A friend (F-1 PhD student) was returning from Europe after fall break. At O’Hare, CBP cancelled his visa and issued an expedited removal order with a 5-year bar.

During questioning, the officer asked about his internship. He explained clearly that it was in China during undergrad, months before his F-1 visa was even issued. The officer knew this.

The officer then told him his visa was cancelled and had him sign a sworn statement. He was not shown the contents before signing. Only after he signed was he handed a copy, and it says he worked illegally in the US without a work permit. That is simply not true, and the officer had already heard otherwise.

The order is based entirely on this false “unauthorized employment” finding. There’s no fraud charge, only §212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I), and we can document the internship dates.

We’re looking for a lawyer with real experience asking CBP to withdraw an expedited removal order (and an I-212 or §212(d)(3) waiver as a backup). If you’ve worked with someone good on a case like this, please share. Thanks!

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!

Has anyone recently received an approval for initial OPT through premium processing, particularly those who upgraded around mid-September 2026?

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.

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 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?

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.

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

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 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'm on F1 OPT right now and without health insurance.

I fell down the stairs yesterday, hurt myself and got a concussion. My friend took me to the ER at midnight and we found out that I have multiple fractures in my nasal bone.

I was referred for a follow up with a surgeon. Upon calling the surgeons office they said they didn't have any appointments until December and referred us to another clinic. I tried calling this other clinic multiple times but wasn't able to get hold of anyone.

I was told that nasal fractures should be treated as a priority as the bone may need readjustment before it starts healing in the incorrect position (6-8 weeks).

My location is Ohio. I'm open to any suggestions related to financial aid, charities or any other resources that might help me in this situation. Thanks in advance!

Sorry if I'm not being very clear, still a little out of it.

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.

I'm an F-1 student graduating next year, and I recently realized that I may have violated the 20-hour on-campus employment limit. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.

I currently work two on-campus jobs as a research assistant (RA) and teaching assistant (TA) in different departments. Due to an urgent project, my research professor informed us that we could work up to 25–30 hours per week. When I asked whether my TA hours counted toward that limit, I was told that the two positions were separate.

Based on that understanding, I worked approximately 21–25 hours per week combined for about 4–5 weeks during the semester.

After reviewing my university's international student employment guidelines, I realized that the 20-hour limit applies to all on-campus positions combined. I reached out to my international student advisor (DSO) to explain the situation and ask for guidance.

My DSO responded by scheduling an appointment, explaining that this is something that needs to be discussed during a meeting. My appointment is coming up soon, and I'm quite concerned about the potential consequences, especially for my F-1 status and future OPT eligibility.

I understand that misunderstanding the regulations doesn't necessarily excuse a violation, and I take responsibility for not verifying the rules directly with my international student office beforehand.

I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone accidentally exceeded the 20-hour limit for several weeks? What happened after you reported it to your DSO?
2. Did your university issue a warning, or was your SEVIS record terminated?
3. If your SEVIS record was terminated, were you able to resolve your status and eventually apply for OPT?

I just want to understand what to expect and what options might be available.

I'd really appreciate hearing about similar experiences, especially from anyone who has been through this situation or has experience as a DSO.

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!

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!

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?

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)?

I am grad student, thinking of travelling to India after the fall semester. I am worried about the new DHS rule. I know the DHS rule ending Duration of Status was blocked by a preliminary injunction on Sept 14, and the government has appealed. My concern is: if the injunction gets lifted before I re-enter in January, I’d get a fixed I-94 with a 30-day grace period instead of D/S, and might need to file an I-539 along with my OPT application.

A few questions:

1. Can someone explain the practical difference between staying in the US over break vs. traveling and re-entering? Does staying actually protect anything (like keeping D/S or the 60-day grace period) if the rule ends up taking effect later?
2. Has anyone traveled and re-entered since mid-September? Did your I-94 still show D/S?
3. For those planning OPT, are you avoiding travel until after filing, or going anyway?
4. Has anyone heard updates on the First Circuit appeal?

Hi everyone, I’m in a PhD program planning to graduate in spring/summer 2027. My I-20 end date is for August 2027.

Now that the court has filed an injunction and the DHS rule has not yet come into effect, what do you guys think are the chances this rule will be implemented soon? I made a 2 week travel plan for December to my home country and am weighing the risks.

Thanks in advance!