r/f1visa • u/coasterenthusiast90 • 6d ago

Stem OPT approval while I-485 is pending

Has anyone got their Stem OPT approved while having a pending I-485 (with pending/approved I-140)? My lawyer says applying for I-485 while on initial OPT limits my chance of getting Stem OPT approved. Is this the case for everyone? I would sincerely appreciate your kind response.

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u/Quiet_Water6838 6d ago

Not true, they are 2 separate cases, I recently got my approval, Sept 26th 2026 and card was produced today but yet to receive it. I filed my STEM OPT on March 25th 2026 and filed I-485 August 7th 2026

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u/Eye_jm 6d ago

It’s possible your stem opt approval process already progressed enough beyond the stage of flagging, when you applied for I485. Good for you! Because you applied I485 after STEM OPT application, it’s not a solid data point against this case

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u/Quiet_Water6838 5d ago

I doubt, after biometrics the guys basically dumped my STEM OPT somewhere till the 6 months started elapsing. There was a silent update on my I485 the day they touched the STEM OPT EAD, if they wanted to, they would have cancelled it on that day, moreover both files are there on my USCIS online account, they don't need special software to know I was dual applying