F-1 School Mix-Up: SEVIS Error Triggers OPT Denial

An international student is now stuck in uncertainty because of one SEVIS error he did not cause. A wrong entry by the school has put his future, status, and work rights at risk.

OPT timeline and H-1B context

His initial OPT ended on 6 October. He applied for STEM OPT on 28 September and also secured an H-1B lottery pick this year, but it was filed under consular processing, not change of status.

How the mistake entered SEVIS

The Designated School Official added a cap gap extension to his SEVIS record by mistake. The student reported it immediately, but SEVP refused to fix it until the H-1B approval was issued.

DSO suggested applying anyway

The DSO advised him to file STEM OPT with a note explaining the mistake. He uploaded the letter and submitted the form on time, trusting the process and following every instruction.

Sudden denial without warning

On 26 November, USCIS denied his STEM OPT. His OPT already expired weeks earlier, and the denial notice is taking time due to the holiday period.

Status concerns now growing

He cannot make any decision until he sees the denial reason. The fear is that he may have fallen out of status because of a school error he never caused.