r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • 12d ago

CPT Megathread: CPT Interpretation Changes

96 Upvotes

This is the Megathread for CPT.

TL;DR: Whatever your school tells you about CPT is what matters. Your school defines the rules for CPT.

The August 14, 2026 CPT change is not a new CPT regulation or statutory change. SEVP issued Broadcast Message 2608-01, “Reminder of Liability for DSOs Regarding CPT Authorization,". The underlying CPT regulations have not been amended. What has changed is SEVP's interpretation and enforcement posture regarding the existing requirements, particularly what it considers sufficiently “integral” to an established curriculum.

CPT is a school-by-school process. It depends heavily on how a particular institution has structured CPT within each academic program. It can even vary between majors at the same institution.

Under the current SEVP interpretation, “integral” is being treated much more narrowly. As a result, every school now has to review its CPT policies and determine what, if any, risks exist for both the institution and its students.

There is very little useful general advice anyone here can give you about how to navigate those changes.

Until SEVP changes its interpretation, there is no administrative process through which a student can obtain a definitive ruling that their particular CPT arrangement is permissible despite the school's or SEVP's interpretation. Ultimately, challenging the interpretation would likely require litigation, and most students understandably do not want to become a test case.

In the meantime, schools have to operate within the interpretation SEVP is applying. That means evaluating not only whether a particular CPT arrangement appears to satisfy the regulatory requirements, but also the practical risk to the institution and to students whose SEVIS records could subsequently be reviewed.

**This is why one school's CPT policy tells you essentially nothing about another school's CPT policy.**

Two universities can have completely different CPT policies. Two students at the same university can also receive different answers if they are enrolled in different academic programs with different curricular structures.

CPT being authorized for one major does not establish that the same arrangement is permissible for another major. Likewise, the fact that another university is continuing to authorize a particular type of CPT does not establish that your university can or will do the same.

So:

“I already received CPT authorization. What do I do?”

Ask your school.

“What if I need CPT for my thesis?”

Ask your school.

“I previously completed CPT. What does this interpretation mean for me?”

Ask your school.

“The university across town is still approving this CPT. Why won't my school?”

Their policy is irrelevant to your SEVIS record or what your school can offer to you.

The reason CPT questions have so often been answered with “talk to your DSO” is not because there is no general CPT guidance. It is because whether a particular CPT arrangement satisfies the requirements depends on the student's academic program, curriculum, institutional policies, and how the institution has structured and documented CPT.

Unless your DSO is publicly discussing your institution's specific CPT policies and is actively participating in r/F1visa, Reddit cannot reliably tell you whether your particular CPT arrangement is permissible.

Your school's CPT policy and your DSO's authorization are what matter for your SEVIS record. What another school is doing does not create CPT authorization for you.

I know this does not really help many of you as schools review their policies, but it is the unfortunate situation we find ourselves currently.

39 comments

r/f1visa • u/Codetornado • Jun 19 '26

Megathread: Elimination of Duration of Status

97 Upvotes

Edit: July 16, 2026 the new Rule has been PUBLISHED

Tl;dr: Long term graduate programs may require more paperwork and uncertainty, Day 1 CPT is no long an option for many students, anyone in the US before September 15 keeps D/S until their program ends or 4 years have elapsed so long as they don't leave the US.

Fixed-Date I‑94 Admissions

Starting September 15, 2026, any F‑1 or F‑2 entering the United States will receive a specific “Admit Until Date” (AUD) on their I‑94 instead of D/S.

Key points:

  • The AUD will match the program end date on the Form I‑20.
  • The AUD cannot exceed four years.
  • A 30‑day grace period will follow the program end date.
  • The traditional 60‑day grace period is eliminated for anyone entering or re-entering on or after September 15, 2026.

Transition Rules for Students Already in the United States

If you are inside the United States on September 15, 2026 with a D/S I‑94:

  • You do not need a new I‑94 immediately.
  • You must file a Form I‑539 extension of stay if you need to remain beyond:
    • your current program end date, or
    • four years after the rule’s effective date (September 15, 2030), whichever is earlier.

Grace period rules for the transition group:

  • You keep the 60‑day grace period unless you leave and re-enter the United States or file an extension on or after September 15, 2026.
  • After either of those actions, your grace period becomes 30 days.
  • Any re-entry on or after September 15, 2026 will result in a date-specific AUD with a 30‑day grace period.

Mandatory I‑539 Extensions

Any time you need more time beyond your AUD, you must file Form I‑539 with USCIS. This includes:

  • Program extensions
  • School transfers
  • Changing degree levels
  • Post-completion OPT
  • STEM OPT
  • Cap-gap extensions
  • Reduced course load extensions
  • Medical RCL extensions

The extension process includes fees, biometrics, and possible interviews.

As of July 16, 2026 the cost would be $420 and $85 for biometrics. Premium processing for this is not currently available per page 165 despite it being requested.

Restrictions on Academic Changes

Undergraduates:

  • May change majors or transfer schools only after completing one academic year.
  • SEVP may grant exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Graduate students:

  • Cannot change majors or degree levels during the program.
  • May transfer schools only if SEVP approves an exception for extenuating circumstances.

Prohibition on Lateral or Reverse Matriculation

After completing a program, F‑1 students cannot begin a new program at the same or lower educational level. Examples include:

  • Bachelor’s to a second bachelor’s
  • Master’s to a second master’s
  • Master’s to a bachelor’s

This applies only to programs completed after September 15, 2026.

Expected Impacts for F‑1 Students

Institutions anticipate:

  • Higher costs for students (fees, biometrics, possible legal assistance)
  • Longer USCIS processing times
  • More USCIS involvement in routine academic changes
  • Potential enrollment impacts due to reduced predictability

Effective Date

The rule becomes effective September 15, 2026, unless delayed by litigation or Congressional Review Act review. Until then, current D/S rules remain fully in effect.

I will get information on advocacy and how to ask congress to change or hold the rule over the next few days.

FAQ as of July 18, 2026

  1. Does this apply to current students or only new ones? Everyone is affected.
  • Current students stay in D/S until their current I‑20/DS‑2019/EAD ends, but no later than late 2030.
  • Students entering after Sept 15, 2026 get fixed-date admissions (AUD) immediately.
  • “You’ll remain in D/S… but no longer than four years after the rule takes effect…”

2. What happens if I travel after Sept 15, 2026? Travel ends your D/S.

  • When you return, CBP gives you a fixed-date I‑94 based on:
  • your program end date OR
  • 4 years from entry whichever is sooner, plus a 30‑day grace period.
  • Travel before Sept 15, 2026 does not affect D/S.
  • “If you leave… your D/S protection ends.”

3. Do I need an I‑539 for OPT or STEM OPT? (Most students will need I‑539) :

  • I‑765 (OPT/STEM OPT)
  • I‑539 (Extension of Stay)
  • If you are still in D/S and file BEFORE March 18, 2027 you may skip the I‑539.
  • Leaving the U.S. before filing removes the exception.
  • “Students… generally need both an I‑765 and an I‑539.”

4. Can I work while my I‑539 is pending? Yes, if:

  • It’s CPT, on‑campus, or economic hardship employment
  • AND your I‑539 was timely filed
  • AND you are within the 240‑day continuation window
  • STEM OPT applicants still get the 180‑day automatic extension.

5. What happens at year four of a long PhD? You do not need to finish your PhD in four years.

  • If your AUD expires before your program ends, you file I‑539 Extension of Stay.
  • You qualify if:
    • Your DSO issues a new I‑20 with a later program end date, OR
    • You have academic, medical, or uncontrollable reasons.
    • “You qualify if you have a currently issued I‑20 showing additional time…”

6. Does re-entering give me a new 4 years?

  • Yes , but only up to your program end date.
  • Every entry resets your AUD:
  • AUD = program end date OR 4 years from entry (whichever is sooner).

7. Visa stamp vs. I‑20 — which controls my stay?

  • Inside the U.S., your I‑94 (or D/S) controls your status.
  • Visa stamps matter only for re-entry.
  • You can leave and re-enter to get a new AUD instead of filing I‑539.

8. I’m on OPT/STEM OPT with an approved EAD — am I affected now?

  • No. You stay under current rules until your OPT/STEM OPT ends.
  • New rules matter only when you:
    • apply for STEM OPT after OPT, or
    • start a new academic program.
  • Employment continuation rules (180‑day STEM OPT extension, 240‑day CPT/on‑campus) still apply.
  • 9. Is my grace period 30 days or 60 days?
  • If you stay in D/S → 60 days
  • If you re-enter after Sept 15, 2026 → 30 days
  • Filing I‑539 during the grace period allows study but not work.

10. Can I still move from bachelor’s → master’s → PhD?

  • Yes. You need a new I‑20 or a transferred I-20 and possibly I‑539 if your AUD expires before the new program ends.

11. Can I still transfer schools or change my major?

  • Undergraduates No transfers or major changes in the first academic year unless SEVP approves.
  • After year one → normal flexibility.
  • Graduate students Cannot change major/educational objective at all.
  • Cannot transfer schools unless SEVP approves an exception.

12. When does this take effect?

  • September 15, 2026.
  • Until then, current rules apply and DSOs can still process:
    • I‑20 extensions
    • transfers
    • level changes
    • Anything completed before Sept 15 continues under current rules.

13. What about Day 1 CPT programs?

  • Not banned — but much harder to access.
  • Barriers include:
    • You now need USCIS approval (I‑539) for new programs after OPT/STEM OPT.
    • You cannot start a same-or-lower-level program after Sept 15, 2026.
    • Graduate students cannot freely transfer.
    • This removes the most common pathway into Day 1 CPT.

14. What about F‑2dependents?

  • Dependents follow the principal’s (F-1's) status.
  • They must be included in the principal’s I‑539 or file their own.

15. Will this be challenged in court?

  • Maybe, but there isn't a specific plan.
  • Nothing currently delays implementation unless Congress acts. (Unlikely)
  • Students should plan based on the published rule.

16. Does premium processing apply to I‑539 extensions?

  • No. Premium processing is available only for a change of status, not an extension of stay

17. Can I pursue another degree at the same or lower level?

  • Only if your earlier degree was completed before Sept 15, 2026.
  • Degrees finished after the effective date trigger the restriction.
  • Foreign degrees do not count toward the restriction.
  • “The bar… applies only to a student who completes a program after September 15, 2026.”

18. Does this affect H‑1B?

  • No. H‑1B is completely separate.

19. Does this affect CPT for required internships?

  • Required CPT (not Day 1 CPT) is still allowed.
  • If your AUD expires before your CPT end date, you must:
    • file I‑539 or
    • travel and re-enter to reset AUD
  • Existing CPT continues for up to 240 days while I‑539 is pending.

20. If my school extends my program, does that extend my stay?

  • Before Sept 15, 2026:
    • Yes, you keep D/S until the new end date (up to 4 years ahead).
  • After Sept 15, 2026:
    • If your AUD expires before the new end date, you must:
      • file I‑539 or
      • travel and re-enter the U.S. to update the AUD

21. If my OPT/STEM OPT is pending and I travel after Sept 15, 2026, what happens?

  • You will be admitted under AUD.
  • Your OPT/STEM OPT application remains valid, but you may need I‑539 depending on timing.

22. If I file for OPT/STEM OPT before March 18, 2027, do I need I‑539?

  • only if you travel and re-enter under AUD before filing.

23. Can I still do same-level CPT programs (e.g., second master’s)? Only if your earlier degree was completed before Sept 15, 2026.

  • After that date, same-level programs are generally barred.

24. Does my I‑94 automatically match my EAD end date? If you remain in D/S → yes.

  • If you re-enter after Sept 15, 2026 → your AUD is:
    • program end date
    • or EAD end date
    • or 4 years from entry, whichever is sooner.
448 comments

r/f1visa • u/Potential_Coyote_823 • 4h ago

Court hearing Sept 9 on the DHS rule ending duration of status here’s what’s actually happening

9 Upvotes

DHS is being sued over the rule that ends duration of status. The lawsuit says DHS didn’t follow proper process when making the rule. There’s a court hearing on September 9 in Boston, six days before the rule takes effect on September 15. Nothing has been blocked yet. Fingers crossed for the 9th.

4 comments

r/f1visa • u/PrettyGuide569 • 1h ago

OPT/STEM OPT Do I really have to say I require sponsorship in the future?

• Upvotes

I’m currently on F-1 OPT and only want to work during my OPT period to gain some experience. I’m not looking for sponsorship now or after my OPT ends, and I don’t expect the company to sponsor me in the future.
When job applications ask, “Will you now or in the future require sponsorship?”, do I still need to answer yes because technically I could need sponsorship after my OPT ends?
Also, during interviews, I usually don’t bring up OPT because I feel like employers may not hire me if I say, “I can only work for this period.” I’m really just looking to gain work experience during my OPT and then move on afterward.
I’m wondering how other people on OPT handle these questions on applications and during interviews. Do you answer “yes” to the future sponsorship question even if you have no intention of seeking sponsorship, or is there a different way to answer it?

21 comments

r/f1visa • u/ImportantBoss1668 • 20m ago

F1 visa holders with F2 dependents

• Upvotes

I am trying to reach out people with dependents on F2 visa. Since my stem opt is under processing … Anyone had their dependents like a spouse and a kid can share the experience for them at the POE with CBP.

My dso told me they should be good to enter into the states while stem opt is under processing but problem is my initial opt expired and i am working under 180 day automatic extension.

Inputs will be appreciated, Thanks.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Prestigious_Pin_4140 • 1h ago

Missed my Biometrics Appointment due to a Medical Emergency

• Upvotes

I had a Biometrics appointment on June 15th which i missed because i was in the ICU. I asked them to reschedule on June 18th. Initially they said its going to take 30 days to reschedule, then 1 month to 3 months due to there. being a back log. After calling USCIS yesterday, they put in a follow up to my application and I got an email today which was very vague. It refers me to the scheduling notice which has instructions to reschedule the appointment but there are none. They also asked me to submit a request and gave me a mailing address. No proper instructions on what to mail. Im really confused. If theres anyone whose got a similar email or is in a similar situation, I would love to hear from you, thanks!

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/lalala12345_ • 6h ago

Question F-1 Interview After Semester Started — How Should I Answer?

2 Upvotes

My Fall 2026 semester started Aug. 24, but my F-1 interview is Sept. 3 (earliest appointment available).

I haven’t been able to register for classes due to portal/advisor issues, and I’m currently asking the university if late registration is still possible.
I don’t want to defer to Spring 2027 and want to pursue Fall 2026.

For anyone who had a similar situation: How did you answer when the visa officer asked why you were applying after your semester had already started or why you weren’t registered yet? Were you approved?

8 comments

r/f1visa • u/New_Athlete6000 • 3h ago

Service error in my OPT decision

1 Upvotes

My DSO filed an internal inquiry with USCIS regarding my OPT denial, which was caused by a USCIS administrative error.

Has anyone been through a similar situation? Curious about typical timelines for internal review resolution and what the next steps usually look like. Also my case was under premium processing. Any insights appreciated 🙏

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/cyusername1 • 3h ago

Traveling domestically with foreign passport

0 Upvotes

Hi all, would traveling domestically with foreign passport suffice? I know a Real ID is needed these days but my driver’s license is still being renewed and I won’t get it back in time for my flight. I’m just worried since it’s a foreign passport and not a US passport.

6 comments

r/f1visa • u/KindDimension4763 • 4h ago

would this need cpt or count as volunteering?

0 Upvotes

im quite confused and have reached out to my DSO but I also wanted to get this subreddit's input.

would programs like these require cpt if im a cs major?

https://healthpolicy.ucsf.edu/patient-support-corps

https://dhcareerinstitute.org/internship-programs/patient-support-corps-internship-program/

it's unpaid and I don't think it replaces someone paid. it is truly volunteership. but the phrase 'internship' makes me feel paranoid so I wanted to ask. thanks!

thanks!

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Slight_Bass_2944 • 19h ago

Accepted US internship, but CPT/OPT rules changed afterward — tell employer now or wait?

13 Upvotes

I’m asking for a family member who is an international student at a US university. They accepted and signed a Summer 2027 internship offer with a large financial firm earlier this summer, when there was no reason to expect work-authorization issues.

Since then, SEVP tightened CPT guidance. Their university is still determining whether its existing co-op/internship pathways qualify, and pre-completion OPT is the main fallback. There are also pending federal changes that could make OPT significantly more expensive or less practical.

The firm has international internships, so an overseas placement might be possible, but the accepted role is with a particular US team and we don’t know whether that team could accommodate it.

The dilemma is whether to raise this now. There is already a meaningful risk to the US placement, but nothing has actually been denied yet.

  • Risk of telling them now: recruiting is still ongoing, so the firm could view the intern as uncertain headcount and reconsider/replace them even if the issue later gets resolved.
  • Benefit of telling them now: we could learn whether an international placement is realistically available. If the answer is clearly no and OPT/CPT gets worse, knowing that earlier would be useful rather than scrambling later.

For people familiar with recruiting/HR at large firms: would you bring this up now or wait for more policy certainty? And how realistic is the risk that proactively flagging it could jeopardize an already-signed offer?

Not looking for legal advice on CPT itself, mainly the employer-management/timing question.

7 comments

r/f1visa • u/LeastMost5583 • 6h ago

Pre-completion OPT for summer internship after first year of master’s?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m an international student starting my master’s in the U.S. this fall, and I’m trying to figure out whether I would be eligible for pre-completion OPT for a summer internship after my first year.

I’ve already contacted my DSO, but responses can take a while, so I wanted to ask here in case anyone has gone through something similar. My understanding is that pre-completion OPT requires one full academic year first, but does that mean I need to wait a full calendar year, or if my academic year finishes in May, I could use it for a summer internship after my first year?

If anyone has experience with this, I’d really appreciate any guidance.

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/No_Bus_9528 • 6h ago

Stem Opt pending with USCIS - Employer name mistake

0 Upvotes

Hi, I have a pending application STEM OPT application with USCIS. The employer name in E-verify doesn’t match with the name in I-765 application submitted. I have same name with space in I-20 and I-983 and sevis portal as well. Employer name in E-verify has RedShift where as in all my documents and application has Red Shift. Would it cause any issue if there is a space in between? Will I receive an RFE? Appreciate any insights on how to fix this.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/mandown2308 • 10h ago

Question Are current OPT jobs all mid-level?

2 Upvotes

For those who secured an OPT job or did OAs and interviews, what level did you see for what is asked in OAs/interviews? For me, I have appeared for 3 OAs I guess and all were like mid-level. For each, I needed to know more than 2-3 things like Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, Microservices etc: things that can only come from previous work experience.

Did anyone get any entry-level or below mid-level OAs, where after they hire, they train you for few months? Or is it straight hire and off you go to work?

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Linux_ka_chamcha • 7h ago

Visa Visa interview slots in India

0 Upvotes

Dear all,

This is for keeping track of the trend. Today (September 1, 2026) at 12:30pm central time, I saw interview slots available at New Delhi embassy. The slots got filled within 5 minutes.

Edit: I had seen slots available for October, November

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Expert-Dish5471 • 8h ago

OPT/STEM OPT Job application dilemma

0 Upvotes

hey all! I’ve been applying to jobs for a while (currently on OPT with 30 more days of unemployment left) and I stopped responding YES to the infamous “will you require sponsorship now or in the future”. The reason I did so was because even E-verify companies that could grant my STEM OPT extension later on would automatically reject me thinking I need sponsorship in the immediate future.

Currently I’m interviewing for a lot of places under the assumption that I won’t need sponsorship now or in the future.

My question is, do I wait till I reach the offer stage at these firms to let them know that I will technically need to be sponsored after 3 years? Do I tell them that I am not sure I’ll need to be sponsored (just STEM OPT supported) given that I’d be interested in pursuing masters education after my 3 years?

Any perspective helps, thanks!

29 comments

r/f1visa • u/Expensive_Virus_9541 • 8h ago

Question Travel advice on f1 student visa

0 Upvotes

I have a family emergency and need to travel to India immediately. I'm currently on STEM OPT; no h1b in process. I work as a contractor at a consulting company.

How long can we stay in India, and are we allowed to work while we're there? If yes, how long?
My employer is okay with me working from there.

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Big_Simple_7064 • 4h ago

Case approved OPT what next

0 Upvotes

My case was approved August 28 for post completion OPT. Nothing after that what is the nest steps account says nothing after approval.

3 comments

r/f1visa • u/Ambitious-Fall-7097 • 17h ago

Job as a lecturer?

0 Upvotes

Hello!

I am a PhD student in an allied health program and our job market has been pretty bad. I recently got offered a job as an allied health lecturer at a university. My PhD training had me working as a TA for a year but for the most part I worked on direct patient care. Will being a lecturer rather than a health care provider cause any issues when I apply for OPT?

I’ve reached out to my DSO to see if we need any additional documentation and they have not gotten back to me. And my PI is willing to vouch for me with the DSO or other organizations.

4 comments

r/f1visa • u/bloatin • 18h ago

Quick weekend trip to Canada (Sept 11–13) before D/S rule changes,

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

My friend and I (both 24M) are F-1 students planning a quick weekend trip from Denver to Calgary (Sept 11–13) to hike Big Beehive in Banff. We won't miss any classes, but with the proposed Duration of Status (D/S) rule changes effective September 15, we want to make sure a 48-hour international turnaround won't cause issues at re-entry.

Plan:

Flights: DEN ➔ YYC (Friday, Sept 11), YYC ➔ DEN (Sunday, Sept 13)

Activity: Hiking & camping in Banff on Saturday

Questions:

1) Re-entry: Any red flags for a 2-day trip if we have valid passports, I-20s with recent travel signatures, active SEVIS, and valid visas?

2) CBP at YYC: How early should we arrive at Calgary for U.S. Preclearance on Sunday?

3) Canadian Border: Anything specific CBSA asks for short hiking trips?

Has anyone done a quick weekend trip to Canada on an F-1 recently? Thanks!

2 comments

r/f1visa • u/ur_Avi • 20h ago

I’m planning to apply for STEM OPT

0 Upvotes

I’m planning to apply for STEM OPT soon and I’m trying to decide between premium processing and regular processing. Which one would you recommend based on your experience? Should I go with premium processing or regular processing?
as my opt end 30 oct 2026

11 comments

r/f1visa • u/Karlonion • 21h ago

Forgot to sign OPT I-20, uploaded signed copy months later as unsolicited evidence. Risk of denial?

0 Upvotes

I filed my initial post-completion OPT I-765 on April 22, 2026.

My DSO issued my OPT I-20 and entered the OPT recommendation on April 16, 2026, so I filed the I-765 6 days after the recommendation. My program end date was July 3, 2026, and my requested OPT dates are August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

I recently realized that the OPT I-20 I originally uploaded with my I-765 had the DSO's signature, but I had forgotten to sign the Student Attestation section myself.

My case is still pending. Today (August 31), I signed the same April 16 OPT I-20 using the actual date of August 31, 2026 and uploaded the complete 3-page signed I-20 to my USCIS account as Unsolicited Evidence / Other Supporting Documents. I did not backdate my signature.

My understanding is that the 30-day OPT rule applies to filing the I-765 within 30 days of the DSO entering the OPT recommendation in SEVIS, which I did. However, I'm worried because my student signature was added several months later.

Has anyone had this exact situation?

Originally submitted an unsigned OPT I-20 DSO recommendation was entered before filing and within the 30-day window Realized the student signature was missing months later Signed the same original I-20 with the current date Uploaded it as unsolicited evidence while the I-765 was still pending

Did USCIS approve your OPT, issue an RFE, or deny it?

I'm also wondering whether submitting a second I-765 with a newly issued OPT I-20 before my 60-day post-completion filing window closes would make sense, or whether that would just complicate the pending application.

Thanks for any experiences or advice, especially from people who had the same missing student signature issue.

1 comment

r/f1visa • u/OtherwiseAd7007 • 21h ago

USCIS I-765 API showing a newly created duplicate FTA0 event: has anyone seen this?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m waiting on my initial OPT I-765 and noticed something unusual in the USCIS API today.

My case previously had an FTA0 event from April 22. Today (August 31), a second FTA0 event suddenly appeared with a new event ID.

The strange part is:

  • Old FTA0: createdAt: 2026-04-22
  • New FTA0: createdAt: 2026-08-31
  • Both have eventDateTime: 2026-04-22
  • The timestamps for the underlying event are essentially identical
  • The new FTA0 has a completely different event ID

So it looks like USCIS created a new database entry today that points back to the same April 22 event.

My overall case status has NOT changed yet. closed is still false, actionRequired is false, and there is no new approval/card-production event.

Has anyone else seen an old FTA0 event suddenly get recreated months later with a new createdAt date and event ID?

If this happened to you, did your case status change or get approved shortly afterward, or was it just a backend/system synchronization thing?

Trying to understand whether this indicates actual case movement or is simply a USCIS API/database quirk. Thanks!

22 comments

r/f1visa • u/Hopeful-Increase-638 • 23h ago

H-1B Pending, OPT EAD Expiring 9/15 — Should I Rely on Cap-Gap or Apply for STEM OPT?

0 Upvotes

H-1B received: **6/12/26**
Regular processing
OPT EAD expires: **9/15/26**
H-1B still pending
Assuming it was filed as Change of Status, should I rely on **cap-gap** or apply for **STEM OPT as a backup**?

0 comments

r/f1visa • u/Saintpant • 21h ago

Visa Father living in the US, as a permanent resident. Will it affect my VISA?

0 Upvotes

My father lives in the us and has managed to become a permanent resident of said country. I havent had any relation with him for over 15 years, just text messages or phone calls, as he left my country for a variety of reasons not related to the post. Im not sure if he reported that he has children living abroad, and i read somewhere that that might disallow him of getting the citizenship if i ever come forward to USCIS (?)

Moving on, I plan on travelling to the us as a tourist in some years, will his status affect me? im sure it will but does the fact that I have no relation with him, and that im also involved in a judicial battle against him regarding child support and other issues?

I really want to visit the US at least once and the fact that him can ruin it even though im not linked to him in any way is hard to swallow

2 comments