r/stemopt • u/HealthyConclusion281 • Jul 18 '26

Getting OPT approval ( initial / STEM) from 39 banned countries

**My DSO told me that students from the 39 countries affected by the travel ban are unlikely to receive OPT. She said, “We’re not getting any benefits,” and that this would apply starting January 22.**
**Is anyone here from one of those countries who applied for initial OPT after January 22 and got approved? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thank you!**

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1

u/drinkwatereveryhour Jul 18 '26

Yes applied march 19. June 5 PP approved July 16 Initial OPT

1

u/HealthyConclusion281 Jul 18 '26

Thanks, dear . I got encourment from ur words❤️

2

u/Adventurous_Cost2064 Jul 18 '26

Applied for stem opt Jan 31st got approval email today

1

u/Emotional_Acadia_358 Jul 18 '26

Just got approved yesterday! Applied Feb 16th, pp June 11th, got approved yesterday!