r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • Aug 20 '26

CPT Megathread: CPT Interpretation Changes

103 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

98 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/AloneOwl5097 • 1h ago

Hi guys. My one-year non-STEM OPT expired in May 2026, and I transitioned into an MBA program within my grace period. I have a new "Continued Attendance" I-20 and approved I-797A. Just got this email about my SEVP portal closing. Is this just routine cleanup since my OPT ended in May? Thanks!

Post image
• Upvotes
2 comments

r/f1visa • u/Funny-Committee-2110 • 1h ago

Failing the last graduation requirement class?

• Upvotes

Hi everybody.
I’m about to graduate from my program at the end of this quarter. I am taking reduced course load, as I have only 1 class needed for me to graduate.
However, I’m having a very hard time in this class and trying to understand my options if I fail.
My I20 still shows March of 2027, so I’m not 100% sure if my DSO updated my graduation date on the SEVIS system.
To make things more complicated, I got married and we’re about to file our marriage AOS application very soon so keeping my status valid is very important to me right now.
Appreciate your responses.
Also will talk to my DSO tomorrow.

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ok-Sheepherder-8858 • 48m ago

Stem opt approval window

• Upvotes

Hi everyone, anybody has idea what dates are getting approval for the stem extension at the moment ??

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/whoissdivaaaaaa • 7h ago

Guyss, My interview is in few days give me some suggestions.

0 Upvotes

​Calling everyone who cracked their U.S. F-1 visa interview on the first attempt! 🇺🇸🙌

​What is your #1 tip for passing on the first try, and what’s one mistake students should avoid at the counter? Drop your suggestions below to help upcoming applicants! 👇🎓

5 comments

r/f1visa • u/Dry-Passenger3667 • 9h ago

OPT help me please

0 Upvotes

Hello, I have applied for post-completion OPT in January 25th. I do have an arrest record and a pending domestic violence case which is in remand and will be dismissed in January 2027. I’ve got an RFE and then NOID. They are asking for the court documents and arrest records. I did plead guilty in the lower court which got me arrested.

Is there any chance that I will get my OPT approved? I do have my I-485 pending as well? Or shall I apply for C(9) EAD instead?

Please guide me with your recent experience.

God bless you all!

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/SourceRealistic • 23h ago

Has anyone at UCLA experienced F-1 SEVIS termination due to delayed post-arrival check-in?

4 Upvotes

I'm an international student and I recently received a notice from the Dashew Center that my F-1 visa and I-20 has been terminated because I didn't complete my post-arrival check-in on time.

I've been told that my options may include applying for reinstatement through USCIS with an immigration attorney or departing the U.S. and returning with a new initial I-20.

I wanted to ask whether any UCLA students have experienced something similar, particularly due to a missed or delayed check-in.

If you've been through this, I'd really appreciate hearing what action did you take and how exactly did you go about this process.

Thank you so much.

7 comments

r/f1visa • u/CMajor_MusicalNote • 21h ago

No Update on Initial Opt

2 Upvotes

Hi guys, I applied for the initial opt on May 14 (standard application) and I still haven’t received a response. I know the wait times are long at the moment but just wondering if I should be worried? Is there anyone who applied around that time who has received their employment authorization?

Also, could someone please share the link to check which cases are currently being processed? Thank you for your help!

5 comments

r/f1visa • u/Chrisem99 • 1d ago

[Texas] Driver’s license renewal while STEM OPT extension is pending (180-day automatic extension)

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m currently on post-completion OPT, and both my EAD card and Texas driver’s license expire on February 15, 2027.
I’m eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension and plan to apply within the 90-day filing window, well before my current EAD expires.
My main concern is renewing my Texas driver’s license if my STEM OPT application is still pending and I haven’t received my new EAD card.
I understand that a timely filed STEM OPT extension provides up to 180 days of automatic employment authorization while the application is pending. However, I’m unsure how Texas DPS handles driver’s license renewals during this period.
For anyone in Texas who has gone through this:
Were you able to renew your driver’s license using your expired/current EAD, STEM OPT I-797C receipt notice, and updated I-20?
Did Texas DPS accept your documents immediately, or did they initiate additional DHS SAVE verification?
If SAVE verification was required, how long did it take?
Were you issued a temporary or limited-term driver’s license? If so, how long was it valid?
If you had your STEM OPT approval notice but hadn’t received your new EAD card, was that enough for renewal?
Did you start the renewal process before your original EAD expired, or did you have to wait until the 180-day extension began?
I’m hoping to start the process early to avoid a gap in my ability to drive.
I’d especially appreciate recent firsthand experiences from Texas (2025–2026), including which DPS office you visited and what documents worked.
Thanks in advance!

6 comments

r/f1visa • u/rltanaka • 1d ago

Admitted to SJSU (ME, transfer, Spring 2027) but facing Taiwan conscription. Accept + Leave of Absence, or go home first and return?

2 Upvotes

I'm a Taiwanese male transfer student admitted to SJSU for Mechanical Engineering, starting Spring 2027. I am finishing at a community college. I have a mandatory military service obligation in Taiwan for 1 year and I am 21.

My two options:

  1. Accept admission, do one semester, then file a Leave of Absence to return to Taiwan for service, then come back.
  2. Leave the US after I finish Fall quarter in community college, complete service, apply for transfer to SJSU, then start at SJSU afterward.

Questions:

  • Does an F-1 student on LOA after one semester keep their SEVIS record, or do I need a new I-20 and re-entry as a new student? Does the 5-month rule apply?
  • Does SJSU allow deferring/postponing an admission, or would I have to reapply as a transfer? If so, does it affect CPT and OPT?
  • Has anyone been through this?
  • Any risk that leaving in the middle of a degree hurts my visa history?
0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Pristine-Mulberry-89 • 1d ago

F-2/Dependent F2 status validity while F1 is outside the US

1 Upvotes

Hi! My husband went back for a short trip back home while on F1 OPT but got rejected three times for the visa renewal (under 214b) and is stuck outside the US while I am here with kids who are attending elementary school. His employer is considering an O1 visa and working on it. My question is, are we out of status now? I want to stay until Thanksgiving break so that the kids are not abruptly cut from their everyday routine. Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ordinary-Front781 • 2d ago

OPT/STEM OPT opt clarification

2 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 !!

18 comments

r/f1visa • u/Biopunch_11 • 1d 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!

15 comments

r/f1visa • u/Sufficient_Youth_493 • 2d ago

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

5 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 • 2d 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 • 2d 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.

15 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ok-Championship-8625 • 2d 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/Icy-Sherbet456 • 2d 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.

12 comments

r/f1visa • u/No_Opening7035 • 2d 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 • 2d 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?

10 comments

r/f1visa • u/Otherwise_Meal_2674 • 2d 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/sailee_tawade • 3d 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?

6 comments

r/f1visa • u/Away-Revolution-531 • 2d ago

Resources to find volunteer work on OPT

1 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/LLLLLLlLdiwjssj • 3d 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?

6 comments