Current USCIS Processing Times for OPT / STEM OPT EAD [2026]
Application for Employment Authorization
Overall Range
2.1–5.1 mo
Service Centers
3
Case Types Tracked
6
Is your case within processing time?
Enter your receipt (filing) date to see whether your case is on track, approaching the edge of the posted range, or already eligible for an e-Request.
We don't store the date you enter — the calculation runs entirely in your browser.
California Service Center
CSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT | 2.1 – 4.5 months | Jan 19, 2026 | Stable |
| c(3)(C) - 24-month STEM OPT extension | 3.1 – 4.6 months | Jan 19, 2026 | Stable |
California Service Center — "c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT" trend
Nebraska Service Center
NSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT | 2.7 – 3.8 months | Feb 19, 2026 | Stable |
| c(3)(C) - 24-month STEM OPT extension | 3.1 – 5.1 months | Dec 19, 2025 | Stable |
Nebraska Service Center — "c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT" trend
Texas Service Center
TSC| Case Type | Processing Range | Service Request Date | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT | 2.3 – 5 months | Jan 19, 2026 | Stable |
| c(3)(C) - 24-month STEM OPT extension | 2.8 – 4 months | Feb 19, 2026 | Stable |
Texas Service Center — "c(3)(B) - Post-completion OPT" 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 recalculate this page from the official USCIS data on a daily basis so the ranges and trend charts below stay current.
Source: USCIS Processing Times
OPT / STEM OPT EAD 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?
Each USCIS service center 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 the official USCIS processing times data source on a daily schedule, so the ranges, service request dates, and trend chart reflect the latest published figures.