STEM OPT Denial: Same Course, Different Results

You think you’re safe once you get your STEM Extension on OPT approved. But one student’s story says otherwise.

After spending a year hunting for a job that met STEM OPT rules, this student finally made it only to receive a shocking RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS.

They have an MBA focused on data and management, and their official school papers show a STEM code. However, USCIS says their degree doesn’t count as a STEM degree.

Meanwhile, classmates with the exact same papers got approved without any problem.
Same course, same CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code, same documents— yet their friends got approvals, but they got an RFE.

USCIS argued the MBA title on the diploma doesn’t match any STEM-designated programs, despite the underlying focus on management science and data analytics. The RFE now demands a letter from the university dean or department head explaining how the degree links to the STEM-designated CIP code.

The process is vague and confusing. The portal says “Submit Evidence,” but the instructions say “if applicable.” And the Premium Processing cover sheet adds another layer of confusion about what boxes to tick.

This is a harsh reminder of how random and cruel the immigration system can be sometimes. Just like that, this student’s OPT dream could be denied, crushing months of effort.