F-1 visa holders in the US are facing a new level of scrutiny. USCIS officials have begun conducting unannounced visits to student residences, sparking fear among those currently on OPT or STEM OPT programs.
USCIS Expands Student Surveillance
According to an official email from a Designated School Official (DSO), these visits are not limited to pending work authorisations. Students with approved OPT and STEM OPT petitions are also being targeted, showing how wide the monitoring has become.
Students Questioned and Pressured
During these visits, USCIS officers demand documents like bank statements and transcripts. Students are also asked invasive questions about their education, employment history, and career plans. Even small mistakes in responses could trigger problems for their visa status.
Fear of Losing Status
The DSO’s message warns that non-compliance could lead to petition denials. This has left students anxious, knowing that years of education and effort could collapse because of arbitrary questioning or documentation gaps.
OPT at Risk of Losing Purpose
The OPT program was designed to help graduates transition into careers. But with these intrusive checks, it now feels more like a constant audit. Students fear that instead of opportunity, OPT could become a never-ending source of stress.
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