How long till USCIS decision on STEM OPT application?

[Jun2580 27]

Hi. I graduated from a university in the US in a science major, and I have been working for a company as a scientist on OPT. 

My initial OPT expired on January 3rd. I applied for STEM OPT extension earlier and it was accepted by USCIS on November 20th and I got a I-797 receipt notice soon after they received my application.

 

My DSO and USCIS website says I qualify for automatic 180 day extension after my initial OPT expired because I applied for STEM OPT in time (before it expired) and the case is pending.

However, it has been more than 3 months since they received my STEM OPT application, and yet they haven't made a decision. Why does it take so long? I thought they would make a decision within 60-90 day range.

 

I have been working on the 180 day extension, but I am worried if they are going to reject my case because it has been taking more than 90 days. 

Does taking longer than 3 months usually mean I have a higher chance of rejection? How long did you all's STEM OPT application before USCIS's decision?

[Coco8 1,042]

You should either call USCIS or my a infopass appointment at the nearest USCIS. You can ask once you have been waiting 75 days or more. 

[Jun2580 27]

6 hours ago, Coco8 said:

You should either call USCIS or my a infopass appointment at the nearest USCIS. You can ask once you have been waiting 75 days or more. 

I did, and they said it can take a while, sometimes more than 3 months. But all of my friends got their extension around 80th day. I don't know why I am not getting mine even after 3 months. 

I am also confident that I did not commit any immigration-related crimes. I entered the US at the inspection, and they let me in. I never worked illegally. I only had an on-campus part time job. 

I do have a science diploma, which I sent the copy of to USCIS upon applying for the extension. My company is E-verified and my job is related to what I learned in school. I am so concerned =( 
 

[Coco8 1,042]

Yes, but sometimes cases fall through the cracks. It does not mean it will be rejected.

[Jun2580 27]

1 hour ago, Coco8 said:

Yes, but sometimes cases fall through the cracks. It does not mean it will be rejected.

I am assuming it can happen sometimes. There is an automatic 180 day extension too while the case is pending. I am trying to believe this automatic extension was set because it is possible for USCIS to take longer than 3 months to make a decision even if you have not done anything wrong.

 

By the way, do you know what will happen to Grace Period if the case is rejected? In my case, my initial OPT expired about 2 months ago, and I am on this 180 day extension. Assuming USCIS didn't make a finding of my F-1 status violation, do you think I will still qualify for some grace period if they ever reject my case? Or would they ask me to leave immediately after the denial notice? 

[Coco8 1,042]

11 minutes ago, Jun2580 said:

I am assuming it can happen sometimes. There is an automatic 180 day extension too while the case is pending. I am trying to believe this automatic extension was set because it is possible for USCIS to take longer than 3 months to make a decision even if you have not done anything wrong.

 

By the way, do you know what will happen to Grace Period if the case is rejected? In my case, my initial OPT expired about 2 months ago, and I am on this 180 day extension. Assuming USCIS didn't make a finding of my F-1 status violation, do you think I will still qualify for some grace period if they ever reject my case? Or would they ask me to leave immediately after the denial notice? 

I'm not sure. Possibly the letter will tell you how long you have to leave.