Current USCIS Processing Times for OPT / STEM OPT EAD [2026]
Application for Employment Authorization
Overall Processing Range
5–6.5 months
Service Centers
1
Case Categories
1
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Service Center Operations (All Centers)
SCD| Case Category | 80% Processed In | Service Request Date | 30-Day Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)] | 5 – 6.5 months | Apr 19, 2026 | Stable |
Service Center Operations (All Centers) — "Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]" trend
USCIS processing times for OPT / STEM OPT EAD (Form I-765) vary by service center and case type. The figures on this page reflect the published "case processing times" range, which estimates how long it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the trailing six months. Processing times are not a guarantee — actual adjudication depends on case complexity, whether a Request for Evidence (RFE) is issued, background and security checks, and current service center workload. If your case has been pending longer than the posted maximum range, USCIS allows you to submit an e-Request asking for a status update, provided your case was filed before the "service request date" shown above for that category. We update this page directly from official USCIS published data so the ranges and trend charts below stay current.
OPT / STEM OPT EAD Processing FAQs
How long does opt / stem opt ead processing take in 2026?
Current USCIS-published ranges for I-765 (opt / stem opt ead) are shown in the table above, broken down by service center and case type. Ranges typically span several months and shift from month to month based on filing volume and staffing.
What does the "service request date" mean?
If your case was filed on or before the service request date shown for your case type, and you are still waiting outside the posted processing range, you can submit an e-Request directly to USCIS asking them to check on your case.
Why do processing times vary between service centers and field offices?
Each USCIS center or regional field office has a different caseload, staffing level, and regional filing volume. USCIS occasionally transfers cases between centers to balance workload, which can also affect timelines mid-case.
Is the processing time the same as a guarantee?
No. The posted range reflects how long it took to complete 80% of recently adjudicated cases, not a maximum or a promise. Cases involving RFEs, site visits, or background checks can take longer than the posted range.
How often is this page updated?
This page is rebuilt from official USCIS processing times publications on a daily schedule, so the ranges, service request dates, and trend chart reflect the latest published figures.
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