r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • Aug 20 '26

CPT Megathread: CPT Interpretation Changes

97 Upvotes

This is the Megathread for CPT.

TL;DR: Whatever your school tells you about CPT is what matters. Your school defines the rules for CPT.

Update October 5, 2026 Lawsuit has been filed regarding the CPT Interpretation changes.

The August 14, 2026 CPT change is not a new CPT regulation or statutory change. SEVP issued Broadcast Message 2608-01, “Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization,". The underlying CPT regulations have not been amended. What has changed is SEVP's interpretation and enforcement posture regarding the existing requirements, particularly what it considers sufficiently “integral” to an established curriculum.

CPT is a school-by-school process. It depends heavily on how a particular institution has structured CPT within each academic program. It can even vary between majors at the same institution.

Under the current SEVP interpretation, “integral” is being treated much more narrowly. As a result, every school now has to review its CPT policies and determine what, if any, risks exist for both the institution and its students.

There is very little useful general advice anyone here can give you about how to navigate those changes.

Until SEVP changes its interpretation, there is no administrative process through which a student can obtain a definitive ruling that their particular CPT arrangement is permissible despite the school's or SEVP's interpretation. Ultimately, challenging the interpretation would likely require litigation, and most students understandably do not want to become a test case.

In the meantime, schools have to operate within the interpretation SEVP is applying. That means evaluating not only whether a particular CPT arrangement appears to satisfy the regulatory requirements, but also the practical risk to the institution and to students whose SEVIS records could subsequently be reviewed.

**This is why one school's CPT policy tells you essentially nothing about another school's CPT policy.**

Two universities can have completely different CPT policies. Two students at the same university can also receive different answers if they are enrolled in different academic programs with different curricular structures.

CPT being authorized for one major does not establish that the same arrangement is permissible for another major. Likewise, the fact that another university is continuing to authorize a particular type of CPT does not establish that your university can or will do the same.

So:

“I already received CPT authorization. What do I do?”

Ask your school.

“What if I need CPT for my thesis?”

Ask your school.

“I previously completed CPT. What does this interpretation mean for me?”

Ask your school.

“The university across town is still approving this CPT. Why won't my school?”

Their policy is irrelevant to your SEVIS record or what your school can offer to you.

The reason CPT questions have so often been answered with “talk to your DSO” is not because there is no general CPT guidance. It is because whether a particular CPT arrangement satisfies the requirements depends on the student's academic program, curriculum, institutional policies, and how the institution has structured and documented CPT.

Unless your DSO is publicly discussing your institution's specific CPT policies and is actively participating in r/F1visa, Reddit cannot reliably tell you whether your particular CPT arrangement is permissible.

Your school's CPT policy and your DSO's authorization are what matter for your SEVIS record. What another school is doing does not create CPT authorization for you.

I know this does not really help many of you as schools review their policies, but it is the unfortunate situation we find ourselves currently.

73 comments

r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • Jun 19 '26

Megathread: Elimination of Duration of Status

102 Upvotes

Edit: July 16, 2026 the new Rule has been PUBLISHED

Tl;dr: Long term graduate programs may require more paperwork and uncertainty, Day 1 CPT is no long an option for many students, anyone in the US before September 15 keeps D/S until their program ends or 4 years have elapsed so long as they don't leave the US.

Fixed-Date I‑94 Admissions

Starting September 15, 2026, any F‑1 or F‑2 entering the United States will receive a specific “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on their I‑94 instead of D/S.

Key points:

  • The AUD will match the program end date on the Form I‑20.
  • The AUD cannot exceed four years.
  • A 30‑day grace period will follow the program end date.
  • The traditional 60‑day grace period is eliminated for anyone entering or re-entering on or after September 15, 2026.

Transition Rules for Students Already in the United States

If you are inside the United States on September 15, 2026 with a D/S I‑94:

  • You do not need a new I‑94 immediately.
  • You must file a Form I‑539 extension of stay if you need to remain beyond:
    • your current program end date, or
    • four years after the rule’s effective date (September 15, 2030), whichever is earlier.

Grace period rules for the transition group:

  • You keep the 60‑day grace period unless you leave and re-enter the United States or file an extension on or after September 15, 2026.
  • After either of those actions, your grace period becomes 30 days.
  • Any re-entry on or after September 15, 2026 will result in a date-specific AUD with a 30‑day grace period.

Mandatory I‑539 Extensions

Any time you need more time beyond your AUD, you must file Form I‑539 with USCIS. This includes:

  • Program extensions
  • School transfers
  • Changing degree levels
  • Post-completion OPT
  • STEM OPT
  • Cap-gap extensions
  • Reduced course load extensions
  • Medical RCL extensions

The extension process includes fees, biometrics, and possible interviews.

As of July 16, 2026 the cost would be $420 and $85 for biometrics. Premium processing for this is not currently available per page 165 despite it being requested.

Restrictions on Academic Changes

Undergraduates:

  • May change majors or transfer schools only after completing one academic year.
  • SEVP may grant exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Graduate students:

  • Cannot change majors or degree levels during the program.
  • May transfer schools only if SEVP approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.

Prohibition on Lateral or Reverse Matriculation

After completing a program, F‑1 students cannot begin a new program at the same or lower educational level. Examples include:

  • Bachelor’s to a second bachelor’s
  • Master’s to a second master’s
  • Master’s to a bachelor’s

This applies only to programs completed after September 15, 2026.

Expected Impacts for F‑1 Students

Institutions anticipate:

  • Higher costs for students (fees, biometrics, possible legal assistance)
  • Longer USCIS processing times
  • More USCIS involvement in routine academic changes
  • Potential enrollment impacts due to reduced predictability

Effective Date

The rule becomes effective September 15, 2026, unless delayed by litigation or Congressional Review Act review. Until then, current D/S rules remain fully in effect.

I will get information on advocacy and how to ask congress to change or hold the rule over the next few days.

FAQ as of July 18, 2026

  1. Does this apply to current students or only new ones? Everyone is affected.
  • Current students stay in D/S until their current I‑20/DS‑2019/EAD ends, but no later than late 2030.
  • Students entering after Sept 15, 2026 get fixed-date admissions (AUD) immediately.
  • “You’ll remain in D/S… but no longer than four years after the rule takes effect…”

2. What happens if I travel after Sept 15, 2026? Travel ends your D/S.

  • When you return, CBP gives you a fixed-date I‑94 based on:
  • your program end date OR
  • 4 years from entry whichever is sooner, plus a 30‑day grace period.
  • Travel before Sept 15, 2026 does not affect D/S.
  • “If you leave… your D/S protection ends.”

3. Do I need an I‑539 for OPT or STEM OPT? (Most students will need I‑539) :

  • I‑765 (OPT/STEM OPT)
  • I‑539 (Extension of Stay)
  • If you are still in D/S and file BEFORE March 18, 2027 you may skip the I‑539.
  • Leaving the U.S. before filing removes the exception.
  • “Students… generally need both an I‑765 and an I‑539.”

4. Can I work while my I‑539 is pending? Yes, if:

  • It’s CPT, on‑campus, or economic hardship employment
  • AND your I‑539 was timely filed
  • AND you are within the 240‑day continuation window
  • STEM OPT applicants still get the 180‑day automatic extension.

5. What happens at year four of a long PhD? You do not need to finish your PhD in four years.

  • If your AUD expires before your program ends, you file I‑539 Extension of Stay.
  • You qualify if:
    • Your DSO issues a new I‑20 with a later program end date, OR
    • You have academic, medical, or uncontrollable reasons.
    • “You qualify if you have a currently issued I‑20 showing additional time…”

6. Does re-entering give me a new 4 years?

  • Yes , but only up to your program end date.
  • Every entry resets your AUD:
  • AUD = program end date OR 4 years from entry (whichever is sooner).

7. Visa stamp vs. I‑20 — which controls my stay?

  • Inside the U.S., your I‑94 (or D/S) controls your status.
  • Visa stamps matter only for re-entry.
  • You can leave and re-enter to get a new AUD instead of filing I‑539.

8. I’m on OPT/STEM OPT with an approved EAD — am I affected now?

  • No. You stay under current rules until your OPT/STEM OPT ends.
  • New rules matter only when you:
    • apply for STEM OPT after OPT, or
    • start a new academic program.
  • Employment continuation rules (180‑day STEM OPT extension, 240‑day CPT/on‑campus) still apply.
  • 9. Is my grace period 30 days or 60 days?
  • If you stay in D/S → 60 days
  • If you re-enter after Sept 15, 2026 → 30 days
  • Filing I‑539 during the grace period allows study but not work.

10. Can I still move from bachelor’s → master’s → PhD?

  • Yes. You need a new I‑20 or a transferred I-20 and possibly I‑539 if your AUD expires before the new program ends.

11. Can I still transfer schools or change my major?

  • Undergraduates No transfers or major changes in the first academic year unless SEVP approves.
  • After year one → normal flexibility.
  • Graduate students Cannot change major/educational objective at all.
  • Cannot transfer schools unless SEVP approves an exception.

12. When does this take effect?

  • September 15, 2026.
  • Until then, current rules apply and DSOs can still process:
    • I‑20 extensions
    • transfers
    • level changes
    • Anything completed before Sept 15 continues under current rules.

13. What about Day 1 CPT programs?

  • Not banned — but much harder to access.
  • Barriers include:
    • You now need USCIS approval (I‑539) for new programs after OPT/STEM OPT.
    • You cannot start a same-or-lower-level program after Sept 15, 2026.
    • Graduate students cannot freely transfer.
    • This removes the most common pathway into Day 1 CPT.

14. What about F‑2dependents?

  • Dependents follow the principal’s (F-1's) status.
  • They must be included in the principal’s I‑539 or file their own.

15. Will this be challenged in court?

  • Maybe, but there isn't a specific plan.
  • Nothing currently delays implementation unless Congress acts. (Unlikely)
  • Students should plan based on the published rule.

16. Does premium processing apply to I‑539 extensions?

  • No. Premium processing is available only for a change of status, not an extension of stay

17. Can I pursue another degree at the same or lower level?

  • Only if your earlier degree was completed before Sept 15, 2026.
  • Degrees finished after the effective date trigger the restriction.
  • Foreign degrees do not count toward the restriction.
  • “The bar… applies only to a student who completes a program after September 15, 2026.”

18. Does this affect H‑1B?

  • No. H‑1B is completely separate.

19. Does this affect CPT for required internships?

  • Required CPT (not Day 1 CPT) is still allowed.
  • If your AUD expires before your CPT end date, you must:
    • file I‑539 or
    • travel and re-enter to reset AUD
  • Existing CPT continues for up to 240 days while I‑539 is pending.

20. If my school extends my program, does that extend my stay?

  • Before Sept 15, 2026:
    • Yes, you keep D/S until the new end date (up to 4 years ahead).
  • After Sept 15, 2026:
    • If your AUD expires before the new end date, you must:
      • file I‑539 or
      • travel and re-enter the U.S. to update the AUD

21. If my OPT/STEM OPT is pending and I travel after Sept 15, 2026, what happens?

  • You will be admitted under AUD.
  • Your OPT/STEM OPT application remains valid, but you may need I‑539 depending on timing.

22. If I file for OPT/STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, do I need I‑539?

  • only if you travel and re-enter under AUD before filing.

23. Can I still do same-level CPT programs (e.g., second master’s)? Only if your earlier degree was completed before Sept 15, 2026.

  • After that date, same-level programs are generally barred.

24. Does my I‑94 automatically match my EAD end date? If you remain in D/S → yes.

  • If you re-enter after Sept 15, 2026 → your AUD is:
    • program end date
    • or EAD end date
    • or 4 years from entry, whichever is sooner.
450 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ordinary-Front781 • 19h ago

OPT/STEM OPT opt clarification

5 Upvotes

I'm really struggling to find clarification on my OPT process and I've spoken to multiple lawyers and they have been LESS then helpful.

my timeline so far:

studied on F1 visa for four years

applied for opt after finishing school in october 2025, receipt date October 27th, 2025

after that, nothing I haven't heard back

my questions: what is my current status? I know I can be in the states while my application is processing, but since it's now been 12 months since I applied, does that still apply? am I overstaying/at what point is it considered overstaying? I really would like to avoid doing that lol

after I get an answer, I'm assuming IF it's approved, I'll get approximately 2 months of opt. if it's denied, what happens then - do I have any grace period to stay in the country while I apply for another visa? the same employer is happy to offer me a work visa, but I would prefer to apply for that while I'm in the country

thank you !!

5 comments

r/f1visa • u/Longjumping_Box_1572 • 1d ago

Looking for an immigration lawyer: F-1 student wrongfully deported

92 Upvotes

A friend (F-1 PhD student) was returning from Europe after fall break. At O’Hare, CBP cancelled his visa and issued an expedited removal order with a 5-year bar.

During questioning, the officer asked about his internship. He explained clearly that it was in China during undergrad, months before his F-1 visa was even issued. The officer knew this.

The officer then told him his visa was cancelled and had him sign a sworn statement. He was not shown the contents before signing. Only after he signed was he handed a copy, and it says he worked illegally in the US without a work permit. That is simply not true, and the officer had already heard otherwise.

The order is based entirely on this false “unauthorized employment” finding. There’s no fraud charge, only §212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I), and we can document the internship dates.

We’re looking for a lawyer with real experience asking CBP to withdraw an expedited removal order (and an I-212 or §212(d)(3) waiver as a backup). If you’ve worked with someone good on a case like this, please share. Thanks!

46 comments

r/f1visa • u/Biopunch_11 • 6h ago

USCIS scheduled OPT biometrics after I left the US. What are my options?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I recently completed my Master’s degree in the US and submitted my initial post-completion OPT application while I was still in the country.

I found a position in Europe but had also applied for several jobs in the US. My plan was to obtain my EAD and keep the option of returning to the US open if one of those opportunities worked out.

I left the US just three days ago, and today I unexpectedly received a USCIS notice scheduling an in-person biometrics appointment in the US in two weeks.

My university’s international student office never mentioned that biometrics might be required for OPT, so I genuinely wasn’t expecting this.

My F-1 visa expires soon, and I’m now trying to understand my options:

  1. Biometrics abroad: Is there any possibility of completing biometrics at a US embassy or consulate abroad, or requesting a biometrics waiver?
  2. Returning on my current F-1 visa: I’ve already completed my degree, and my OPT application is still pending. Am I even eligible to re-enter the US in F-1 status at this point? If so, how risky would it be to return solely for the biometrics appointment?
  3. Returning on B-1/B-2: Could I reschedule the appointment, obtain a tourist visa, briefly enter the US solely to complete biometrics, and then leave? Would entering in B-2 status jeopardize my pending OPT application?

If my OPT is approved and I eventually decide to return to the US for employment, I would need to apply for a new F-1 visa anyway.

Has anyone experienced something similar or found a workable solution? I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences.

Thanks!

9 comments

r/f1visa • u/Sufficient_Youth_493 • 1d ago

Question Can F-1 STEM OPT students travel to Puerto Rico?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
Has anyone on F-1 STEM OPT recently traveled to Puerto Rico?
I’m currently in the U.S. on F-1 status and have my approved STEM OPT EAD card. I’m planning a short vacation to Puerto Rico and wanted to confirm whether it’s okay to travel there with my passport, F-1 visa, and STEM EAD card.
Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, I understand it’s considered domestic travel, but I wanted to double-check with anyone who has recently visited.
Did you face any issues at the airport or during your return to the mainland U.S.? Were any additional documents required?
Thanks!

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Legal-Performance997 • 22h ago

F1 initial OPT Travel while on volunteer research with no job offer

1 Upvotes

Hi , I am currently on f1 opt and planning to travel to my home country and be back during January while my OPT EAD expires on feb 20.. Has anyone traveled while on opt and came back safely. ? I am really desperate to go also I am scared. So far I am having no luck in getting a job offer

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/BasisOther8807 • 1d ago

CPT Cpt lawsuit - how likely everything goes back to normal

0 Upvotes

Does anyone have any idea how likely it is that the current CPT lawsuit will actually succeed?
I’m mainly wondering if there’s a realistic chance of things going back to normal or at least getting a temporary injunction that would allow universities to resume approving CPT applications while the lawsuit continues.
With the upcoming court dates, I’m curious if anyone has heard anything from immigration attorneys or university officials about how this might play out.
I’m supposed to start an internship in January 2027 and this whole situation has been pretty stressful lol.
Would appreciate any realistic insights or updates. Not looking for false hope. Just trying to understand the actual chances.

14 comments

r/f1visa • u/Icy-Sherbet456 • 1d ago

F-1 program extension denial possible?

0 Upvotes

Hello, im an undergrad senior and projected to graduate in spring '27. My advisor is telling me that a program extension may be up to his discretion to make but I am struggling in my current classes which may cause me to retake classes. Is a program extension denial possible? Ill have 15 credits in my last semester if I have to retake classes which means I can do the minimum of 12 then finish the last 3 in fall '27. Also will this affect my CPT eligibility as I also have an internship offer.

6 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ok-Championship-8625 • 1d ago

SEVIS/I-20 F-1 Proof of Funds Help

0 Upvotes

I’m currently on OPT ending in Jan and my program starts Jan 11. I already had my current school schedule SEVIS transfer one day after my OPT ends and informed the new school.

I have to fill out some forms for them to issue I-20. So months back I confirmed how much it costs for the program and everything. I have funds for tuition, fees and insurance. But I didn’t realize I had to show funds for living cost of 37k extra.

I explained to them I’m living with family friends so rent and food is covered by them with any other necessities. They still require me to show funds for 37k. Now, the family I’m going to stay with isn’t close to ask them to sign on something or ask them for bank statements just for the sake of getting an I-20. I don’t know if I have to take a loan out just for the funds till I get I-20. Any suggestions?

6 comments

r/f1visa • u/No_Opening7035 • 1d ago

Travel/Remote Work on Initial OPT

1 Upvotes

I am outside US and travelling for 2-3 weeks, my employer has approved remote work for the duration. I have already worked for the first week, would it be better for me to take unpaid leave for the rest of the duration? I have only recently looked up people's stories while re-entering and that has made me wary of continuing the remote work. Also what should the verification of employment letter look like, mine just says that I am allowed to work remotely for a short period of time. I am curious what people's experiences have been recently and what can I do now!

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/fuelandflourish • 1d ago

pp September initial OPT

0 Upvotes

Has anyone recently received an approval for initial OPT through premium processing, particularly those who upgraded around mid-September 2026?

8 comments

r/f1visa • u/sailee_tawade • 1d ago

USCIS rep told me to submit my offer letter as "unsolicited evidence" and request an expedite for my F-1 OPT EAD. Has this worked for anyone?

2 Upvotes

Hi all,
I'm on F-1 post-completion OPT, and my I-765 has been pending since May 2026. I have a job offer, and the delay puts it at risk.
I called USCIS today. The representative told me to upload my offer letter as unsolicited evidence through my online case account and send a message requesting an expedite based on severe financial loss.
1. Has anyone done this and gotten results?
2. Did the unsolicited evidence upload plus an expedite request get your case moving?
3. How long did it take to get a response or approval?
4. Did you add anything beyond the offer letter (employer letter on the cost of the delay, lease or loan documents)?
5. Did you also go through your DSO, an attorney, or your congressional representative?
If you were denied, what did you change on the second try?

5 comments

r/f1visa • u/Otherwise_Meal_2674 • 1d ago

How do I show an immigration officer I'm genuinely not interested in staying in USA?

0 Upvotes

So, very short background summary
I'm a 2008 kid, born in India but
2008-2021 - Living in Saudi Arabia
2021-2024 june - Living in Dubai
2024 aug- 2026 oct - Norway (Stavanger, Oslo, Moss)
With 2025 Sep-2026 June being in Dubai for final year
2026 Nov onwards - Saudi Arabia

I studied in Moss cus of shitty high school grades so i can attend BI like do american credits but dropped out in 2 months, and I plan on going to a school like ASU or CC-> Guarenteed Admissions to Virginia Tech or something to do engineering.

So, I can return to Saudi, where my dad got a new job and - My dad has only ever worked in American O&G companies.
I want to study engineering in usa so in Saudi Arabia, in this shitty economy i can get job via referrals. And, Oil and Gas in the Gulf have a "American premium" surcharge. Where American engineering students are paid way higher than the non american degree kids.

How do I actually tell him i don't wanna stay in USA, deal with shitty H-1B visa shit?
Like, I don't wanna be like most F-1 kids who say they're gonna return in reality for 6 months desperately look for a job in USA to switch to H-1B.

Also, In saudi - the embassy would be the Daharan Embassy.

9 comments

r/f1visa • u/Dragon_1503 • 1d ago

OPT/STEM OPT OPT UNPAID EMPLOYMENT

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m on OPT and currently working for an employer since 5 months and he was paying me for my job. It was a contract based agreement and the employer wants to end the contract this month but considering my visa situation he said that i can still mention anywhere that im working with him and he’s ready to provide any kind of documentation to help my visa status. But i’m worried that i’m gonna apply to STEM OPT next month and is there high chance they might ask me why is my pay roll suddenly stopped with the same employer?? And is it advisable to mention the employment with same employer as unpaid after getting paid for few months on OPT ??. TIA

19 comments

r/f1visa • u/Away-Revolution-531 • 1d ago

Resources to find volunteer work on OPT

0 Upvotes

Hi guys, I’m graduating soon this December and I’ve applied for my OPT. Where do you guys find volunteer work to not accumulate unemployment days?

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Accomplished-Bit7101 • 1d ago

Opt with premium processing

0 Upvotes

I applied for my post completion opt with premium processing on oct 16th and I know it's just one week but I'm nervous because I have a job lined up with start date Dec 14th and I want to know what exactly happens to application now when will I move to next step exactly and will I have biometrics or direct approval after 30 business days. I just want to know what happens now.as of now just application received status.

30 comments

r/f1visa • u/Actual-Mouse-7365 • 1d ago

Question F1 after EB2 NIW filing

0 Upvotes

Hello,

I am trying to keep a back up option of eb2 niw. If I file that, can I switch to Day1 cpt while I wait for the adjudication for niw. Or move to day 1 cpt if niw is denied. Would that be a problem going from
Immigrant to non immigrant intent? Thanks

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/LLLLLLlLdiwjssj • 1d ago

Question Put boyfriend on ds160 form

0 Upvotes

I am a 3rd year PhD student looking to reapply for my visa, and I slipped up and listed my American boyfriend on my application as “other”, I also live with him. Can I just say he’s a friend/roommate. Also if I have him as my pfp on my social media should I take that down?

5 comments

r/f1visa • u/Hour_Bar_8555 • 2d ago

F-1 Student Visa Interview on Monday - Need Advice and Recent Experiences

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I have my US F-1 student visa interview on Monday I'm Islamabad US embassy, and I'm looking for advice from people who have recently attended their interviews.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could share the questions they were asked, common reasons for rejection, and tips for answering confidently.

If you have recently attended an F-1 visa interview, especially in Pakistan, please share your experience. It would be a great help as I prepare for my interview. Your reply answer or any suggestions mean me a lot.

Thank you everyone

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Dazzling_Radish_2869 • 2d ago

Student Accidentally Exceeded 20-Hour On-Campus Work Limit – Worried About SEVIS Termination and OPT

18 Upvotes

I'm an F-1 student graduating next year, and I recently realized that I may have violated the 20-hour on-campus employment limit. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I currently work two on-campus jobs as a research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) in different departments. Due to an urgent project, my research professor informed us that we could work up to 25–30 hours per week. When I asked whether my TA hours counted toward that limit, I was told that the two positions were separate.

Based on that understanding, I worked approximately 21–25 hours per week combined for about 4–5 weeks during the semester.

After reviewing my university's international student employment guidelines, I realized that the 20-hour limit applies to all on-campus positions combined. I reached out to my international student advisor (DSO) to explain the situation and ask for guidance.

My DSO responded by scheduling an appointment, explaining that this is something that needs to be discussed during a meeting. My appointment is coming up soon, and I'm quite concerned about the potential consequences, especially for my F-1 status and future OPT eligibility.

I understand that misunderstanding the regulations doesn't necessarily excuse a violation, and I take responsibility for not verifying the rules directly with my international student office beforehand.

I have a few questions:

  1. Has anyone accidentally exceeded the 20-hour limit for several weeks? What happened after you reported it to your DSO?
  2. Did your university issue a warning, or was your SEVIS record terminated?
  3. If your SEVIS record was terminated, were you able to resolve your status and eventually apply for OPT?

I just want to understand what to expect and what options might be available.

I'd really appreciate hearing about similar experiences, especially from anyone who has been through this situation or has experience as a DSO.

80 comments

r/f1visa • u/Accomplished_Run8216 • 2d ago

F1 Nursing student question

1 Upvotes

Posting this for a friend,

I am an Indian-born BSN graduate on F-1 OPT starting a bedside RN role at a university hospital. Since nursing OPT is only one year without a STEM extension, I am looking for advice on long-term immigration pathways. For those who completed a US BSN, what strategy did you use after your initial OPT ended? How open are hospitals to sponsoring H-1Bs for specialized or non-bedside roles compared to bedside nursing? I would appreciate any insights on how could navigated your visa options and timeline.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/Character-Simple-961 • 2d ago

STEM OPT Filing Timeline Confusion Due to Cap-Gap Extension on I-20 — H-1B Filed for Consular Processing | Need Advice

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experienced a similar situation involving STEM OPT, a cap-gap extension, and an H-1B petition filed for consular processing.
My situation and timeline
Initial OPT start date: January 16, 2026
Initial OPT EAD expiration date: January 16, 2027
H-1B petition filed: May 2026
H-1B petition type: Consular processing
H-1B status: Pending
Current I-20: Shows that my F-1 status and employment authorization have been automatically extended through April 1, 2027.
Planned STEM OPT extension start date, according to my DSO: April 2, 2027.
My I-20 contains the following comment:
“F-1 status and employment authorization for this student have been automatically extended until April 1, 2027. This student is authorized to remain in the United States and continue employment with an expired employment authorization document. This is pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi) and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv).”
What my DSO told me
I initially asked my DSO to process my STEM OPT extension. The DSO responded that my OPT had already been extended through April 1, 2027, based on the pending H-1B application.
The DSO explained that:
USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application before the expiration of my current post-completion OPT, including any applicable cap-gap extension.
The application cannot be submitted earlier than 90 days before that expiration date.
USCIS must receive the application no later than 60 days after the DSO recommends STEM OPT in SEVIS.
My DSO said that SEVIS now requires April 2, 2027, as my STEM OPT start date because my current employment authorization ends on April 1, 2027.
Accordingly, the DSO advised me to wait until January 1, 2027, to submit my STEM OPT application and clarified that the current I-20 is not a STEM OPT recommendation I-20.
My main concern
My H-1B petition was filed for consular processing, not a change of status.
From what I understand, an H-1B petition requesting consular processing generally does not qualify for a cap-gap extension.
If that understanding is correct, why does my I-20 show a cap-gap extension through April 1, 2027?
Could this be a SEVIS error, or am I misunderstanding the rules?
Questions
1. STEM OPT filing date: My original OPT EAD expires on January 16, 2027. Based on that date, the 90-day filing window opened on October 18, 2026. Should I ask my DSO to correct my SEVIS record and issue a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 so I can apply now, rather than waiting until January 1, 2027?
2. Cap-gap eligibility: Can an H-1B petition filed for consular processing qualify for a cap-gap extension? Has anyone experienced a similar situation where the DSO’s SEVIS record showed a cap-gap extension despite the petition being filed for consular processing?
3. International travel: I am planning to travel to India in January 2027 and return to the United States in February 2027. By then, my original OPT EAD will have expired. If my cap-gap extension is not valid, could this affect my ability to return to the United States in F-1 status?
4. STEM OPT pending during travel: If I apply for STEM OPT before traveling but my application is still pending when I return in February, what are the potential reentry issues? Would having the expired initial OPT EAD, a valid F-1 visa, an updated I-20, and a STEM OPT receipt notice be sufficient?
5. What should I do first? Should I ask my DSO to verify the SEVIS record, contact my employer’s immigration attorney to confirm the H-1B petition classification, or do both before making any decisions?
I would especially appreciate responses from anyone who has personally experienced a similar situation involving consular H-1B processing, cap-gap appearing on the I-20, STEM OPT filing dates, and international travel.
I understand that individual cases can differ, and I will verify any advice with my DSO and immigration attorney. I am hoping to understand the correct filing timeline and avoid jeopardizing my employment authorization or ability to return to the United States.
Thank you!

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/Broken_Wall_6666 • 2d ago

Filing I-765 for OPT after transferring from University of Bridgeport to University of the Cumberlands: do I need my old school's documents?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm an F-1 student getting ready to file my I-765 for post-completion OPT and wanted to check something before I submit.

I originally came to the US on an I-20 from the University of Bridgeport, then transferred my SEVIS record to the University of the Cumberlands, where I'm finishing my master's in December 2026.

For the I-765, do I need to include anything from Bridgeport, such as my old I-20s or a withdrawal or transfer request? Or is it enough to submit the standard documents (passport, visa, I-94, EAD photos, fee) with my Cumberlands I-20 recommending OPT?

If you transferred schools before filing, what did you include, and did you get an RFE for leaving out the older I-20s?

Thanks in advance!

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/Moist-Huckleberry275 • 2d ago

90 days danger. Assistance Needed

0 Upvotes

Has anyone been in a situation where they couldn’t secure an internship or volunteering position during their OPT season and the 90 days ended because they couldnt secure a job?

3 comments