F-1 students applying for pre-completion OPT authorisation are now facing serious trouble. Designated School Officials (DSOs) are warning that USCIS has stopped processing pre-completion OPT requests, leaving students anxious and uncertain.
No Official Update from USCIS
This warning comes after several reports from universities and USCIS officers. However, there’s still no official statement from the agency. The silence has left many international students frustrated and confused about their future work options.
Students Feel Trapped
For most F-1 students, pre-completion OPT offers essential work experience. Without it, many feel the system is stacked against them. One student who paid for premium processing said their application stayed untouched for 50 days before they withdrew it.
Unclear Responses and No Refunds
When they contacted USCIS, they received vague replies like, “Maybe, maybe not, we do not know.” To make matters worse, they didn’t even get a refund for their premium processing fee, deepening their financial strain.
Post-Completion OPT Still Active
Meanwhile, students applying for post-completion OPT say their approvals are coming through quickly sometimes within just seven days. This uneven handling adds to the growing confusion among applicants.
What Experts Advise
Experts suggest applying for premium processing despite the uncertainty. It doesn’t guarantee faster results, but it may improve your chances of being processed sooner. Still, without an official USCIS announcement, this confusion over pre-completion OPT is likely to continue.
