F-1 PhD Chaos: School’s Delay Ruins Future OPT

An international student on STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) says they accidentally exceeded the 150-day unemployment limit due to their school’s delay in activating a Change of Level (CoL) to a PhD program.

Confusion Over Status Change

The F-1 visa holder had completed a master’s degree and was on STEM OPT when they were admitted to a PhD program at the same university. During this time, they lost their job but stayed in the US, believing their legal status remained valid. Their Designated School Officer (DSO) had assured them that the CoL request would protect their status.

School’s Delay Creates Trouble

Later, the international office discovered that the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record showed “over 150 days of unemployment.” The student says the DSO quickly activated the PhD I-20 but admitted the delay might cause problems later.

Student Faces Uncertain Future

Even after the mistake, the student continued to travel abroad, received new I-20s, and renewed their visa without any issues. However, as they now apply for OPT again after completing the PhD, the earlier 150-day unemployment flag worries them.

The DSO cannot access the old SEVIS data to verify any violations, leaving the student anxious about whether the past oversight will impact their new OPT application.