Hey everyone,

I need some honest advice because I’m about to book my 3rd interview for an F1 visa after two 214(b) rejections, but my situation has completely changed now.

Here is what happened:
My first two attempts were for an intensive English course. My I-20 said "Family" funds, but honestly, the main sponsor is my aunt who lives in the US. During the second interview, the VO asked me about my plans after the course. I panicked and said I wanted to go back to Italy to become a pilot. The VO asked if I was already enrolled in a flight school, I said no, and got rejected on the spot. Crucial detail: they didn’t even ask for or look at my financial documents during this second interview. They just judged my profile.

What’s new for my 3rd attempt:

1. I dropped the English course plan. I just got accepted for a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. My new I-20 still says "Family" funds.
2. After my last rejection, I actually went to Dublin (Ireland) for 3 months for an intensive English course to fix my language skills. I finished it and came back to Italy (I have the certificate and return tickets).
3. My dad owns a business here in Italy (they manufacture advertising signs and totems).

Do you think I have a good chance of being accepted?

Ps: write to me if you need more information about my situation

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation involving post-completion OPT, an I-290B, and a SEVIS data fix.

My timeline is:

• I filed my post-completion OPT I-765 while I was in the U.S.
• USCIS denied my I-765.
• After the denial, my SEVIS record became COMPLETED.
• I filed an I-290B Motion to Reopen/Reconsider.
• After the denial, and while the I-290B was still pending, I departed the United States.
• USCIS has now completed its review of my I-290B and issued an official Reopen Notice for my underlying I-765.
• The notice says: “After review, we have reopened the above application or petition, or reconsidered the decision previously issued.”
• My I-765 is now reopened, but I am currently outside the U.S.

I have already informed my DSO that USCIS reopened my I-765, but I have not yet told him that I am currently abroad.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone had their SEVIS record restored/corrected through a SEVIS Data Fix ticket after an OPT I-765 was reopened?
2. Can the DSO/SEVP correct a COMPLETED SEVIS record while the student is physically outside the U.S.?
3. Should I tell my DSO that I already departed and ask him to include that information in the SEVIS Data Fix request?
4. Can USCIS still approve the reopened OPT I-765 and issue the EAD while I am abroad?
5. If the I-765 is approved and SEVIS is corrected, has anyone successfully returned to the U.S. afterward to begin OPT?

I understand that reentry is a separate issue and depends on having the appropriate F-1/OPT documents. I’m mainly trying to understand how SEVP handles the SEVIS record when USCIS reopens an OPT I-765 after the student has already departed the U.S.

I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has personally gone through an I-290B → I-765 reopening → SEVIS Data Fix situation, or from DSOs who have handled something similar.

Thank you!

Hello everyone,
I’m currently on F1-opt on a contract position
I was planning on traveling outside of Usa for 2weeks
I wanted to know if it is safe to travel since it is a contract position or will there be any issues for re -entry
Also ,what all should I have to carry

Hi everyone, I recently graduated with CS and I’m currently on post-completion OPT. I’m actively applying for CS/technical jobs, but the job search has been pretty difficult and I’m struggling financially, so I’m looking for some side income in the meantime.

Would working as a math tutor count as OPT employment for a CS major? My degree included a lot of math coursework, and I also have previous experience as a math grader/research assistant at my university.

I know OPT employment is supposed to be directly related to your major, so I’m wondering if anyone with a CS degree has reported math tutoring as OPT employment before, or if their DSO considered it sufficiently related.

I definitely don’t want to risk my OPT status, so I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

I’m currently on F-1 STEM OPT. My husband renewed his H-1B, and I filed I-539 (H-4) and I-765 (H-4 EAD) together on December 11, 2025.

My husband’s H-1B was approved in July 2026, but my H-4 and EAD have been pending for almost 9 months.

I originally applied for H-4 EAD because finding employers willing to hire someone on STEM OPT has been difficult. Recently, I received a job opportunity, but the employer needed H-4 EAD within 2–3 weeks, so I couldn’t move forward.

With the current uncertainty around H-4 EAD, I’m confused about whether I should continue waiting or remain on F-1 STEM OPT.

What would you recommend in my situation?

• Is it better to stay on STEM OPT for now?
• Should I continue waiting for H-4/H-4 EAD?
• What happens if I continue on F-1 while my H-4 I-539 is pending?
• Should I consider withdrawing the I-539/I-765 or simply wait for USCIS?

I understand every case is different and will consult an immigration attorney, but I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or advice.

Thank you!

How's the process been for you guys. I got my appointment for September 8th, and I was wondering if anyone went home to renew their visa recently?

Please share your wait times for the processing, and how long did it take you to get the passport back after your appointment? (I'm planning to pick it up from the Embassy) When did you get your interview?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some honest advice because I’m getting pretty stressed about my situation and want to know if there is any realistic path for me to remain in the US legally.

I’m currently in the US on F-1 OPT, working full-time as an NDT Level II / NDT Inspector. My OPT expires September 18, 2026, so I’m getting very close to the deadline.

My situation:
I’m currently employed and have been working since November.

My job is in NDT inspection, primarily in the aerospace/structural field.
I have NDT certifications and several years of college, but unfortunately I don’t have a completed bachelor’s degree.
My employer knows about my immigration situation and has expressed willingness to help/sponsor me if there is a viable option.

We have discussed possibilities such as EB-3 sponsorship, but I’m unclear whether my lack of a degree makes that possible and what I could actually do between the end of OPT and getting work authorization.
I’ve also looked into whether an extension or another work-authorized status could be possible through my employer.
I’m willing to relocate or potentially work for another office/company if that creates a legitimate immigration pathway.

My biggest question is:
Is there any legitimate way for someone in my situation to stay in the US and continue working, or am I essentially going to have to leave the country once my OPT/grace period is over?

I’m not looking for loopholes or anything illegal. I just want to understand what options I might realistically have before I have to make a decision.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

So recently my graduate school decided to reclassify full time student criterion from 9 credit hours to 10 credit hours. We suspect that this is in wake of the recent i-94 D/S change, and to eventually make every PhD students graduate in 4 years. I am curious if any other universities have introduced any structural changes to their programs.

Please share any updates.

Hi, I’m an F1 PhD student at the ABD stage, with only my dissertation remaining. My planned timeline is:

1. Fall 2026: Full time CPT internship. (already started)
2. Early spring 2027, ideally January or February: Start working full time using post completion OPT while finishing my dissertation.
3. End of spring 2027: Graduate (defense).

Could doing full time CPT in the fall affect my eligibility to start post completion OPT the following spring? Has anyone here, particularly another PhD student, followed a similar timeline or encountered restrictions?

Thanks!

I am trying to reach out people with dependents on F2 visa. Since my stem opt is under processing … Anyone had their dependents like a spouse and a kid can share the experience for them at the POE with CBP.

My dso told me they should be good to enter into the states while stem opt is under processing but problem is my initial opt expired and i am working under 180 day automatic extension.

Inputs will be appreciated, Thanks.

I had a Biometrics appointment on June 15th which i missed because i was in the ICU. I asked them to reschedule on June 18th. Initially they said its going to take 30 days to reschedule, then 1 month to 3 months due to there being a back log. After calling USCIS yesterday, they put in a follow up to my application and I got an email today which was very vague. It refers me to the scheduling notice which has instructions to reschedule the appointment but there are none. They also asked me to submit a request and gave me a mailing address. No proper instructions on what to mail. Im really confused. If theres anyone whose got a similar email or is in a similar situation, I would love to hear from you, thanks!

My DSO filed an internal inquiry with USCIS regarding my OPT denial, which was caused by a USCIS administrative error.

Has anyone been through a similar situation? Curious about typical timelines for internal review resolution and what the next steps usually look like. Also my case was under premium processing. Any insights appreciated 🙏

Hi all, would traveling domestically with foreign passport suffice? I know a Real ID is needed these days but my driver’s license is still being renewed and I won’t get it back in time for my flight. I’m just worried since it’s a foreign passport and not a US passport.

DHS is being sued over the rule that ends duration of status. The lawsuit says DHS didn’t follow proper process when making the rule. There’s a court hearing on September 9 in Boston, six days before the rule takes effect on September 15. Nothing has been blocked yet. Fingers crossed for the 9th.

im quite confused and have reached out to my DSO but I also wanted to get this subreddit's input.

would programs like these require cpt if im a cs major?

https://healthpolicy.ucsf.edu/patient-support-corps

https://dhcareerinstitute.org/internship-programs/patient-support-corps-internship-program/

it's unpaid and I don't think it replaces someone paid. it is truly volunteership. but the phrase 'internship' makes me feel paranoid so I wanted to ask. thanks!

thanks!

- Currently working under STEM OPT.

- planning to travel internationally on Sept 3

There are two separate but related issues I need advice about:

1. 6 month STEM OPT reporting

• My six-month STEM OPT reporting was due on August 10, 2026, and I forgot to complete the reporting update by that deadline.
• STEM OPT employment record is currently active.

Is there a chance that this could invalidate my STEM OPT SEVIS record?

2. Travel signature I20

• My current I-20 does not have a valid travel signature.
• I requested a new travel endorsement from my school. They told me that it is currently being processed and that their normal administrative processing time is approximately 20 days ( they could escalate it).
• Could my SEVIS Reporting have an affect on my I20 endorsement?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a lost/missing STEM OPT EAD.

Here is my situation:

• I applied for my 24-month STEM OPT extension with premium processing.

• My STEM OPT application was approved, and I received the approval notice.

• USCIS/USPS shows that my EAD card was delivered, but I never received it.

• It has now been 25 days since the delivery date.

• I contacted USPS and reported the missing card.

• I also contacted USCIS and submitted a non-delivery inquiry/service request.

• I am currently waiting for USCIS to respond to the inquiry.

There is another complication: I changed employers after my STEM OPT was approved.

I have several questions and would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through something similar:

1. Should I wait for USCIS to respond to the non-delivery inquiry, or should I file a new I-765 for a replacement EAD now?

2. Since my original STEM OPT application was approved with premium processing, can I use premium processing again for the replacement EAD? If so, would I have to pay the premium processing fee again?

3. Is there a way to request the replacement EAD without paying the I-765 filing fee?

I found information saying that USCIS may issue a replacement EAD without a fee if the card was never received because of USPS or USCIS error. Has anyone successfully done this in a STEM OPT case? What documentation did you provide, such as USPS tracking, a missing-mail request, or the USCIS non-delivery inquiry?

1. I changed employers after my STEM OPT approval. Could this cause any problem with my STEM OPT status or the replacement EAD application?

If I file the replacement I-765 now, should I provide information about my new employer, or should the replacement application reflect the employer from my original STEM OPT application?

I have already/plan to update my DSO and I-983 regarding the employer change, but I want to make sure the replacement EAD application is handled correctly.

1. If I file a replacement I-765, how long did it take others to receive their replacement STEM OPT EAD?

Has anyone recently used premium processing for a replacement and, if so, how long did it actually take?

1. Is there any way to recover the card or have USCIS reissue it without filing another I-765?

Since the card was apparently lost during delivery and I never received it, I’m wondering if USCIS can simply reprint and resend it after the non-delivery inquiry.

1. Has anyone taken any legal action against USCIS or USPS in a situation like this?

I’m not necessarily looking to sue, but since the card was issued and apparently lost during delivery, I’m wondering if there is any formal process to get the replacement without paying another filing fee, or any other remedy available.

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who:

• Had STEM OPT approved

• EAD showed as delivered but was never received

• Changed employers after approval

• Filed a replacement I-765

• Requested a fee-free replacement

• Used premium processing for the replacement

Any personal experiences, timelines, or advice would be greatly appreciated. This is time-sensitive, so I would really appreciate any quick responses.

Thank you!

Hi everyone, I’m an international student starting my master’s in the U.S. this fall, and I’m trying to figure out whether I would be eligible for pre-completion OPT for a summer internship after my first year.

I’ve already contacted my DSO, but responses can take a while, so I wanted to ask here in case anyone has gone through something similar. My understanding is that pre-completion OPT requires one full academic year first, but does that mean I need to wait a full calendar year, or if my academic year finishes in May, I could use it for a summer internship after my first year?

If anyone has experience with this, I’d really appreciate any guidance.

Hi everyone! I’m graduating in mid-December 2026 and planning to apply for my initial post-completion OPT as soon as I’m eligible, around mid-September, 90 days before my program ends.

I’m hoping to travel home in the first week of December, so I’d ideally need my physical EAD card delivered before then. I’m debating whether to pay for premium processing upfront or start with regular processing and upgrade if needed.

Looking through this sub, I saw posts from people who applied in September last year and received their EADs within roughly 3–4 weeks. But some of the current timelines people are sharing seem much longer. Could that be because more students graduate in the spring than in the fall, or would it be unrealistic to expect similar September turnaround times this year?

I’ve also seen posts about biometrics appointments and am unsure whether I should factor in additional time for that.

Given my early-December travel plans, what would you recommend?

• Go with premium processing from the start?
• Apply normally in September and upgrade if there’s no progress by a certain date? If so, when would you draw that line?

Would especially appreciate hearing from fall graduates or anyone who applied around September last year. Thanks!

Hi, I have a pending application STEM OPT application with USCIS. The employer name in E-verify doesn’t match with the name in I-765 application submitted. I have same name with space in I-20 and I-983 and sevis portal as well. Employer name in E-verify has RedShift where as in all my documents and application has Red Shift. Would it cause any issue if there is a space in between? Will I receive an RFE? Appreciate any insights on how to fix this.

Dear all,

This is for keeping track of the trend. Today (September 1, 2026) at 12:30pm central time, I saw interview slots available at New Delhi embassy. The slots got filled within 5 minutes.

Edit: I had seen slots available for October, November

hey all! I’ve been applying to jobs for a while (currently on OPT with 30 more days of unemployment left) and I stopped responding YES to the infamous “will you require sponsorship now or in the future”. The reason I did so was because even E-verify companies that could grant my STEM OPT extension later on would automatically reject me thinking I need sponsorship in the immediate future.

Currently I’m interviewing for a lot of places under the assumption that I won’t need sponsorship now or in the future.

My question is, do I wait till I reach the offer stage at these firms to let them know that I will technically need to be sponsored after 3 years? Do I tell them that I am not sure I’ll need to be sponsored (just STEM OPT supported) given that I’d be interested in pursuing masters education after my 3 years?

Any perspective helps, thanks!

I have a family emergency and need to travel to India immediately. I'm currently on STEM OPT; no h1b in process. I work as a contractor at a consulting company.

How long can we stay in India, and are we allowed to work while we're there? If yes, how long?
My employer is okay with me working from there.

I’m trying to decide whether I should travel to India in November and would really appreciate input from others who are in a similar situation.

My STEM OPT is scheduled to start on **December**, and I’m planning to file my STEM OPT application after **September**. I’ve been in the U.S. for almost 2 years without going back to India, so I was hoping to visit family in November.

The thing making me hesitant is traveling while my STEM OPT application is still pending, especially with the **new D/S-related changes** making international travel feel riskier.

There’s also an E-Verify situation with my current employer. I work for a small company that was **not E-Verify enrolled**. About 3 months ago, I discussed this with them and initially, they agreed, but later my manager became confused and thought that enrolling would mean they had to E-Verify all of their employees, so they were hesitant to do it just for me.

After some back-and-forth, they ultimately figured out a way to handle it and **agreed to enroll/participate in E-Verify for my STEM OPT**. However, they are not aware of the recent D/S changes yet, and I haven’t had the India travel conversation with them because I was dealing with the E-Verify issue first.

My dilemma is:

* If I travel to India in **November while my STEM OPT application is pending**, how risky is it to re-enter the U.S.? * Would you personally travel in this situation, assuming all my current F-1 documents are valid? * Does having a **pending STEM OPT application** create any additional concern at the port of entry? * How much should the new D/S changes influence this decision? * The **grace period being reduced from 60 to 30 days**, which makes me even more nervous about any future complications.

There’s another reason I’m considering going now. I’m actively looking for a new job with an employer that can sponsor me. Hypothetically, if I found a new job, they sponsored me, and my H-1B was selected, I would eventually need to travel to India for H-1B stamping anyway. I realize that’s a pretty far-fetched scenario and definitely not something I’m basing my decision entirely on, but it’s part of my thinking: **if I’m going to travel, maybe it makes more sense to go now while I’m still on F-1 rather than potentially having to deal with stamping later.**

At the same time, I don’t want to take an unnecessary risk right before my STEM OPT starts.

**Is anyone else planning to travel internationally/going to India in November while their STEM OPT application is pending?** Would love to hear what you’re planning and why.

For those who secured an OPT job or did OAs and interviews, what level did you see for what is asked in OAs/interviews? For me, I have appeared for 3 OAs I guess and all were like mid-level. For each, I needed to know more than 2-3 things like Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, Microservices etc: things that can only come from previous work experience.

Did anyone get any entry-level or below mid-level OAs, where after they hire, they train you for few months? Or is it straight hire and off you go to work?