You expect an OPT case to move smoothly when you follow the rules, but one student on an F-1 visa learned otherwise. Despite staying employed, he received an official notice accusing him of 15 days of unemployment, triggering confusion and panic.
USCIS Flags a Small Employment Gap
US Citizenship and Immigration Services sent him a Request for Evidence claiming he stayed unemployed for 15 days. He works at a state college and has clear records. Still, the case officer questioned his work status and asked him to explain every detail.
Extensive Proof Demanded
The notice demanded full work history, joining and exit dates, pay slips, employer letters and proof of remote work. It also asked whether any agency handled his job. The depth of verification surprised many students who usually see simpler checks for OPT.
Online Response Raises Alarm
When he shared the notice online, the story spread quickly. STEM OPT allows 90 days of unemployment, yet USCIS flagged just 15. Many said they had never seen this before and felt the move looked unnecessarily harsh and unusual.
Timeline Adds to Confusion
You see more questions when you look at the timeline. The student applied on October 16 and received the first update a week later. Then after more than a month, the RFE arrived without warning or clear explanation.
Fear Among International Students
Students now fear tougher scrutiny during OPT processing. Some believe fresh adjudicators are becoming overly strict. Others think systems now flag minor gaps automatically. Either way, uncertainty is growing and confidence in fair handling is dropping fast.
Talent Feels Pushed Away
The student insists he never held fake employment or used illegal consultancies. Still, he had to prove he stayed within permitted unemployment limits. You see how such action discourages global students rather than supporting their effort to build a future in the US.
