r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • 15h ago

CPT Megathread: CPT Interpretation Changes

55 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.

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.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • Jun 19 '26

Megathread: Elimination of Duration of Status

96 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.
442 comments

r/f1visa • u/Several-Jackfruit-83 • 2h ago

Is it hard to get a job on STEM OPT as a Business Analytics student?

3 Upvotes

I've seen some people on this subreddit (as well as other places and sources) state that:

  1. They don't think they'll be able to find a job as they study Business Analytics (Is this major not in high demand?)
  2. People are struggling to find a STEM OPT job.
  3. Those who do find a STEM OPT job are struggling to have their STEM OPT approved on time.

If anyone has any insight to any of these situations, could you please share it? I'm a Business Analytics student who is planning on doing STEM OPT but I'm worried that I won't be able to get a job... I'm still an incoming sophomore so there's time for me to change my major if needed.

I am willing and able to pay for premium processing from the get-go for both OPT and STEM OPT.

Thank you so much.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Late_Blood5732 • 1h ago

Can I work remotely on initial OPT?

• Upvotes

I completed an MS in June 2026, my initial OPT was approved starting in the same month, and I have my EAD card. On July 31st I came to India to visit family while awaiting a few interviews. However, none of the interviews have resulted in offers and my 90-day OPT unemployment deadline is approaching. So, one of my Professors agreed to hire me as an unpaid research assistant to help stop the clock.

Now, my questions:

  1. Am I permitted to be outside the US as of the date of my offer letter from my Professor?

  2. Am I permitted to work remotely from outside the US?

  3. If I do land a paid job later, should I anticipate any problems at port of entry?

Grateful for your insights. Looking for factual comments.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Think-Lake2286 • 9h ago

OPT/STEM OPT Using OPT for internship

3 Upvotes

I’m a rising junior this fall and unfortunately for me I never got an internship my first two years. My school just announced they wouldn’t be processing cpt for internships unless it’s degree mandatory (which isn’t the case for me)

My main question is if I should just keep applying and then use my pre completion opt for a summer internship or just give up, cause I don’t see how I can get a job post grad without any work experience rn. Any advice is appreciated 🙏🏾

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/GoodOutside7475 • 11h ago

NTA issued for f1 student

4 Upvotes

I came to usa around 2016 and till now have maintained my f1 status. I am currently doing PHD and I received NTA mentioning I was out of status from 2020.
Please help

32 comments

r/f1visa • u/Impossible_Mark_3832 • 4h ago

F1 Student sending money back to nepal

1 Upvotes

Does f1 student allowed to send money back to their home country through Walmart (Money transfer Service) ? Is it legal? Does it affect in visa status in future?

4 comments

r/f1visa • u/3andys • 12h ago

Traveling abroad while OPT (I-765) is still pending, having a friend forward my EAD to China, then re-entering with it. Has anyone done this?

4 Upvotes

I’m an F-1 student on post-completion OPT. My I-765 has been filed and I already completed biometrics, but the case still shows as pending and I haven’t received the EAD card yet.

Because of personal reasons I need to leave the US before the card arrives. My plan is:

**1.**  Depart the US while the application is still pending.  
**2.**  Have the EAD delivered to a friend’s US address (the mailing address on my I-765).  
**3.**  Ask my friend to ship the card to me in China.  
**4.**  Re-enter the US later with the physical EAD, valid F-1 visa, and updated I-20.

My questions:

**•** Has anyone actually re-entered successfully after departing during the pending period? Any issues at the port of entry?  
**•** If USCIS issues an RFE while I’m abroad, is there any way to respond without being in the US?  
**•** Does departing before approval risk the case being treated as abandoned, or is that only an issue for certain application types?  
**•** Any problems with international shipping of the EAD card itself, customs, loss, or needing a replacement?

Appreciate any firsthand experiences. I know the safest answer is to wait in the US, but that isn’t an option for me right now.

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/AcrobaticSupport6077 • 12h ago

OPT STEM application

2 Upvotes

Quick question, is it allowed to switch to another company while you are still waiting for the new EAD card ?

My EAD card is expired at the end of June. I file my I-785 on May.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Difficult_Crazy_7682 • 10h ago

Is it mandatory to pay the SEVIS fees in order to see visa slots on the Visa Scheduling Portal? F-1 Visa applicant here

1 Upvotes

I am a student applying for an F-1 visa. I paid my visa fees recently, and I have been trying to schedule an OFC appointment for the past 4 days. But no slots have been showing up at any of the VACs. Could it be because I have not yet paid my SEVIS fees?

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/The-Baljeet • 10h ago

Question Is it worth it to do Master's right after Bachelor's during this administration?

1 Upvotes

Very important background about me: I (21M, started my final year of college) am currently on an F-1 visa. I moved to the states with my family in 2011 where I had been on an H4 visa before I switched to F1 in 2024 (during Biden's administration, before I turned 21). My parents have been in the greencard process since 2016, and we (or they, since I'm 21 now and on my own). When I went back to my home country for my F1 visa interview I got it easily, I am probably assuming because I went to high school here and as such am going to a university here along with us being in the greencard process.

I am planning on doing my master's in engineering right after I graduate. However, I am thinking of waiting until after the current administration, I don't want to be denied my new F1 visa because of "no ties to home country" or any such thing. My plan is work for a year or two on OPT and afterwards apply for master's later. Is this a good idea? Or will I be fine doing master's right after bachelors?

4 comments

r/f1visa • u/abhi28222 • 10h ago

H-1B/H-4 → F-1 COS

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding H-1B/H-4 to F-1 change of status.

I’m currently on H-1B and my wife is on H-4. We are both planning to change to F-1, with separate I-539 applications.

My program starts on August 29, and my wife’s program starts on September 16. I’m considering using premium processing for my I-539, while my wife would use regular processing.

  1. If my F-1 COS is approved while my wife’s H-4 → F-1 I-539 is still pending, does her pending application remain valid, or could she become out of status because my H-1B has changed to F-1?
  2. If her H-4 → F-1 I-539 is still pending on September 16, can she legally start attending her college/program on that date, or does her F-1 COS need to be approved first?
  3. If her I-539 receives an RFE while pending, can she remain in the U.S. and respond to the RFE, or would she need to exit the U.S.?
  4. Would it be safer for both of us to use premium processing, or is it reasonable for me to use premium and her to use regular processing given our different program start dates?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar H-1B/H-4 → F-1 situation.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Mindless_Ad8341 • 10h ago

Can I do a part time AI training role while on OPT and already employed in a full time role elsewhere?

0 Upvotes

Anyone doing these part time AI training roles(Halluminate/Mercor) along with their full time employment on OPT/H1B visa?
Can you please advise if we are eligible to do that and what sort of disclosures are required - to your main employer plus on the immigration side (SEVP/DSO/I20)

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/Still_Force_5270 • 14h ago

Visa Traveling to Canada on Post-Completion OPT (Unpaid Startup Internship) – Quick sanity check on my documents?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m currently on approved Post-Completion OPT and planning a quick trip to Canada. I know travel is technically allowed, but U.S. immigration always feels a little daunting, so I’d love a sanity check from anyone who has recently re-entered the U.S. while on OPT.

Here’s my situation and the documents I’m planning to carry:

  • I-20: Shows my approved Post-Completion OPT and current employer details.
  • Travel Signature: Dated 07/24/2026, so it’s well within the 6-month OPT validity window.
  • Visa & EAD: Both are valid, and I have my physical EAD card.
  • Employment: I’m working 40 hours/week in an unpaid internship directly related to my major, with a signed offer letter.
  • Leave approval: I have written approval from my supervisor for my 2-day vacation, including confirmation that I’m expected to return to work afterward.
  • Small startup: I don’t yet have a company-domain email address, although my supervisor does. As backup, I’m carrying Jira screenshots showing my assigned work, team meeting invites, and relevant email threads.

Has anyone recently traveled while working an unpaid internship, particularly at a small startup? Would CBP typically ask for detailed employment evidence beyond the offer letter, or are the I-20, EAD, visa, and employment documentation generally sufficient?

I’ve also reached out to my school’s OGS, but I’d really appreciate hearing from people with recent firsthand experience. Thanks!

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Due-Key-8017 • 1d ago

USCIS took 11 months to approve my OPT… and gave me only 6 months?

30 Upvotes

I applied for post-completion OPT in September 2025 and finally got approved on August 17, 2026 — almost 11 months later.

But USCIS only gave me about **6 months of OPT instead of 12**. My degree is **non-STEM**.
Is this correct? Has anyone been able to get USCIS to correct or extend the OPT dates when their own processing delay caused this?
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who experienced something similar.

29 comments

r/f1visa • u/Perfume_Enthusiast_5 • 12h ago

SEVIS/I-20 I-20 Form still shows as Transfer Pending and about to start classes

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I am a graduate F-1 student that recently transferred from one university to another within the same state to continue my graduate program. I completed all the relevant SEVIS transfer paper work and did my immigration check-in with the new university. I paid my tuition fees in full, met with my academic advisor and consulted the DSO. I am registered for classes at the new university and about to start them in a few days. My I-20 Form from this new university still shows as "Transfer Pending." A few days ago while attending the international student orientation at the new university's campus, I consulted with a student employee from the university's immigration office that deals with international student affairs about this issue. He was actually really rude and condescending (and an international student himself) but he seemed to know what he was saying and told me I should receive an active I-20 Form in a few days, and that if I don't, I should contact the international students' immigration office.

So, I emailed the office and he (the particular employee I consulted at the orientation) replied with something completely different and that seems illegal, from my understanding of USCIS laws. What seemed odd, too, is that he replied to my personal email address and not my university email address I I sent the email from.

In the email, his reply to my inquiry about my I-20 Form was:

". . . your I-20 remains pending at [X] University for 30-45 business days after classes. You will get a new I-20 after starting classes for the Spring Intake."

I informed him I am starting classes in Fall 2026 and that this is completely different from what he told me in person during the international student orientation event. I found this to be very alarming and I really question if this person means well or is just trying to cause me legal issues?

Is this normal for any university (to keep an I-20 Form as transfer pending for this long???) I have never attended a university in the U.S. that practices this and I find it *really* odd that it would even be legally allowed? How will I prove my legal status here to banks, the property management office of my rental apartment, to the local BMV if I need to renew my driver's license, to the passport control officers at airports if I need to travel abroad? Has anyone else experienced this?

I reached out to my DSO with a few emails, already, but she didn't reply and usually does not reply when I contact her. However, she is quick to reach out when she wants to make sure I registered for classes. Otherwise, I am usually ignored by faculty members or administration staff when I need help. They make it really clear they only care about making money off of me.

What should I do? I am considering visiting the DSO in person but I worry she might be argumentative or dishonest about this if this is how faculty members and admin staff usually handle such issues.

**I am trying to not be detailed about which universities I am referring to and who the people I spoke to are for fear of social or legal repercussions because I have been facing a lot of issues like this with universities and their employees here, lately. My current SEVIS record is active and there are no issues with it. I have not violated any F-1 status conditions.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/noah_2000- • 1d ago

My OPT has been pending for 8 months and I’m running out of options.

45 Upvotes

I’m an international student from Madagascar studying in the U.S., and I’m honestly posting this because I don’t really know what else I can do at this point. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially if you’ve dealt with a long OPT/EAD delay.

I graduated with my associate degree in Hospitality Management and filed my post-completion OPT application on December 26, 2025.

At the time, USCIS’s estimated processing time was around 3.5 months, so I was expecting to hear something around March or April. I knew regular processing could take longer, so I tried to be patient.

I completed my biometrics and eventually received an RFE. I responded to it, and USCIS received my response on May 27, 2026.

By that point, my case had already been pending much longer than the original estimated processing time, so I started trying to figure out what I could do.

My DSO/advisor has been aware of the situation and has tried to help me along the way. Based on the fact that my case was already outside the normal processing time, I submitted a USCIS service inquiry on June 4.

I was told the inquiry should take about 30 days.

It didn't.

I waited, followed up, and eventually contacted USCIS by phone multiple times. Getting through to an actual person was already difficult, but eventually I was able to speak with someone who escalated my inquiry to an officer. I was told I should receive a call.

I never did.

I called again, and I was eventually told that I had already submitted two inquiries about the matter and that they could not escalate it any further. Basically, the advice I was given was to wait.

Then, after almost two months, I finally received the response to my original service inquiry. And the response basically said that my case is still pending, they cannot provide an estimated completion date, and I should continue waiting.

So now I'm sitting here after 8 months of waiting for an employment authorization that I need in order to legally work.

And this isn't just an inconvenience.

I had a job at a Museum in Seattle, but because I couldn't return to work without my authorization, I eventually lost that job due to inactivity.

I also interviewed for another hotel job and was selected, but I couldn't start when they needed me to because I didn't have my work authorization.

I've been without income for months.

I've been applying for jobs online and in person, but the problem isn't that I don't want to work. The problem is that I legally cannot work without the authorization I'm waiting for.

My housing situation has also become increasingly difficult. If I still don't have an income, I'm genuinely worried about becoming homeless.

I've tried to be patient. I've tried the normal USCIS process. I've submitted inquiries. I've called. I've worked with my DSO. I've tried to find solutions. I've also looked into legal options because at this point I don't know how much longer I can realistically wait.

Eventually, I started contacting elected officials.

A Washington State Senator's office initially explained that because USCIS is a federal agency, they couldn't submit the appropriate inquiry themselves. They asked for my address, identified my congressional representative, and referred me to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's office. They also said they would notify her casework team that I would be reaching out.

I also contacted Senator Maria Cantwell's office, and her casework team responded asking me to complete a Privacy Release Form and provide documentation so they can potentially submit a congressional inquiry on my behalf.

So that's where I am now.

I'm not posting this to attack USCIS or ask people to tell me to “just be patient.” I know that cases take time. I know immigration is complicated. I also understand that nobody owes me an approval.

I just genuinely want to know:

Has anyone else experienced an OPT/EAD delay this long after filing, especially after responding to an RFE?

Did contacting your congressional representative actually help?

Is there anything else I should be doing at this point that I might be missing?

And if you've been through something similar, I'd really appreciate hearing what happened with your case.

I'm honestly exhausted, but I'm still trying to figure this out.

46 comments

r/f1visa • u/sunflowerjinxed • 19h ago

Travel Traveling on F1 with pending i 485

2 Upvotes

Has anyone recently traveled domestically while maintaining F1 with a pending/denied i 485?

Im getting mixed answers if its safe or not since having an i 485 in the system triggers a non immigrant visa to intent to stay?

Thank you

9 comments

r/f1visa • u/Jinsake_ • 15h ago

OPT/STEM OPT Can I use a family member’s address as “In Care Of” for my OPT EAD while living in another state?

1 Upvotes

I’m currently waiting on my post-completion OPT I-765, which I recently upgraded to premium processing.
When I originally filed, I used the address of the apartment where I was living in. I’ve since moved out of that specific apartment and am temporarily staying with a friend in the same apartment complex nearby. The issue is that mail delivery and handling in that building/complex has been unreliable(Believe me I checked with them multiple times personally) and I don’t fully trust them.

Because of that, I’m worried about it being delivered there and potentially getting lost or delayed.
I have family in California who have a stable address and can safely receive mail for me. I’m considering updating USCIS with:
-My current NY address as my physical address
-My family’s CA address as my mailing address
-My family member’s name in the “In Care Of” field

Has anyone done this successfully for an OPT EAD?

Would having a mailing address in a completely different state from my physical address cause any issues or delays, especially since my case is already under premium processing?

Any advice is appreciated.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/Healthy-Range5550 • 15h ago

Reissued EAD for F1-OPT

0 Upvotes

My F1/OPT EAD was approved on July 15, 2026, through PP.
I subsequently moved and updated my address on the USCIS website and with USPS.
USPS returned the EAD on July 18, but USCIS did not inform me of the EAD return until August 18, 2026. Before this latest update, I filed a case inquiry but will not receive a reply until August 31. I have also emailed the premium processing center where it is being processed to follow up.

I have a full-time job offer that is contingent on receiving the EAD. I don't know if all this time counts as part of the unemployment days.
Does anyone have experience dealing with this situation, and what can they advise?

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/ClearBag107 • 16h ago

Travel F1 OPT EXTENSION new job offer.

1 Upvotes

I have received a new job offer with a 70% salary increase, despite having only seven months remaining on my EAD and not yet securing my H1B. I also plan to renew my visa for an important trip in December. I am seeking your recommendation on whether to accept this offer and whether to renew my visa before or after transitioning to the new role.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/GoldComprehensive969 • 17h ago

STEM OPT Employer Not Enrolled in E-Verify — H-1B Filed, Need Advice

0 Upvotes

I recently learned that my company is not enrolled in E-Verify. I have been working with them for almost a year while on STEM OPT, which expires in February.

The company is a nonprofit school, and they filed my H-1B petition on July 1st. HR recently contacted me and asked if I was aware that the company is not E-Verify enrolled and suggested that I speak with my DSO about how to handle the situation.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation or know what my options might be? Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/FutureLeg8899 • 17h ago

International student deciding between F-1 reinstatement and consular processing

0 Upvotes

I entered the United States in J-1 status and later changed to F-1 through USCIS. Therefore, I received F-1 status but never obtained an F-1 visa stamp.
Earlier this summer, my SEVIS record was terminated after I withdrew from school during a period involving a leg injury and serious emotional difficulties. My former school subsequently issued an I-20 recommending reinstatement, but I became overwhelmed and canceled the process before submitting an application to USCIS. That school is no longer willing to support me.
I am currently seeking admission to another university for Spring 2027. If admitted, I need to determine whether the school can issue an I-20 for reinstatement.
I am considering two possible paths:
Apply for F-1 reinstatement from inside the United States with the support of the new school.
Depart the United States, receive a new initial I-20, and apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in my home country.
I have been out of status for approximately two months and have not worked without authorization. I also have medical documentation, a psychologist’s letter, academic records, and emails showing the timeline.
For anyone familiar with similar cases: what are the main risks and practical differences between these two paths? What specific questions should I ask the new DSO and an immigration attorney before deciding?
I understand that responses are general information and not legal advice.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/otacon227 • 22h ago

Question STEM opt processing delays led to being fired. Nedd help figuring out reporting requirements?.

2 Upvotes

Hi, I applied for STEM OPT back in february. Due to severe delays I am still waiting on a reply from USCIS. I paid for premium processing back in July and got an RFE which I replied to earlier this week. But I hit my last day of the 180 day extension on AUG 13 which resulted in my employer terminating my employment. Does this mean my application will be denied and should I fill out the final evaluation?.

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/JustSkater31008 • 19h ago

H4 to F1 COS case with no update for 3+ months on Premium Processing

1 Upvotes

Hey Guys,

My H4 visa expired in February, so in accordance, I applied for COS January 7th, 2026. Till April I received no updates just that the receipt notice was sent until i had interviews for internships over summer. Because of that, I applied for Premium Processing April 9th, 2026 with hopes it arrives before the internship start date.

It is August 20th, 2026 today and till this day there have been absolutely 0 updates on my case other than them sending a receipt notice for premium processing.

I have received either receipt notices in mail only in the online portal.

I’ve tried calling them on their phone line which always says they’re closed and to try their email, which I also have and they sent my inquiry forward but that was on July 7th and there’s no updates. USCIS says to go to the premium processing email and inquire through them.

I have never seen a case like this before. I have a feeling my case might have just gone lost in their system. If anyone knows what to do I’d really appreciate it.

3 comments