u/Vsi2023

Hi Everyone,

I am not a perfect F1 student, and I certainly am not knowledgeable in everything, in fact I get confused from time to time, but I am posting here because 3 of my friends have gotten STEM OPT denied because DSOs forgot to enter STEM OPT recommendation. STEM OPT proof of recommendation is just as simple as a line on the 2nd page of the I-20 showing "STEM OPT requested" with dates, but has ruined my friends' lives and career trajectories.

In fact, my own DSO told me Everify is not needed for STEM OPT, only EIN, but as someone who researches stuff even more than NASA, I always choose to take her words with a grain of salt.

I was affected in the April 2025 mass Sevis terminations and she told me I should leave the USA so as not to accrue unlawful presence, but as someone who likes to let things "marinate" a bit, I chose to stay, and USCIS in a week reversed it like nothing happened after students sued the hell out of them. This is not to vilify her but just to point out that DSOs are a VERY POWERFUL source of information, but should NOT be your only source.

The consequences of a single mistake are costly, and yours to bear. DSOs are human too. They make mistakes like everyone. Don't just sit and say, "My DSO said this and that". Do your own research as well.

Let he that has ears, hear.

EDIT: 5/19/2026

My friends have allowed me to mention the schools. 2 of them are from Illinois Wesleyan University and the 3rd is from Florida International University

Another person messaged me about DSO error and STEM OPT denial and wants me to mention University of North Carolina, Charlotte.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask if these lawsuits really make sense especially when they don't force Uscis to give a deadline. I was among those whose Sevis was terminated in April 2025, almost 5000 of us were affected. After suing Uscis, our lawyer put in a clause that in the preliminary injunction, the judge should also give Uscis a deadline to adjudicate. ALL OF US WERE RESTORED BEFORE THE DATE LISTED ON THE INJUNCTION. This is what I expect all these lawyers to do.

I just saw Mcbean's round 3 lawsuit and tbh, I don't mind paying if people that joined 1st and 2nd round have been seeing positive news in their cases. I am just wondering if those that joined the 1st and second lawsuit think it's worth it.

I am not waiting for adjustment of status, I am waiting for STEM OPT EAD.

Hi Everyone,

I am not a perfect F1 student, and I certainly am not knowledgeable in everything, in fact I get confused from time to time, but I am posting here because 3 of my friends have gotten STEM OPT denied because DSOs forgot to enter STEM OPT recommendation. STEM OPT proof of recommendation is just as simple as a line on the 2nd page of the I-20 showing "STEM OPT requested" with dates, but has ruined my friends' life and career trajectory .

In fact, my own DSO told me Everify is not needed for STEM OPT, only EIN, but as someone who researches stuff even more than NASA, I always choose to take her words with a grain of salt.

I was affected in the April 2025 mass Sevis terminations and she told me I should leave the USA so as not to accrue unlawful presence, but as someone who likes to let things "marinate" a bit, I chose to stay, and USCIS in a week reversed it like nothing happened after students sued the hell out of them. This is not to vilify her but just to point out that DSOs are a VERY POWERFUL source of information, but should NOT be your only source.

The consequences of a single mistake are costly, and yours to bear. DSOs are human too. They make mistakes like everyone. Don't just sit and say, "My DSO said this and that". Do your own research as well.

Let he that has ears, hear.

EDIT: 5/19/2026

- My friends have just allowed me to mention the schools. 2 of them are from Illinois Wesleyan University and the 3rd is from Florida International University.

- Another person messaged me about DSO error and STEM OPT denial and wants me to mention University of North Carolina, Charlotte.

Hello everyone. Please if this applies to you or you are absolutely sure about the answer, please do not skip.

I am in the 180 days of my automatic extension after timely filing stem opt. My 180 day extension will end by June 28th. If USCIS does not adjudicate but June 28th, I am aware that I am supposed to stop working, that is not an issue at all. My biggest issue is for example let's say USCIS sees my case September 2026, does it now mean that I have accrued unemployment days?

I have 20 unemployment days from initial opt, so by June 28th am I now accruing unemployment days? Do I need to leave after June 28th? I am just curious if USCIS will count those 20 unemployment days from initial opt and then deny me.

The real question I am asking is,

1. Has anyone here ever been approved wayy AFTER the 180 days of automatic extension

AND (this AND is important pls)

2. Had a small number of unemployment days left.

Hello,

I am posting for my friend who just got approval for i765 STEM OPT extension. No lawsuit, nothing. He is from Togo and I am Malawian.

He applied December 2025. I honestly initially didn't believe as all USCIS benefits adjudication is on pause, until he literally sent his IOE receipt number and I put it on the case status tracker and saw approval decision rendered.

I am so happy for my friend, but he was jokingly saying that the USCIS officer that approved him is probably unaware of the ban and mistakenly approved. Out of all the 200 or so F1 students from the 39 banned countries from my school waiting for EAD, he is the only one approved after Jan 1st proclamation.

USCIS is a really odd organization for sure. Maybe they are going through our applications and seeing who is "worthy" of being approved or the USCIS officer was probably drunk and approved it.

Hey guys,

I am sincerely considering Day 1 CPT programs, especially the DBA at National Louis University. My 180 days STEM OPT extension will end in July, and if approved, I will have STEM OPT till Feb 2028.

Please who knows of companies accepting Day 1 CPT in Illinois and Michigan? Thank you

Hey guys,

Please I am looking to connect with anyone who has attended or is attending the National Louis University DBA program in Illinois. It is very urgent.

Thank you.

Hi guys,

I am from two of the 39 banned countries where USCIS has paused adjudication for. I am in the 180 days automatic extension after filing for STEM extension and the 180 days ends June 20th. I am in a serious dilemma. USCIS is not approving or denying cases.

I am aware that I am supposed to stop working, but I am really confused about the unemployment days. I had 32 unemployment days from initial opt and I heard you have additional 60 days of unemployment on STEM OPT.

Does it mean that if USCIS does not approve my STEM OPT by June 20th, then I have now accrued unemployment days, because I stopped working? Am I supposed to leave the country?

I am aware I am supposed to stop working, it is just the unemployment days aspect I am really confused about. Has anyone ever exceeded the 180 day extension limit on OPT? Did you accrue unemployment days after the 180 days?

Thank you

Hi guys,

I am from two of the 39 banned countries where USCIS has paused adjudication for. I am in the 180 days automatic extension after filing for STEM extension and the 180 days ends June 20th. I am in a serious dilemma. USCIS is not approving or denying cases.

I am aware that I am supposed to stop working, but I am really confused about the unemployment days. I had 32 unemployment days from initial opt and I heard you have additional 60 days of unemployment on STEM OPT.

Does it mean that if USCIS does not approve my STEM OPT by June 20th, then I have now accrued unemployment days, because I stopped working? Am I supposed to leave the country?

I am aware I am supposed to stop working, it is just the unemployment days aspect I am really confused about. Has anyone ever exceeded the 180 day extension limit on OPT? Did you accrue unemployment days after the 180 days?

Thank you

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what is the benefit of lawsuit over its disadvantages. I was looking to join either Red Eagle or Jim Hacking lawsuit as there is a lot of hype around. I am aware that USCIS has "silently" lifted the pause for physicians, which makes no sense, as a physician is not less of security concern than other professionals.

My question is, I came across this article here Iranian doctor denied green card after lawsuit

The Iranian doctor filed a lawsuit due to the adjudication pause we are all facing. The judge ordered USCIS to adjudicate, and then her green card application was denied. So she is suspecting retaliation due to her suing.

This is my biggest fear and what has hindered me from joining a lawsuit. I have an i765 ead pending. Does it mean if I join a lawsuit, USCIS will then retaliate by denying me?

Hi everyone,

I am an f1 student who applied for STEM OPT. My 180 days of automatic extension ends in 1 month. I am eligible for another 2 years of work authorization (which I already applied for), but due to this hold, it is not being adjudicated.

I was wondering what lawsuit to join, I have scrolled through extensively and people have both good and bad things to say about Mcbean, Charles Kuck and Jim Hacking, so I do not know who to believe or who to join. Are there other lawyers who have achieved success? To be very honest, cost is not really an issue for me. THE SUCCESS RATE OF THE LAWSUIT is. Is there any lawsuit that has succeeded to the extent of the indivduals in the lawsuit receiving relief?

On the other hand, do I just wait to see if the government will lift the pause? Thank you

Hi guys,

I am really confused about what to do. I am in the 180 days of automatic extension after filing STEM OPT. The 180 days will end last week of June.

On top of that, my country is listed in the 39 countries USCIS has paused adjudication for. On top of this, I am seeing news about the end of Duration of Status coming to reality soon. I have done 2 masters, MS in Project Management and MS in Data Science, back to back.

Should I abandon my STEM OPT and enrol in a Day 1 CPT DBA or try to enrol in a PHD program? If I was to be approved for STEM OPT, it would end March 2028, but I am really unsure of what to do regarding this new DHS rule to end duration of status.

Given this 39 country pause, I have no idea about what to even do tbh.

Since my 180 days is ending soon I know I am supposed to stop working but what bothers me is I do not know what my options are, especially with this new d/s rule.

Does that mean I will have to leave the country March 2028?

I appreciate you all.

Hi guys,

I am really confused about what to do. I am in the 180 days of automatic extension after filing STEM OPT. The 180 days will end last week of June.

On top of that, my country is listed in the 39 countries USCIS has paused adjudication for. On top of this, I am seeing news about the end of Duration of Status coming to reality soon. I have done 2 masters, MS in Project Management and MS in Data Science, back to back.

Should I abandon my STEM OPT and enrol in a Day 1 CPT DBA or try to enrol in a PHD program? If I was to be approved for STEM OPT, it would end March 2028, but I am really unsure of what to do regarding this new DHS rule to end duration of status.

Given this 39 country pause, I have no idea about what to even do tbh.

Since my 180 days is ending soon I know I am supposed to stop working but what bothers me is I do not know what my options are, especially with this new d/s rule.

Does that mean I will have to leave the country March 2028?

I appreciate you all.

Hi guys,

I am really confused about what to do. I am in the 180 days of automatic extension after filing STEM OPT. The 180 days will end last week of June.

On top of that, my country is listed in the 39 countries USCIS has paused adjudication for. On top of this, I am seeing news about the end of Duration of Status coming to reality soon. I have done 2 masters, MS in Project Management and MS in Data Science, back to back.

Should I abandon my STEM OPT and enrol in a Day 1 CPT DBA or try to enrol in a PHD program? If I was to be approved for STEM OPT, it would end March 2028, but I am really unsure of what to do regarding this new DHS rule to end duration of status.

Given this 39 country pause, I have no idea about what to even do tbh.

Since my 180 days is ending soon I know I am supposed to stop working but what bothers me is I do not know what my options are, especially with this new d/s rule.

Does that mean I will have to leave the country March 2028?

I appreciate you all.

Hey guys,

I want to enrol in a day 1 CPT program after my stem opt ends in Feb/March 2028. I am planning now for it. I plan to do a DBA. I keep seeing news about the risks of Day 1 Cpt for future immigration purposes.

My only fear is USCIS scrutiny of day 1 CPT, because I eventually want to secure a H1B or green card in the future. Please has anyone successfully done a Day 1 CPT program and then gotten h1b or a green card in THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION?

Also, is anyone attending the DBA program at National Louis University? Please can you inbox me? Thank you

Hey guys,

I really want to work for a cap exempt employer due to the huge advantage of the non-participation in the lottery. I am really targeting roles in Universities but was wondering how people get these. In your application, do you indicate you need sponsorship?

I am looking for staff and instructor roles (I do not have a PHD yet), please what do I do? I am really trying to get a cap exempt job as an analyst.

Hi everyone,

Please I am trying to get answers from here. I am in my 180 days automatic extension of STEM OPT. My STEM OPT will end Feb 2028. I am currently working for a cap subject h1b employer but really looking for cap exempt employers like universities, teaching hospitals etc, as they do not need the lottery.

Everyone around me keeps saying , employers do not hire anyone on STEM OPT, especially if my OPT will be ending March 2028. Tbh, I am targeting universities and other cap exempt employers. Is this true?

Is there anyone here who has ever got hired on STEM OPT? For example, you had about 8 months or less left on stem opt and an employer was willing to hire you? Or is it over for me?

I am really targeting universities. Please do universities have this STEM OPT "discrimination?"

Also, if you are working for a cap exempt employer, how did you get your role?