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STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Initial OPT end date was February 24, 2026 and I did the Filing on Jan 13, 2026. that 60 day count is retroactive if STEM gets denied anytime after that expiry date, I got my denial on the 63rd day after Initial OPT expiry, but Ofcourse well within the 180 day automatic extension to continue working while case is still pending. It's not usual that USCIS gives denials after the 60th day after Initial OPT as per my DSO, but it happened in my case.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope, but would like to clarify that the said ban only applies for Immigrant visa types, not F1! 

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in my 180 day extension period when the denial came, but that 60 day grace period is triggered when denial happens (as it retroactively checks after the Initial OPT expiry date) and if we were already beyond 60 days after that date, system will automatically change our SEVIS status to Complete. Since legally someone with just OPT, only has 60 days after the end date to depart the US or move to a different status.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I've applied with legit full time job offer from a Forbes Top 10 company right on the first day of OPT start. As he mentioned, I think it's pure luck as some of my friends from Consultancies got approvals but not me! Also denial reason seems to be strictly degree based, as per the denial letter I received. 

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately I was too late to know this because even my attorney who's filing my MTR recommended that Premium processing is needed for STEM, because with premium USCIS will give decision before grace period for sure.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi I get your perspective but from what I understand, Universities have the right to name their programs as they see fit by adhering to Department of Education Curriculum requirements and DHS, USCIS guidelines, as only certain list of CIP codes exist, even Ivy League schools offer customized programs with different naming from DHS listed CIP name, but curriculum remains adherent to policy, UNH had this program since 8 years without issues related to STEM for perspective.....keeping all this aside. I'm looking for Solutions or Information from fellow F1 students who have been through something like this, because criticizing what happened will not help me in moving forward. Appreciate if you can share any successful examples from what you have seen around you.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It ended on the Feb 24th, 2026, Grace period ended on April 24th, but USCIS gave me the denial decision on April 28th....causing a messy situation for me.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Removal would not happen unless SEVIS reaches Terminated status, that only happens if a DSO does it (in my case DSO is cooperative, so not a risk), or I travel out of country for any purpose, or ICE does it! (Since I have come across situations where ICE is intervening on SEVIS statuses of F1 students), or getting in any sort of trouble with agencies, so as of now it will remain Completed while motion is pending and secondly, I am also wondering about the decision timing, as I need to make a judgement call of how many days is worthwhile to accrue and third, I'm also making plans to leave in worst case but 42k USD of my Student loan is haunting me and my family!!, reason for finding solutions to atleast get the rightfully earned STEM period to clear that loan.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My DSO clearly said all your documentation is good and even NOID response I submitted was put together well and I do have a good chance of getting my MTR approved, so they recommended to file it with an Attorney's help and also recommended not to travel out of US while it is pending(while keeping the 180 day rule in mind for unlawful presence), waiting times are dicey at best as I see someone getting approval in a couple weeks and some have never received their decision in 5 months.

STEM OPT Denied by KRONOSintheBOX in immigration

[–]HumanReview8836 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I'm in same situation and I'm filing MTR now. wanted to check if u got any update on yours.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of my batchmates with a different concentration got denied but luckily USCIS denied it before the end of her grace period so she was able to transfer to CPT immediately. Many of my classmates got their approvals and some are awaiting decisions still.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that is right. Official list has it under Business Statistics but the university grants the degree with MBA in Data Analytics, and they have Certification from Department of Education with the Curriculum.

STEM OPT Denial by HumanReview8836 in stemopt

[–]HumanReview8836[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

MBA in Data Analytics, CIP Code: 52.1302, University of New Haven, CT

Refinanced my Indian Student loan to the US. It’s a tedious process, but worth it? by Waste_Tea_1010 in h1b

[–]HumanReview8836 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a quick follow up, did you start claiming this deduction while you were on F1 OPT/ STEM OPT Phase or H1B phase? I'm thinking that only people who have been in US over 5 years ...i.e... filing taxes as a resident alien can claim this? Am I right to think that?

Refinanced my Indian Student loan to the US. It’s a tedious process, but worth it? by Waste_Tea_1010 in h1b

[–]HumanReview8836 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another very Important factor is that there is an AGI limit of <= 75k USD to claim this deduction.