H-1B Approved, SEVIS Still Active: Worker at Risk?

An international student’s move from F-1 to H-1B didn’t go as smoothly as expected. When your work visa is approved, your F-1 or OPT status should end automatically. But sometimes, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) doesn’t update right away.

Delay in SEVIS Update Raises Questions

One student shared that their H-1B started on October 1, but SEVP didn’t send the usual email confirming the OPT account closure. Meanwhile, their friends who transitioned at the same time already got their confirmations.

This delay has left many wondering if having both statuses active could affect their legal stay in the US.

University Response and Waiting Game

The university clarified that there’s no action required on their end. Students in this situation can only wait for USCIS to send the confirmation email.

Different timelines between schools, SEVP, and other federal systems are common, but they can still cause confusion.

No Risk to Your Legal Status

Even though the update delay looks worrying, your H-1B approval takes priority over your F-1 or OPT status. It’s mostly a bureaucratic issue and doesn’t affect your legal standing in the US.

Still, keep an eye on your email and check with your Designated School Officer (DSO) if anything seems off. Staying proactive ensures your records stay clean and up to date.