My stem extension began in August 2023 and I had applied for extension as per procedure. Around end of October, I received RFE for additional documents and was told to submit before end of December. I submitted in the first week of December and the website said that the documents were received on December 14th.

The expected time line has been really strange. For the whole month of January, it said it will be ready within a month. In February, it says “taking longer than usual” with no clear timeline.

I just crossed 180 days of my grace EAD period and have been told by my university’s DSO to stop working until confirmation is received on the website. I have contacted USCIS, they are unable to expedite the process without premium fees which is $2000, not something I can afford.

Can someone explain ways I can expedite the procedure and get my EAD asap?