I am an F-1 student on post-completion OPT and need urgent guidance on a STEM OPT extension filing with an employer change. Key dates and facts:
Current OPT EAD expires: May 16, 2026
STEM OPT not yet filed. I had originally planned to leave the U.S. after OPT ended, so I hadn’t initiated the extension.
New job offer received: April 30, 2026, with a start date of June 1, 2026 (employer slightly flexible with 1st week of June). I am currently employed.
During the interview process, I told the new employer’s HR that I had already filed for STEM OPT in early April so as to not make the process more complicated and resulting in a rejection. I also told them that if I am offered the role, I will apply for premium processing of STEM. After receiving the offer the new employer asked me to start expediting the process using premium processing.
I need help understanding how should I approach the STEM OPT filing path to support a June 1 start at the new employer?