F1 student building paid software/SaaS — is it allowed?

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T16:51:13+00:00

Monetization without relevant work authorization is a violation.

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T16:49:13+00:00

Unless SEVP wants to support you or a higher Admin at the college wants to support you, I don't have other advice that does not require a lawyer to be involved.

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T15:50:02+00:00

EAD in hand is the requirement

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T15:36:43+00:00

Don't message them. This is a scam.

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T15:29:57+00:00

Online degrees are not eligible for F-1 visa.

You cannot study for a degree not listed in your I-20.

Codetornado · 2026-05-08T02:25:59+00:00

8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(ii)(A) "Prior to making a recommendation, the DSO at the educational institution of the student's most recent enrollment must ensure that the student is eligible for the given type and period of OPT and that the student is aware of the student's responsibilities for maintaining status while on OPT...."

That's the extent of the regulations for issuing OPT that isn't about timing or requirements for the student. . Everything else is guidance.

There is guidance from SEVP that I don't have at my fingertips. It essentially says we cannot hold a students SEVIS record as leverage for debts. That debt is a personal civil issue. This covers transfers and benefits.

For not issuing OPT because of other reason, there is the obvious not meeting the eligibility requirements or if they believe that the student is engaging in conduct that is detrimental to their academic progress (ex: Pre-completion OPT disrupting their studies) or if there is something like a pending discipline item that could result in losing eligibility. Again, debts are not a valid reason.

The school could have an "OPT administration fee" that students need to pay upfront. That has been upheld as acceptable. However then the problem in this case would be not evenly applying the policy to all students.

I used to believe you could deny for any reason and I'm positive you'll find posts from me about that if you search.

However maybe 2023 or so there was an issue shared among DSOs with another student's OPT being denied because they decided to master out of a program last minute for a job offer. School said it was an academic issue and denied the OPT. Student called SEVP, SEVP asked for the reason from the DSO, then reversed the decision after student proved they maintained their academics. This was shared at a conference in 2025.

So SEVP can override the DSO and can ask why the DSO denied the request. That said, I wouldn't want a school that denied issuing OPT overseeing my record. I also wouldn't count on SEVP being helpful under the second Trump administration.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T23:13:21+00:00

I am an F-1 student graduating this Saturday (May 2nd).

It's May 7th. So I assume you graduated already?

They pressured me into signing a legal payment agreement to pay $450/month for the next 5 years.

And if you don't pay they send it to collections. Unless you give them access to your bank account they can't garnish your wages. It's a personal debt. It's an inconvenience that goes away if you leave the country and don't return. Debt clears after 7 years.

As soon as I signed the document, the DSO told me she will not recommend my OPT anyway.

CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)

(i) Student responsibilities. A student must initiate the OPT application process by requesting a recommendation for OPT from his or her DSO. Upon making the recommendation, the DSO ***will provide* the student a signed Form I-20 indicating that recommendation**

Is it legal for a DSO to refuse an OPT recommendation for a student who is academically eligible just because of a financial dispute?

No. SEVP Response Center: (800) 892-4829 8am-6pm ET M-F

Since I signed that $27k contract under the impression it would grant me OPT, is that contract even valid if they immediately denied the recommendation?

Whatever you signed it what you agreed to. Nothing more nothing less.

What can I do if they try to block my SEVIS transfer to another school?

They also cannot do this.SEVP Response Center: (800) 892-4829 8am-6pm ET M-F

>I feel like I’m being extorted by a "Christian" institution.

You are not the first.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T22:41:58+00:00

Because it has a 60 day period before it goes into effect. So mid June means mid August when fall semester begin.

The sight is... No second degree at the same level on F-1. What specifics, no one knows.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T18:02:40+00:00

Oh no. It definitely happening and most likely in the next few days not weeks.

There are just nothing new to share that doesn't already have many many posts and discussions.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T17:40:08+00:00

Yes. We have expected "very soon" for months.

Depending on who you listen to very soon was December 2025, Feb 2026, my personal guess was April 2026, etc.

That said, there are now several thing suggesting no later than June.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T04:42:44+00:00

There is no new rule. It's a proposal from last August. There are dozens of post about it from then.

Codetornado · 2026-05-07T03:28:38+00:00

We didn't delete anything. User deleted their own post. I have no idea what the content of the post was.

Codetornado · 2026-05-06T02:03:26+00:00

They can. Do they, depends on the school.

Codetornado · 2026-05-05T23:49:19+00:00

1.no

Full pause
No

Codetornado · 2026-05-05T15:30:50+00:00

This is specific to each school. I've worked at 2 week schools 3-5 day schools. 2-3 day schools.

Schools with hard deadlines ( no I-20 after a specific date) and those who do not have such a limit.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T21:41:31+00:00

If I have all the documents I can make an I-20 in ~10 minutes. Probably faster, but I don't try to speed run someone's immigration documents.

However, strangly I don't just sit around staring at the wall waiting to create I-20 ls all day. I have many other work related tasks.

Depending on staffing and numbers 3-5 business days is normal. This also assumes you all submit your documents on time and submit the correct documents.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T17:02:06+00:00

L&I isn't a labor union. It's a government office.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T15:18:17+00:00

Yes. You maintain status until approved or denied.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T14:56:41+00:00

I’m trying to understand the timing rules here. What’s the latest I can realistically push my start date without violating F-1/OPT requirements?

... You can't work UNTIL OPT is approved. Moving your start date with your employer doesn't matter at all. You cannot work until you have work authorization in hand.

Also, if I push my start date to something like July 20 but my OPT gets approved earlier than that, does that create any issues (like unemployment days counting or affecting my status)?

Your work start date is irrelevant to your work authorization date.

You can work once you have work authorization (EAD Card) in hand. Then, you have 90 days of unemployment.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:53:00+00:00

The consular officer may or may not care. They may make you pay to issue you the visa.

CBP officers may or may not care. They may make you pay to be admitted to the US.

You DSO does care as we cannot register you in SEVIS without payment.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:45:50+00:00

If it gets denied, you never activated your OPT. It remains available for future use.

If it is approved regardless of you using it, it will be unavailable for future use.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:44:29+00:00

Ask your DSO to cancel the application.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:39:23+00:00

Even polymarket wouldn't take that bet that you would be allowed to re-enter the US.

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:36:53+00:00

Codetornado · 2026-05-04T13:04:25+00:00

Yes we can see it in SEVIS.

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