OPT Nightmare: 950 Pages for USCIS Approval?

A routine OPT application has spiraled into a bureaucratic mess for one student. USCIS issued an unusually harsh RFE, demanding not only transcripts and a university statement but also nearly 950 pages of course syllabi.

This level of scrutiny is far from normal. Typically, OPT applicants only need to prove they completed a valid program, and not carry this amount of paperwork.

Citing the specific demand from USCIS, the student wrote on social media, “Copies of your course syllabi for all classes and coursework in which you earned credit towards your degree. Provide delivery method (in person/lecture, lab, virtual, online, tele-learning, broadcast, satellite, etc.) of the course if not listed on the syllabus.”

Netizens are shocked at the student’s ordeal and ask whether the university is new or controversial. Others assume the student used Day 1 CPT, a program known to trigger extra scrutiny from the authorities.

However, the situation became more concerning when the student denied both claims, stating they attended a regular university with no questionable history. Even their DSO was baffled by this extreme request from USCIS.

This paints a grim picture of the future for international students in the US. It seems this level of scrutiny is a deliberate measure from the USCIS to make the OPT process harder and discourage students.

For those already navigating the stress of visa uncertainty, such unreasonable demands only add to their anxiety. International students deserve better than arbitrary demands and endless red tape.