An F-1 student is trapped in a confusing OPT mess. After paying for premium processing, they received an RFE for biometrics already submitted earlier. What followed next made the situation worse.
Reused RFE Turns Into NOID
Soon after the RFE, the student received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). Shockingly, the NOID had the same content and subject as the RFE. It looked like the same letter, just renamed in the USCIS portal.
Old Case Causes Trouble
The applicant revealed that the issue links back to an old legal case. In 2019, both the applicant and their then girlfriend were arrested on domestic violence charges. The case was dismissed and later expunged from records.
USCIS Still Flags Expunged Case
Even after the case was cleared, the applicant suspects USCIS still flags the incident. Experts believe this expunged charge is likely causing the OPT delay. The applicant insists they disclosed everything truthfully during the process.
Family and Financial Pressure
Meanwhile, the applicant and their wife have had a child, now a US citizen. They even shared the birth certificate as part of their expedite request. The delay has worsened their financial and emotional stress.
Immigrants Deserve Fair Treatment
Such systemic errors and recycled notices only deepen anxiety for immigrants. When dismissed or expunged charges still create barriers, it raises serious questions about fairness and accountability in the system.
