F-1 Student Gets 2 RFEs: OPT Stuck in Impossible Case?

An international student holding an F-1 visa has reportedly found himself stuck in an OPT processing issue after the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services flagged his case for “potentially adverse information.” The issue surfaced even after the student had already completed biometrics earlier this year.

The student shared his experience on Reddit and explained that he had applied for his first OPT Employment Authorization Document as an F-1 visa holder. According to his post, the process initially appeared normal after he attended a biometrics appointment in March and received a stamped ASC notice as confirmation.

However, the situation reportedly changed when USCIS later issued a Request for Evidence stating that “potentially adverse information” had been identified in the case. The agency also reportedly requested a second biometrics appointment, which immediately created confusion and concern for the student.

The student claimed he responded to the RFE by uploading the stamped biometrics notice through the USCIS online portal. Despite this response, he later received another notification and a second biometrics appointment letter from the agency. This reportedly increased uncertainty regarding the status of the application.

According to the student, the USCIS portal created an additional complication because it allowed only one RFE response upload. Reports suggest the system may have flagged an old misdemeanor case that was resolved in court without a guilty plea. However, no official confirmation regarding the exact reason behind the issue has been provided publicly.

The case has now triggered discussions among international students applying for OPT work permits in the United States. Many F-1 visa holders are reportedly worried about stricter immigration scrutiny and increased background verification processes under the current US immigration environment.

The student now faces a USCIS deadline of July 20, 2026, while trying to resolve the confusion surrounding the biometrics and RFE process. Several online users have expressed concern over the technical limitations of the USCIS portal and the stress such situations create for international students awaiting work authorisation approvals.

The incident is also being discussed widely on social media platforms and student forums, where many international students are sharing similar concerns regarding visa processing delays and compliance procedures in the United States.