BD V
Sep 11, 2026
Help Needed
Need advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation — STEM OPT pending and need to file i-140 through Eb-3 unskilled advice from anyone who has gone through something similar.
My initial OPT has expired, and my STEM OPT extension application has been pending for about 4 months. I am currently working based on the applicable employment authorization rules while my STEM OPT application is pending.
At the same time, I have an EB-3 Unskilled employment-based green card process underway. My PERM/labor certification has been approved, and I am planning to file my I-140 before the end of October.
My main concern is:
Could filing the I-140 while my STEM OPT application is still pending negatively affect my STEM OPT application or F-1/STEM OPT status?
Has anyone here personally gone through this situation — having a pending STEM OPT application while filing an EB-3 I-140?
If you have experienced this yourself, or if you have any knowledge from an immigration attorney/DSO regarding this situation, I would really appreciate hearing about your experience.
Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions!
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Boss LadySep 13, 2026
I would not recommend this process for you because the backlog is at least 8-10 years now . Find a better solution or a better visa category that fits your experience. Go for PHD and do EB-1. Or EB-3 skilled , EB-2 NIW .
