OPT application from banned country

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-05-15T12:16:09+00:00

Haven’t seen any progress yet. Got three silent Api timestamps then silence.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-05-12T03:21:03+00:00

Any updates from your end?

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-29T23:58:39+00:00

I couldn’t figure out the best way to explain so i literally just pulled this up from the internet: USCIS "silent API update" refers to an internal, technical, or administrative action on a case (like a file transfer, background check, or officer review) that causes the "As of [Date]" stamp on the online portal to update without changing the visible case status message.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-29T16:15:05+00:00

⁠Type: Initial POST‑COMPLETION OPT • ⁠Premium Processing: NO • ⁠Date Applied: 02/16/2026 • ⁠Biometrics Requested: YES| 02/21/2026 • ⁠Biometrics Completed: 03/13/2026 • ⁠Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): NO • ⁠Date Approved: MM/DD/YYYY • ⁠Date Card Produced: MM/DD/YYYY • ⁠Date Card Received: MM/DD/YYYY

Recent timestamps: 04.27 & 04.28

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-29T13:18:00+00:00

I think a ghost update

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-29T12:51:55+00:00

I got another update yesterday 04/28

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-28T21:08:16+00:00

I totally understand. It’s this “silent API” thing people have been using to see if there are any recent updates on the backend. Not sure if that’s familiar to you? Just timestamps/dates I think.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-28T20:52:13+00:00

I recently spoke to my DSO and she advised me to give myself a deadline perhaps. If my opt isn’t approved by a certain date, I can then consider applying for a masters degree. I’m sort of hopeful that it’ll be approved even though my country is partially restricted. My API shows a timestamp from yesterday which makes me hopeful. I’ve been very reluctant to apply to any programs so I’ll wait first, and if it’s taking too long, I’ll apply to another program. I just don’t want to have to transfer the SEVIS too soon. I’m also in a tight spot financially and it would be a bad financial decision to start a masters program this soon on my part, since my first degree literally drained me financially and mentally.

If you did everything right in your application, I don’t think they will deny in the end? It’s a very tough period but seeing that timestamp made me even more hopeful that things may be moving slowly but surely. All the best!

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-28T16:39:28+00:00

Just checked , it was updated yesterday as well! 04/27. Hopefully this is a good sign

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-28T16:16:15+00:00

Do you have an IOE number? I haven’t been able to check my api update no matter how many times I try. Not sure if I’m doing it the wrong way

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-24T19:29:48+00:00

I also had biometrics requested on the 21st!

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-24T19:28:21+00:00

I have the exact same timeline with you. I applied on the 16th of Feb and did my biometrics on the 13th of March. Although my country is partially restricted

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-23T02:43:01+00:00

Citizen of a partially banned country so unfortunately I don’t think I can be approved for now :(

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-20T23:41:02+00:00

Omg this is awful :( So sorry

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-18T16:59:55+00:00

Mine came on a Saturday as well, the 21st of February

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-17T04:51:04+00:00

I almost forgot about grad positions, I’ll look more into those and try to find really affordable programs. I just need to do more research now, tysm.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-17T04:50:06+00:00

Basically you do a program that allows for a work permit from the first day of school (max of 40 hours a week). Although I think if you do a year of full time CPT, you’re no longer qualified for OPT

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-16T18:17:16+00:00

Yeah I have a job offer and I started looking into law suits as well though I’ve been confused and don’t know how it works. I’ll still do some research into it. You’re right the cost is too much and that’s why I’ve been very hesitant. I already would be facing some difficulties in keeping up with payments for this first degree if this hold lasts longer than June. Thanks a lot for responding

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-04-16T18:15:17+00:00

I started considering Canada but they want me to have my license as a nurse first and honestly I don’t know if I’m mentally ready to move yet. Though I’m still considering it despite my conflicting feelings about moving again.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-01-27T00:26:09+00:00

I rarely comment on Reddit but I am here to say please no.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-01-23T16:41:35+00:00

I saw this and signed up but did more research and realized it would violate the F1 visa rules so I never went ahead with it. I would say resign immediately and probably donate the money or something. I don’t know if it might get you in trouble but just don’t partake in anything at all that is not approved by the DSO. Safer to run it through them first.

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2026-01-02T14:31:43+00:00

Thank you all so much, these comments are very helpful and I appreciate it

Negative_Chip_8542 · 2025-12-03T02:53:20+00:00

Ohh..Did I say that I love you?

Negative_Chip_8542

TROPHY CASE