F1 OPT Delay Shock: USCIS Cancels Plea, Asks $1,780?

An F-1 student recently shared a frustrating experience about delays in their OPT work permit application. The request, filed on November 25, is still pending despite the intended start date of February 26 having passed.

The delay has caused uncertainty for the applicant. However, what added to the concern was the response received from the authorities.

The student stated that a service request submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services was cancelled without explanation. Instead, they received a generic reply referring to the Privacy Act of 1974.

The message did not provide any specific details about the case. This has left the applicant confused and anxious about the next steps.

Adding to the issue, the student claims they cannot raise another request for 30 days. This has effectively extended the waiting period without any clarity.

With no update on the application, the student feels forced to consider premium processing. This option costs $1,780 and promises faster decisions.

The situation is not isolated. Many applicants who filed around late November are reportedly facing similar delays.

These repeated cases have raised concerns about processing slowdowns. Students are now questioning the efficiency of the system.

For many, the choice appears limited. They must either wait indefinitely or pay a high fee to speed up the process.

The issue highlights growing frustration among international students. Delays like these can impact careers and future plans significantly.