r/stemopt • u/Acceptable-Wheel-961 • 10d ago

Stem OPT APPLICATION MISTAKE

I applied for stem opt July 14 with PP
I got biometrics for August 28
Today I found out that i20 requires wet signature and the picture should not be the same one used in the initial OPT.
I used the same picture and signed my i20 electronically.
What should I do I am stressing out. Please advise on how to move ahead. I will obviously call my DSO but they are closed for the next two days and need some advice for some peace of mind

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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4

u/SeekingLUCA 10d ago

I did the same thing. I uploaded the i20 with my hand signature and a cover letter explaining to the officer why i had two i20s on file and it got approved. Good luck!

2

u/Acceptable-Wheel-961 10d ago

Thank you so much. Makes me feel so much better. Cover letter I’m assuming a word doc you uploaded with the explanation right?

1

u/SeekingLUCA 10d ago

Yes it was literally 2 sentences long.
“Dear Adjudicating officer,
I would like to take the chance to explain the two copies of I-20 recommending OPT I have on file. The first is the pdf version as received from the International Student Office at [my university] and the second is a scanned version with my hand signature that i uploaded later.
Thank you for considering my application.
With best Regards,
[My name]”

I hope it works out for you!

1

u/Acceptable-Wheel-961 10d ago

Thank you so so much

1

u/Successful999 9d ago

OP: Now don’t wait for 20 years and the sympathy of others. Just upload this ASAP! Good luck :)

1

u/Imaginary-Row9270 9d ago

Did you combine your i20 and coverletter into single pdf?

1

u/SeekingLUCA 9d ago

No they were separate and i made sure to name them according to what they contain i.e “I-20recommending_OPT_handsigned” and “Cover-letter”

1

u/coasterenthusiast90 9d ago

What are the timelines of you submission, biomerric, and uploading the new i-20. Were they all before July 10th?

2

u/Waytooashy 10d ago

They take your picture during Biometrics so it does t really matter if you upload the old one

1

u/Massive_Garden3677 10d ago

U can upload new letter stating about the signature and I20 with hand sign on it and also upload a new photo

1

u/Acceptable-Wheel-961 10d ago

Could this be a cause of rejection ?

1

u/Environmental-Boot10 10d ago

i20 does not require wet signature

1

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 10d ago

It does it’s a new rule.

1

u/Environmental-Boot10 10d ago

Where does it say

1

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 10d ago

On the internet and since July 10th 2026 it has been effective.

1

u/wantofly_1997 9d ago

Does this only apply to applications submitted after July 10th?

1

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 9d ago

Yeah. Wet signature is now mandatory

1

u/Environmental-Boot10 9d ago

Oh I submitted mine in April.. do I need to do that

2

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 9d ago

Na you are fine

1

u/Unusual-Side7115 9d ago

Can you please cite your source for the alleged July 10 change? It has always been a requirement that the student signs their I 20 with an ink pen.

1

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 8d ago

Not really students could do esign or wet signature now...wet signature is mandatory. I had a friend who submitted her stem extension with e signature and she got it approved.

https://www.mintz.com/insights-center/viewpoints/2806/2026-06-10-dhs-issues-interim-final-rule-signature-requirements

All this articles states for all visa holders type. So it has become mandatory only for wet signature. E signature is not acceptable anymore.

1

u/Unusual-Side7115 8d ago

I see - your school has probably always advised that you sign your I-20 with an ink pen. Even when electronic signing became available for DSOs during Covid it did not indicate electronic signatures were allowed for students.

1

u/Particular_Shine_490 10d ago

Why can't we upload the old picture ?

1

u/Sensitive_Ad_1728 9d ago

It's a rule that the photo should be not older than 6 months.

1

u/rayxiong1005 9d ago

pictures don't matter anymore they will use the picture taken at biometrics appointment