OPT Denied due to Incorrect Form?

[LilyKins 121]

Hello,

 

I (F-1 student) recently returned from winter break (admitted at the border with F-1, I-20 states full time post-completion OPT requested, valid travel signature, my DSO said I'm okay to travel with this and return even though the OPT status wasn't confirmed) to find a few problems:

 

1. My mailbox was full and so USPS returned all my mail to sender (which was my error -- I didn't know you had to stop mail)

2. My OPT application was rejected due to "Form Not Signed and Incorrect Form Version". My entire application was mailed back to me on Dec. 16, but because USPS returned my mail to sender, I didn't receive the package back (which included the money order and original forms submitted). I called this morning to get the receipt number, given the mail situation, and was given the receipt number with the updated application status (that it was denied).

 

My DSO and I prepared these forms together to ensure they were accurate -- I made a complete photocopy of my application package for my documentation purposes, and the form is the correct version (the only version available online, with the correct numbers and expiration dates -- expires in 05/20) and the form is signed by me next to applicant signature. 

 

My question is:

 

1. I was admitted under F-1 status at the border with OPT requested, but my OPT was denied (I did not know this) prior to my re-entry after break. Do I still have valid status in the US? My program end date is stated as Dec. 16 on my I-20. I do not want to accrue unlawful presence. 

 

2. Has this happened to anyone before? I'm a little confused because I used the right form version (confirmed by USCIS when I called this AM to get the receipt number), and it was signed (confirmed by my photocopy). My DSO is also very confused and unsure why this would have happened. 

 

3. How can I track the returned application package? USCIS gave me until Jan 16 to wait to receive the package (per the online status update check), but I know it's likely already been returned to sender. USCIS said they don't use tracking numbers when returning the application package. I want to be able to see the original document I submitted so I can triple check it was correct (even though my DSO and I already did this).

 

What are my next steps here?