r/STEM_OPT

Date applied: May 5, 2026
Biometrics: Around May 20, 2026
Processing: Regular / No Premium Processing
Soft API: No change so far
Current status: Still pending
180-day extension ends: Late November 2026

I’ve been seeing several April filers getting approved recently, including regular-processing cases, so I’m wondering how close May cases might be.

For other May filers, are you seeing any approvals yet?

Would you keep waiting a little longer or switch to premium processing now?

Hello,

I have a few questions regarding Pre-Completion OPT.

Does the I-20 indicate whether the Pre-Completion OPT authorization is full-time or part-time?

I am a PhD student, and next semester I will only be enrolled in dissertation credits because I have completed all of my required coursework. In this situation, am I eligible to apply for full-time Pre-Completion OPT while the semester is in session?

Also, how is it determined whether a student’s Pre-Completion OPT authorization should be full-time or part-time?

Thank you for your help and clarification.