Hey everyone, I need some suggestion from you guys a bit.

I am a F-1 student here, recently i got a STEM OPT NOID in Feb 2026 for the classic MBA concentration vs major issue. Filed a strong response before the April 02 deadline with OHE documentation, Dean's memo, PDSO letter, and personal statement. Case is currently pending but i am having doubt about if it will ever gets approved.

I have three questions and would really appreciate anyone who has been through this:

1. Has anyone actually gotten their STEM OPT APPROVED after filing a NOID response? Especially for MBA concentration/CIP code mismatch cases. Would love to hear real outcomes — approved, denied, how long it took.

2. If STEM OPT gets denied and your 60-day grace period from OPT expiry has already passed — does your SEVIS auto-complete on the denial date? And if so, to get a new I-20 from another school do you have to physically leave the US and re-enter or can you get reinstated from inside the country?

3. Is filing a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider or an AAO appeal worth it after a denial? Has anyone had success at that level for STEM OPT cases?

Any real experiences or advice appreciated. This has been one of the most stressful things I have ever gone through and just trying to understand all my options. 🙏

Hey everyone, I need some suggestion from you guys a bit.

I am a F-1 student here, recently i got a STEM OPT NOID in March 2026 for the classic MBA concentration vs major issue. Filed a strong response before the April 22 deadline with OHE documentation, Dean's memo, PDSO letter, and personal statement. Case is currently pending but i am having doubt about if it will ever gets approved.

I have three questions and would really appreciate anyone who has been through this:

1. Has anyone actually gotten their STEM OPT APPROVED after filing a NOID response? Especially for MBA concentration/CIP code mismatch cases. Would love to hear real outcomes — approved, denied, how long it took.

2. If STEM OPT gets denied and your 60-day grace period from OPT expiry has already passed — does your SEVIS auto-complete on the denial date? And if so, to get a new I-20 from another school do you have to physically leave the US and re-enter or can you get reinstated from inside the country?

3. Is filing a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider or an AAO appeal worth it after a denial? Has anyone had success at that level for STEM OPT cases?

Any real experiences or advice appreciated. This has been one of the most stressful things I have ever gone through and just trying to understand all my options. 🙏

Hey everyone, I need some suggestion from you guys a bit.

I am a F-1 student here, recently i got a STEM OPT NOID in March 2026 for the classic MBA concentration vs major issue. Filed a strong response before the April 22 deadline with OHE documentation, Dean's memo, PDSO letter, and personal statement. Case is currently pending but i am having doubt about if it will ever gets approved.

I have three questions and would really appreciate anyone who has been through this:

1. Has anyone actually gotten their STEM OPT APPROVED after filing a NOID response? Especially for MBA concentration/CIP code mismatch cases. Would love to hear real outcomes — approved, denied, how long it took.

2. If STEM OPT gets denied and your 60-day grace period from OPT expiry has already passed — does your SEVIS auto-complete on the denial date? And if so, to get a new I-20 from another school do you have to physically leave the US and re-enter or can you get reinstated from inside the country?

3. Is filing a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider or an AAO appeal worth it after a denial? Has anyone had success at that level for STEM OPT cases?

Any real experiences or advice appreciated. This has been one of the most stressful things I have ever gone through and just trying to understand all my options. 🙏