Hey everyone, hoping to connect with people in the same boat. I filed my STEM OPT extension (I-765) on December 1, 2025 and it’s still pending ,no approval yet.Potomac is the processing center

My 180-day grace period ends on July 25, so I’ve got roughly two months left before that buffer runs out. I couldn’t do premium processing due to money constraints, but I’ve done everything else I can think of (case inquiries, etc.).

Honestly a bit lost at this point. A couple of questions:

•	Anyone who applied around the same time (early December 2025) still waiting too? What’s your timeline looking like?  
•	Any suggestions for what I can do right now while it’s pending?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks.

•Filed I-765 for STEM OPT extension: Dec 1, 2025

•Service center: Potomac

•Initial OPT EAD expired: Jan 26, 2026

•Biometrics reused around Dec 6, 2025

•Currently at Step 3 (Processing) per USCIS agent

•Now on the automatic 180-day extension

(ends July 25, 2026)

• Already past Potomac’s posted ~4.5 month processing time, so I submitted a case inquiry , they said expect a response in 60 days

I know I’m technically still authorized to work, but with ~90 days of buffer left and the inquiry response itself eating 60 of them, I’m getting anxious.

A few questions:

1. Anyone at Potomac who filed late Nov / early Dec 2025 , have you been approved yet?

2. Did the case inquiry response actually move your case, or was it a templated reply?

3. At what point did you upgrade to premium processing ($1,780)?

Trying to figure out if this is normal-slow or something-is-wrong-slow. Any data points appreciated.