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STEM OPT Denied: Student Navigates Visa Limbo
27 Nov
Summary
- STEM OPT application denied after student followed DSO guidance.
- Cap-Gap exemption mistakenly applied to I-20 recommendation.
- Student awaits official denial notice, facing immense stress.
An international student's STEM OPT application, submitted on September 28, 2025, has been denied, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. The situation was compounded by an incorrect application of the Cap-Gap exemption to their I-20 recommendation, despite their H-1B petition being selected for consular processing. The student reported that their DSO attempted to rectify the error, but SEVP indicated the exemption could not be removed until the H-1B approval.
Following the DSO's advice, the student proceeded with the application using the erroneous I-20, attaching a letter to clarify the situation. Despite these efforts and adherence to guidance, the STEM OPT was denied. The student has not yet received the official denial notice, which is further delayed by the Thanksgiving holiday, exacerbating their anxiety.
Currently, the student is exploring all available options while awaiting the official documentation. Immigration attorneys suggest that such cases warrant a thorough review of the denial notice upon receipt. Potential remedies may include filing a motion to reopen or seeking legal counsel to challenge any administrative errors.
