Can I apply for STEM extension earlier than 120 days considering the new 24 months OPT STEM extension case

[sharkat]

Hi
As per the rule, one can apply for STEM extension 120 days prior to OPT expiration. My OPT is going to expire on May 3 2016. Therefore, I am allowed to apply on/after Jan 3 2016 (120 days prior).
My question is that considering the new OPT (24 months) STEM extension case that is going with a pending decision to arrive on Feb 12, is it advisable/allowed that I can apply for STEM extension earlier than Jan 3? Has anyone done that?
The reason behind my question is that as per the update if you have STEM OPT approved beyond Feb 12 your EAD will be valid and you can continue to work regardless of cancellation of 17 months STEM extension rule.
So, if I start an early application for STEM extension and receive an approval before Feb 12, my EAD would be valid.
In summary, can I start an early application for STEM extension (just to be safe)?

Thanks

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[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

Your message was posted anonymously on our Facebook wall at https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1/po...53280428022657 19th December - Please review comments from other users

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Sources please. How do you know that stem opts approved before Feb 12th will remain effective irrespective of the pending decision on stem opt cancellation?

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

https://www.uml.edu/ISSO/Employment/stem-extension.aspx

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

you cannot apply opt before 120 days .they may reject your application .thats the information from service centers .but dhs or uscis officially did not inform that theopt is valid or invalid after 12 feb . So my advice is to follow the rule until some thing comes up officially

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

For now nobody knows whether the STEM opt approved before feb 12 will be valid after the said date or not. Even if it is valid, and you submit the stem opt application, there is no guarantee that USCIS will approve your stem opt before feb 12. They usually give the approval closer to the current opt expiration. So, all your speculations are of no use as of now.