The most common reasons for OPT rejection
Violation of the 30-day rule
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to submit their OPT applications within 30 days of their OPT start date. Your OPT start date will depend on a recommendation by your Designated School Official (DSO). Therefore, to avoid running into this problem, make sure you submit your application as early as possible.
Missing requirements
When applying for OPT, you are required to submit the following: anI-765 form, an OPT recommendation, two passport-style photos, and copies of your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card, EAD Card, and most recent I-20 form. Additionally, you must pay a $410 filing fee.
Ensure none of these documents are missing when you file for the application. Additionally, don’t forget to double-check the contents of your I-765 form. Students often forget to sign, fill out the wrong OPT code, or forget to include essential information. And unfortunately, this small mistake can lead to big problems.
School Errors
Sometimes, filing mistakes are not caused by the student but by the school. This is because OPT filing periods can become too hectic, leading DSOs to commit small errors.
CPT Issues
Did you work full-time during your studies under the CPT program? If so, your OPT may be rejected. This is because CPT and OPT cancel each other out. To avoid this, make sure not to use up your CPT for more than 11 months or consider a part-time CPT.
F-1 Status Maintenance Issues
If you change your SEVIS number within one year of graduation, there’s a high chance that your OPT application will be rejected. This is because changing your SEVIS number restarts the calculation time for F-1 students.
Thankfully, OPT rejection does not mean it’s the end of the world. You can still reapply and avoid the mistakes you’ve made during your first application. There’s also the option of restoring your student status or converting to a different visa. To find the best solution for your needs, work with a trusted OPT consultation company in the US.
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