u/EconomistIcy5737 — reddlx

DSO ignoring federal regulations (8 CFR 214.2) to use "Internal Criteria" for OPT

I’m a May 2nd graduate from a small private bible college. I’ve met all federal requirements for Post-Completion OPT, but my DSO is refusing to recommend me based on 'internal criteria' that don't exist in the federal regulations.

I’ve pointed out that per 8 CFR 214.2(f)(8), they cannot hold my SEVIS record hostage over financial disputes, or internal policies but they have now gone completely silent. They have told me "I want you to go Faithfully serve in Brazil" (Literally playing God and telling me go back to your country) I checked all of the criterias set forth by Homeland Security

The student has been a full-time student for one academic year in an

SEVP-certified:

* College

* University

* Conservatory

* Seminary

The student is not studying English as a Second Language.

The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of

study.

The student has not used all optional practical training available at the

current level of study.

The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time

Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

✅️1+ year of study at the University and mantained status

✅️Job related to degree

✅️ Not a English as second Language

✅️Never applied for OPT or CPT before

I basically lost my job already that I was supposed to start may 22nd because they have been delaying and not approving my OPT for more than 2 months I've been in this fight.

By prioritizing their own collection policies over federal immigration mandates, they are effectively forcing me out of status. My grace period ends July 1st.

Has anyone successfully reported a school to the SEVP Response Center for 'Regulatory Non-Compliance'? I'm not just looking for a transfer; I'm looking to hold them accountable for replacing federal law with their own rules."

Is there any chance I could get approved to OPT without the reccomendation?

u/EconomistIcy5737 — 1 day ago

▲ 0 r/InternationalStudents

College has ruined my life

Hey everyone, I’m in a nightmare situation with my current institution (a small private Bible College) and I’m down to my last days of legal status. I need to know my rights.

The Context:

I am an F-1 student graduating this Saturday (May 2nd). I have a confirmed job offer at a camp starting May 22nd. I have a debt with the school (around $10k), which I’ve been trying to settle in good faith.

The Trap:

Today, the Business Office and the DSO (who has made it clear this is personal and she "hates" me) sat me down. They pressured me into signing a legal payment agreement to pay $450/month for the next 5 years. If you do the math, that’s $27,000—nearly triple what I originally owed. I felt I had no choice but to sign because they led me to believe this was the only way they would recommend my OPT.

The Betrayal:

As soon as I signed the document, the DSO told me she will not recommend my OPT anyway. She is essentially holding my work authorization hostage even though I just signed a massive financial commitment to the school. Without the OPT, I have no way to earn the USD needed to pay them back.

The Dilemma:

If I don't get the OPT recommendation by Saturday, I lose my chance to work at the camp and my path to a future R-1 visa.

I’ve been told that a school cannot legally refuse a SEVIS transfer-out due to debt, but can they legally refuse an OPT recommendation based on debt?

I am trying to pivot to a transfer to another university (Campbellsville/Salem) for a Summer start to get CPT, but I only have 96 hours to get an acceptance letter and force the transfer.

My Questions:

Is it legal for a DSO to refuse an OPT recommendation for a student who is academically eligible just because of a financial dispute?

Since I signed that $27k contract under the impression it would grant me OPT, is that contract even valid if they immediately denied the recommendation?

What can I do if they try to block my SEVIS transfer to another school?

I am a theology student and I’ve worked my tail off for two years here. I feel like I’m being extorted by a "Christian" institution.

PLEASE IF YOU ARE A DSO OR IF YOU KNOW ONE THAT CAN HELP OR A LAWYER PLEASE HELP ME.

reddit.com

u/EconomistIcy5737 — 7 days ago

▲ 52 r/f1visa

My college has ruined my life

College has ruined my life

Hey everyone, I’m in a nightmare situation with my current institution (a small private Bible College) and I’m down to my last 4 days of legal status. I need to know my rights.

The Context:

The Trap:

The Betrayal:

The Dilemma:

If I don't get the OPT recommendation by Saturday, I lose my chance to work at the camp and my path to a future R-1 visa.

I’ve been told that a school cannot legally refuse a SEVIS transfer-out due to debt, but can they legally refuse an OPT recommendation based on debt?

I am trying to pivot to a transfer to another university (Campbellsville/Salem) for a Summer start to get CPT, but I only have 96 hours to get an acceptance letter and force the transfer.

My Questions:

Is it legal for a DSO to refuse an OPT recommendation for a student who is academically eligible just because of a financial dispute?

Since I signed that $27k contract under the impression it would grant me OPT, is that contract even valid if they immediately denied the recommendation?

What can I do if they try to block my SEVIS transfer to another school?

I am a theology student and I’ve worked my tail off for four years here. I feel like I’m being extorted by a "Christian" institution.

PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY LET ME KNOW I AM DESPERATE

If you know or are a DSO please help me.

reddit.com

u/EconomistIcy5737 — 7 days ago

▲ 0 r/InternationalStudents

Hey everyone, I’m in a nightmare situation with my current institution (a small private Bible College) and I’m down to my last 4 days of legal status. I need to know my rights.

The Context:

The Trap:

The Betrayal:

As soon as I signed the document, the DSO (Audrey Jones) told me she will not recommend my OPT anyway. She is essentially holding my work authorization hostage even though I just signed a massive financial commitment to the school. Without the OPT, I have no way to earn the USD needed to pay them back.

The Dilemma:

If I don't get the OPT recommendation by Saturday, I lose my chance to work at the camp and my path to a future R-1 visa.

I’ve been told that a school cannot legally refuse a SEVIS transfer-out due to debt, but can they legally refuse an OPT recommendation based on debt?

I am trying to pivot to a transfer to another university (Campbellsville/Salem) for a Summer start to get CPT, but I only have 96 hours to get an acceptance letter and force the transfer.

My Questions:

Is it legal for a DSO to refuse an OPT recommendation for a student who is academically eligible just because of a financial dispute?

Since I signed that $27k contract under the impression it would grant me OPT, is that contract even valid if they immediately denied the recommendation?

What can I do if they try to block my SEVIS transfer to another school?

I am a theology student and I’ve worked my tail off for two years here. I feel like I’m being extorted by a "Christian" institution. Any advice on how to handle a "rogue" DSO would be life-saving.

reddit.com

u/EconomistIcy5737 — 16 days ago