Waiting for I-485 interview, STEM OPT expiring in May

[junelay]

Per the title, I have been waiting for my I-485 interview since last August. No one at USCIS seems to have any idea on when it will get scheduled. And now, my STEM OPT is set to expire in May.

What is the next step for me? How long can I stay with my F-1 visa? Is there a gap/parole period? What else can I do to stay in the US legally? If I have to leave the country, does that mean I need to start the I-485 process all over again? Should I be pursuing other options? I'm lost and out of options, it seems.

Would appreciate everyone's advice, thank you!

[manhattanite]

You will be out of status after your OPT expires. However, you are legally allowed to stay in the US as long as your I-485 is still pending.

In addition, if you have your EAD from the AOS, you will be allowed to work. Similarly, if you have your AP from the AOS, you will be allowed to travel. (Again, as long as the I-485 is pending).

[junelay]

Hey manhattanite,

Thank you so much for your answer. If this is true, this is really positive news. I'm asking a lot here, but where can I find more information/verify this? I'd like to be able to point my finger to the official document if I were to get in any kind of trouble/questioning.

Thanks again sir,

[Enub4]

https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/adjustment-of-status

You can read other pages at uscis.gov. Did you request AOS EAD by sending form I-765? You can legally stay in the USA and work if you get the EAD card until your case is approved, then you will be an LPR (no need for EAD). You don't have to leave the USA.

Be careful about your OPT expiration date and your new EAD approval. You should not work if you don't have an approved AOS EAD.

[junelay]

Great, I will read up on all of this. Thank you Enub4!