URGENT: Pending STEM OPT, lost job, submitted I-983 final evaluation in RFE. PP Day 29. What happens next?
Hi everyone, I am in a massive bind with my STEM OPT extension and could really use some insight from anyone who has navigated a similar situation. I'm currently on Premium Processing and my 30-day clock ends tomorrow.
My Timeline & Situation:
Original Application: Applied for STEM OPT with Employer A.
March 6: Resigned from Employer A to accept a new offer with Employer B.
March 12: Employer B rescinded the offer specifically because I didn't have the physical STEM OPT EAD card in hand yet (HR wouldn't accept the 180-day extension receipt). I have been unemployed ever since (currently at ~61 days out of my initial 90-day OPT unemployment limit).
April 2: Responded to an RFE via Premium Processing.
The Critical Mistake: Because I was no longer with Employer A and Employer B rescinded my offer, I submitted my RFE response with the I-983 Final Evaluation for Employer A (showing an end date of March 6). I did not submit a new I-983 because I didn't have a new employer.
April 22: Portal updated to "We will review the evidence."
May 12 (Today): Day 29 of the 30-business-day PP clock. Total silence.
My Questions:
The RFE Mistake: Has anyone here ever submitted an I-983 Final Evaluation during a pending STEM OPT application without providing a new employer's I-983? Did you get a second RFE, a NOID, or a straight denial?
Escalation Risk: Since tomorrow is Day 30/31, I plan to file a CIS Ombudsman request and a Congressional inquiry using the rescinded offer letter from Employer B as proof of severe financial harm. Is it risky to force USCIS to look at my file right now when it actively shows I am unemployed?
Finding a New Job: If I get a new E-Verified job offer tomorrow, what is the exact mechanism to submit the new I-983 to USCIS before they make a final negative decision on my pending case? Do I upload it as unsolicited evidence or wait to see if they issue a NOID?
Any advice, especially regarding how USCIS treats applications that temporarily lack an active employer during the review stage, would be incredibly appreciated.