Late OPT application with an excuse letter

[Tezomeister 0]

Hi,

I have been staying in the U.S. with a student visa.

Last year, when I was about to finish my degree, I had to reinstate my I-20 because of a misunderstanding between me and my school department. I did apply for reinstatement with the I539 form and got approved.

The problem was when I applied, I was supposed to finish in the same semester. But I needed to take one more class and finished school in August.

I wanted to apply for OPT and reached my DSO for a new I20. In the beginning, I was told that we were waiting for a response from SEVIS but then I heard nothing from the school even though I sent many emails and called several times. Eventually last week I got an email from my DSO saying that because my actual program end date was in June, they denied my request to revise the dates on the I20. They (SEVIS people  I assume) indicated that the only option for you would be to submit an OPT request without an I20. I don’t know if this would be possible. It's been more than 60 days since I graduated and had to wait for this response. I was wondering if I had a chance if I apply for OPT with a letter that explains my situation.

Edited January 27, 2023 by Tezomeister

[jan22 3,056]

On 1/27/2023 at 12:16 PM, Tezomeister said:

Hi,

I have been staying in the U.S. with a student visa.

Last year, when I was about to finish my degree, I had to reinstate my I-20 because of a misunderstanding between me and my school department. I did apply for reinstatement with the I539 form and got approved.

The problem was when I applied, I was supposed to finish in the same semester. But I needed to take one more class and finished school in August.

I wanted to apply for OPT and reached my DSO for a new I20. In the beginning, I was told that we were waiting for a response from SEVIS but then I heard nothing from the school even though I sent many emails and called several times. Eventually last week I got an email from my DSO saying that because my actual program end date was in June, they denied my request to revise the dates on the I20. They (SEVIS people  I assume) indicated that the only option for you would be to submit an OPT request without an I20. I don’t know if this would be possible. It's been more than 60 days since I graduated and had to wait for this response. I was wondering if I had a chance if I apply for OPT with a letter that explains my situation.

OPT requires a recommendation from your DSO -- usually done via the I-20.  Did your DSO enter a recommendation in SEVIS for you?  If not, you will not be approved.

 

In addition, you can file for OPT in the period 90 days prior to program completion to 60 days after you complete it.  You seem to be long past the period of time in which you qualified to apply (+200 days post-June program completion date and +150 days post-actual-August completion date, at a minimum).  I don't believe there are any exceptions to these dates, even if you send in an explanatory letter.

 

What is current your status in the US and how are you now supporting yourself?