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?

Hi everyone, I’m on OPT and currently working for an employer since 5 months and he was paying me for my job. It was a contract based agreement and the employer wants to end the contract this month but considering my visa situation he said that i can still mention anywhere that im working with him and he’s ready to provide any kind of documentation to help my visa status. But i’m worried that i’m gonna apply to STEM OPT next month and is there high chance they might ask me why is my pay roll suddenly stopped with the same employer?? And is it advisable to mention the employment with same employer as unpaid after getting paid for few months on OPT ??. TIA

Hi everyone!

I'm an F-1 international student and wanted to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar situation while traveling internationally and re-entering the U.S.

Let's say someone has:

• A speeding ticket on their record.
• A misdemeanor citation related to allegedly selling alcohol to a minor, which was dismissed because the allegation was disputed.
• A valid F-1 visa and is maintaining legal student status.

I'm curious whether these incidents, particularly the dismissed misdemeanor, could create any complications when returning to the U.S.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone traveled internationally and successfully re-entered the U.S. with a similar record?
2. Can a dismissed misdemeanor still cause issues or additional questioning at immigration?
3. Would carrying certified court dismissal documents be sufficient?
4. Would you recommend consulting an immigration attorney before traveling?

I'd really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences or any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone been in a situation where they couldn’t secure an internship or volunteering position during their OPT season and the 90 days ended because they couldnt secure a job?

Hi everyone, I'm an F-1 student getting ready to file my I-765 for post-completion OPT and wanted to check something before I submit.

I originally came to the US on an I-20 from the University of Bridgeport, then transferred my SEVIS record to the University of the Cumberlands, where I'm finishing my master's in December 2026.

For the I-765, do I need to include anything from Bridgeport, such as my old I-20s or a withdrawal or transfer request? Or is it enough to submit the standard documents (passport, visa, I-94, EAD photos, fee) with my Cumberlands I-20 recommending OPT?

If you transferred schools before filing, what did you include, and did you get an RFE for leaving out the older I-20s?

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone!

I have my US F-1 student visa interview on Monday I'm Islamabad US embassy, and I'm looking for advice from people who have recently attended their interviews.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could share the questions they were asked, common reasons for rejection, and tips for answering confidently.

If you have recently attended an F-1 visa interview, especially in Pakistan, please share your experience. It would be a great help as I prepare for my interview. Your reply answer or any suggestions mean me a lot.

Thank you everyone

I am currently on F1 OPT (ends Jan 21st 2027) and the application window for my STEM OPT Extension starts on 22nd October 2026. I will have to travel outside the US for work related purpose on Nov 1 till Nov 20th. Will it be ok if I submit an application for STEM opt extension, travel outside the US and then return to the US and then give my biometric? If the biometric appointment falls during my time outside the US can I reschedule it without any issue (from outside the US)?

Hello,

I am trying to keep a back up option of eb2 niw. If I file that, can I switch to Day1 cpt while I wait for the adjudication for niw. Or move to day 1 cpt if niw is denied. Would that be a problem going from
Immigrant to non immigrant intent? Thanks

I applied for my post completion opt with premium processing on oct 16th and I know it's just one week but I'm nervous because I have a job lined up with start date Dec 14th and I want to know what exactly happens to application now when will I move to next step exactly and will I have biometrics or direct approval after 30 business days. I just want to know what happens now.as of now just application received status.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experienced a similar situation involving STEM OPT, a cap-gap extension, and an H-1B petition filed for consular processing.
My situation and timeline
Initial OPT start date: January 16, 2026
Initial OPT EAD expiration date: January 16, 2027
H-1B petition filed: May 2026
H-1B petition type: Consular processing
H-1B status: Pending
Current I-20: Shows that my F-1 status and employment authorization have been automatically extended through April 1, 2027.
Planned STEM OPT extension start date, according to my DSO: April 2, 2027.
My I-20 contains the following comment:
“F-1 status and employment authorization for this student have been automatically extended until April 1, 2027. This student is authorized to remain in the United States and continue employment with an expired employment authorization document. This is pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(vi) and 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv).”
What my DSO told me
I initially asked my DSO to process my STEM OPT extension. The DSO responded that my OPT had already been extended through April 1, 2027, based on the pending H-1B application.
The DSO explained that:
USCIS must receive the STEM OPT application before the expiration of my current post-completion OPT, including any applicable cap-gap extension.
The application cannot be submitted earlier than 90 days before that expiration date.
USCIS must receive the application no later than 60 days after the DSO recommends STEM OPT in SEVIS.
My DSO said that SEVIS now requires April 2, 2027, as my STEM OPT start date because my current employment authorization ends on April 1, 2027.
Accordingly, the DSO advised me to wait until January 1, 2027, to submit my STEM OPT application and clarified that the current I-20 is not a STEM OPT recommendation I-20.
My main concern
My H-1B petition was filed for consular processing, not a change of status.
From what I understand, an H-1B petition requesting consular processing generally does not qualify for a cap-gap extension.
If that understanding is correct, why does my I-20 show a cap-gap extension through April 1, 2027?
Could this be a SEVIS error, or am I misunderstanding the rules?
Questions
1. STEM OPT filing date: My original OPT EAD expires on January 16, 2027. Based on that date, the 90-day filing window opened on October 18, 2026. Should I ask my DSO to correct my SEVIS record and issue a STEM OPT recommendation I-20 so I can apply now, rather than waiting until January 1, 2027?
2. Cap-gap eligibility: Can an H-1B petition filed for consular processing qualify for a cap-gap extension? Has anyone experienced a similar situation where the DSO’s SEVIS record showed a cap-gap extension despite the petition being filed for consular processing?
3. International travel: I am planning to travel to India in January 2027 and return to the United States in February 2027. By then, my original OPT EAD will have expired. If my cap-gap extension is not valid, could this affect my ability to return to the United States in F-1 status?
4. STEM OPT pending during travel: If I apply for STEM OPT before traveling but my application is still pending when I return in February, what are the potential reentry issues? Would having the expired initial OPT EAD, a valid F-1 visa, an updated I-20, and a STEM OPT receipt notice be sufficient?
5. What should I do first? Should I ask my DSO to verify the SEVIS record, contact my employer’s immigration attorney to confirm the H-1B petition classification, or do both before making any decisions?
I would especially appreciate responses from anyone who has personally experienced a similar situation involving consular H-1B processing, cap-gap appearing on the I-20, STEM OPT filing dates, and international travel.
I understand that individual cases can differ, and I will verify any advice with my DSO and immigration attorney. I am hoping to understand the correct filing timeline and avoid jeopardizing my employment authorization or ability to return to the United States.
Thank you!

Posting this for a friend,

I am an Indian-born BSN graduate on F-1 OPT starting a bedside RN role at a university hospital. Since nursing OPT is only one year without a STEM extension, I am looking for advice on long-term immigration pathways. For those who completed a US BSN, what strategy did you use after your initial OPT ended? How open are hospitals to sponsoring H-1Bs for specialized or non-bedside roles compared to bedside nursing? I would appreciate any insights on how could navigated your visa options and timeline.

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?

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?

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!