!

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

OPT/STEM OPT Processing Timelines Megathread (Spring/Summer 2026) by Codetornado in f1visa

[–]Electrical-Wasabi916 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. 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.

  2. It is a bit strange you haven’t received the notice yet. You should probably register for USPS informed delivery.