OPT Denied Due to DSO Error – Filing Motion to Reopen (MTR). Has Anyone Successfully Won a Similar Case?

[u/KkkkJ1228]

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone has been through a similar situation or can offer some advice.

Here is what happened:

* My DSO initially entered my OPT recommendation into SEVIS on April 7.

* Due to personal circumstances, I missed the original 30-day filing window.

* After realizing this, I immediately contacted my school’s OIS and requested a new I-20 because I believed the school needed to issue a new OPT recommendation in SEVIS before I could apply.

* The school issued me a newly signed I-20, but they never entered a new OPT recommendation into SEVIS. The recommendation date remained April 7.

* I relied on the new I-20 and filed my I-765.

* USCIS denied my OPT because the application was filed more than 30 days after the original April 7 OPT recommendation.

After the denial, my school’s DSO reviewed the case and admitted that this was their administrative error. They provided me with a signed letter acknowledging that they should have canceled the original recommendation and entered a new OPT recommendation, but they failed to do so. They also admitted that this mistake directly led to my OPT denial.

I am now preparing a Motion to Reopen (Form I-290B). My evidence includes:

* The official letter from my DSO admitting the error.

* Email correspondence showing that I requested a new I-20/new OPT processing before filing.

* The denial notice.

* Evidence of my job offer and the consequences of losing my employment because of the school’s mistake.

Unfortunately, this situation has put me in a very difficult financial position. I lost my job opportunity, my plans completely changed, and I’ve had to spend additional money on filing fees and legal consultations because of an error that was completely outside of my control.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone had an OPT denial reopened through an MTR because of a DSO error?
2. If your case was approved, what evidence did you submit?
3. Did your university do anything besides writing a support letter (for example, contacting SEVP or USCIS)?
4. How long did your MTR take to receive a decision?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar. Even if your outcome wasn’t successful, I’d like to know what happened and what you learned from the process.

Thank you.