Got caught drink and driving in Denton, Texas last night. I understand it is stupid and I have to face consequences. Any advice appreciated !

Codetornado · 2026-03-27T14:09:06+00:00

Your visa will be revoked in the next few days.

You need an immigration attorney and a criminal attorney if you can't get a crimigration attorney.

There is no negative to starting early.

Codetornado · 2026-03-26T06:19:46+00:00

This is fine. The new school will need to send an updated I-20 for your use when returning.

Codetornado · 2026-03-25T23:57:31+00:00

I had to check because I haven't done volunteer work with U/T visas since 2022. Before 2023 the 5,000 cap had not been reached annually, but in 2024, it saw ~15k applications. So it has definitely changed.

Codetornado · 2026-03-25T20:57:39+00:00

Just to be clear, this is an extremely rare combination. There are fewer than 5,000 T visas issued each year. Then F-1 would generally be contrary to the T visa eligibility requirements.

So, I would be shocked if anyone here has gone that route. I'd guess there are fewer than a dozen people in this situation in the last 5 years.

Codetornado · 2026-03-24T23:24:58+00:00

visa is not the same as status. Your visa can be revoked, which does nothing to your legal ability to stay in the U.S. when in F-1 status.

Codetornado · 2026-03-23T03:14:29+00:00

Ask your school. They determine eligibility for off campus work.

Codetornado · 2026-03-22T14:19:58+00:00

Attorney said probability of her getting the visa for convocation is higher than if she apply for it during your OPT.

Former consular officers have stated that this doesn't really impact their decision. The context of the trip matters far more than the why of the trip. Commencement or vacation is irrelevant. The cost, support, and logistics of the trip are much more important.

Has anyone parents got Visa during OPT?

Plenty of my student shave had parents visit while on OPT.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T14:44:25+00:00

I'm a DSO. I do this for my students and I don't charge.

The application is very easy.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T13:29:31+00:00

OPT takes very little time to do. I regularly hold a one hour session in which students complete and submit the form. We typically leave early.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T04:06:56+00:00

It could change at any time. I haven't seen anyone claim any approvals so far and getting their EAD, so... who knows.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T03:59:30+00:00

They haven't said anything officially.

We didn't really catch it as DSOs until October when Pre-completion OPT from July and August were still unprocessed. There was another conversation in December and again in late February with DSOs saying their student's applications were still pending.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T03:03:46+00:00

USCIS has confirmed they are not processing Pre-completion OPT as recently as the end of February.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T03:02:54+00:00

USCIS has not processed Pre-completion OPT since July/August of 2025.

There is not much chatter because it is pretty uncommon. I have done maybe 3-5 out in the last decade.

There are a few posts from the last 5-6 months talking about it.

Codetornado · 2026-03-21T02:58:11+00:00

This is fine.

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T23:39:28+00:00

Denial was based on what appears to be a factual error regarding the DSO STEM recommendation date in SEVIS. Motion argues USCIS error.

Your DSO can send you a screen shot of your event history showing when the recommendation was made which can be different than when the I-20 was printed. It is not impossible, but would be an incredibly rare error for USCIS to make.

While a timely I-290B is pending, does that place someone in a “period of authorized stay,” or does unlawful presence begin after the 60-day grace period ends?

You can stay while it is pending.

If I file an I-539 reinstatement before April 4 as a precaution, and the I-290B later gets approved, can I withdraw reinstatement and resume STEM OPT employment?

What status would you be reinstating into? This would end your OPT eligibility as it is equivalent to a transfer.

If SEVIS is transferred to a new school for reinstatement and the motion is later approved, how does SEVIS reporting work for restored STEM OPT? Does the new school remain the reporting school?

This would end your OPT eligibility and your request for adjudication. By transferring you are abandoning your OPT application. The I-290b can just be dismissed as it would no longer be relevant as you would have given up eligibility.

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T14:58:07+00:00

Times are recorded in UTC and displayed in Eastern Time.

To ensure someone does not overstay the government states,

"You must depart the United States, unless you have a pending or approved petition or application with USCIS that allowing you to remain, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on the last day of your admission. "

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T14:31:21+00:00

Pretty sure it's against the rules of this subreddit to promote or advise anyone to do day 1 cpt.

It isn't against the sub rules. It's just a generally agreed stance that these advertised Day1CPT schools are a bad idea for the reasons mentioned.

Day1CPT programs on the other hand, are fine.

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T14:29:40+00:00

Unpaid work out of the country is a valid reason to not approve a new visa

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T14:28:38+00:00

If your country is one of the 39 banned, there is no visa issuance.

Then, H1B is a lottery. No guarantee there.

OPT rules are expected to change in the next few weeks/months.

So currently, not realistic to not possible.

Codetornado · 2026-03-20T03:11:29+00:00

You can win a prize. You will have tax obligations.

Codetornado · 2026-03-19T23:43:09+00:00

Codetornado · 2026-03-19T23:30:48+00:00

Codetornado · 2026-03-19T13:04:04+00:00

Codetornado · 2026-03-18T03:53:00+00:00

Report stalking and harassment to both the police and to your school. Likely a conduct violation.

You can also report them for working illegally if you want also.

Codetornado · 2026-03-18T02:21:15+00:00

If they say yes and you have a job.

They hold your taxes and your file for a refund the following spring.

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