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Ask A DSO (Free)
25 members • Free
2 contributions to Ask A DSO (Free)
22d •
Need Advice – OPT Denied, SEVIS Correction vs New Initial I-20
Hi everyone, I’m an F-1 student at Northeastern (MS in Software Engineering, program ended May 2025). My OPT was denied on Sept 3, 2025 because USCIS said my application was filed outside the 30-day I-20 window. Right now, my SEVIS is still Active, but my DSO says they must: 1. File a correction to mark OPT as Denied → SEVIS will flip to Completed. 2. Then file a second correction (Completed → Active) if I show an admit letter for a new program (Graduate Certificate at NU or transfer to another SEVP school). They told me approval of the second correction isn’t guaranteed, and while it’s under review I’d technically be out of status. If denied, my backup option would be a new Initial I-20, but that means starting a fresh SEVIS record and waiting one academic year for OPT. My questions: - Is this two-step correction process (Active → Completed → Active) standard? - If a SEVIS record is already “Completed,” can the DSO file the second correction directly? - What are the risks of relying on the correction route vs. just starting over with a new Initial I-20? - Has anyone here gone through a similar situation and successfully kept their OPT eligibility? Any insights from DSOs or students who have experienced this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Shubham
0 likes • 17d
But I am not sure what to do: 1.should I wait for 2 weeks for my dso decsion they said she will put a reactivation request on Monday is that legit enough? 2.Should I order new i20 and pay sevis fee cross border and come back (is it recommended?)
0 likes • 17d
1. I have been given 2 options by my DSO: i.) Apply for second masters from a different university uni(transfer out), ii) Transfer to grad certificate program at Northeastern(change of degree level not sure if its equivalent to masters degree) 2. Since a Graduate Certificate is not equivalent to a Master’s degree, I am concerned whether SEVIS/SEVP would scrutinize or possibly deny the correction request if my new program is a certificate rather than a full graduate degree. Could you clarify whether this creates additional risk? 3. Even if SEVIS accepts the Graduate Certificate for restoring my status, I am unclear whether completing such a program would make me eligible for Post-Completion OPT and later the STEM OPT extension. From what I’ve heard, some students have faced denials because USCIS does not always treat certificates at the same level as a new Master’s degree. Because I want to make the safest decision for my long-term immigration and career path, I would really appreciate your thoughts or any clarity you can provide on these points. This will help me decide whether to proceed with the Graduate Certificate option at Northeastern or prioritize admission into another SEVP-certified Master’s program.
Aug 27 •
🎉 Welcome to Ask A DSO (Free)
Welcome to your new community — a space built for international students who want clear, reliable guidance on studying, working, and thriving in the U.S. I’m Dr. Josh Schoonover (most students just call me Dr. Josh), and over the last 9+ years I’ve helped: - ✅ 4,000+ students secure visas - ✅ 3,000+ OPT/STEM OPT approvals - ✅ 1,600 H-1B approvals - ✅ 400+ green cards Now I’ve built Ask A DSO (Free) so you don’t have to scroll Reddit, Facebook, or random chats wondering if the advice is correct. Here, you get clarity, connection, and community. 🌟 How It Works - Modules: Check the classroom for guidance on visas, career prep, student life, and your American Dream. - Community Threads: Every week you’ll see prompts to share wins, challenges, and questions. - Monthly Live Training + Q&A: Join me live each month for rotating topics (CPT/OPT basics, avoiding status violations, networking, and more). - Replay Notes: If you miss a session, you’ll still get text-based recaps. ❌ What CORE Isn’t CORE is your foundation. It’s not full advising, video tutorials, or 1:1 support — those live inside PRO & VIP. Think of this as your launchpad. 🚀 Start Here 1. Introduce yourself below — share your school, major, home country, and one goal you have for your U.S. journey. 2. Engage in the weekly thread — answer the question of the week and learn from other students. 3. Explore the modules — start with Visa Status Basics to build your foundation. 💡 Pro Tip The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of Ask A DSO (Free). Ask questions, share wins, encourage others. This is a global community of students chasing their American Dream... And you’re part of it now. Welcome aboard. Let’s build your future together. — Dr. Josh
0 likes • 21d
Hi Bob, Hope you’re doing well. I’m Shubham Vilas Mangaonkar, currently an F-1 student from Northeastern University. My OPT application was denied on Sept 3, 2025 (late filing issue), and my SEVIS record is now at risk. My DSO says they can file a second correction request if I show an admit letter from a full-time, on-ground, STEM program starting before Oct 5. Right now, I have three possible options: Use my admit to a Graduate Certificate program at Northeastern (quicker, but I hear OPT after certificates is risky). Use my admit to a Union Master’s program (safer long-term for OPT/STEM, but slower to process). Start fresh with a new Initial I-20 from another school, repay SEVIS fees, and cross the Canada/Mexico border to re-enter — which resets status but delays OPT by a year. I’m trying to figure out which path is most advisable and safe for preserving my F-1 status and future OPT/STEM/H-1B plans. Would really value your perspective on this. Thanks so much for your time, Shubham
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