As an F1 I applied for OPT but USCIS could not cash my check for god-knows-why, failed to notify me for several times, and messed up with the online status (the notice date of receipt was June 15th but the online status claims that they sent me an notice for insufficient fund on June 11th, which was impossible), causing my overstay. Now my case was rejected and my grace period is passed. The USCIS customer service representatives said I can reapply for OPT with a cover letter explain my situation, but my university insisted that I cannot reapply because of grace period. I have overstayed for more than 2 weeks. I got an offer from a non-for-profit research organization that is qualified for H1B cap exempt, but I am afraid that if I tell them about my problem, they will withdraw the offer. I would have a career here but USCIS just screwed up everything.
So what options do I have? Should I hire a attorney and fight with USCIS? Or should I tell my potential employer and ask for their help? Or anything else? Please help me!
Overstayed F1 due to USCIS's fault seeking employment authorization options
in Work Visas
Posted
As an F1 I applied for OPT but USCIS could not cash my check for god-knows-why, failed to notify me for several times, and messed up with the online status (the notice date of receipt was June 15th but the online status claims that they sent me an notice for insufficient fund on June 11th, which was impossible), causing my overstay. Now my case was rejected and my grace period is passed. The USCIS customer service representatives said I can reapply for OPT with a cover letter explain my situation, but my university insisted that I cannot reapply because of grace period. I have overstayed for more than 2 weeks. I got an offer from a non-for-profit research organization that is qualified for H1B cap exempt, but I am afraid that if I tell them about my problem, they will withdraw the offer. I would have a career here but USCIS just screwed up everything.
So what options do I have? Should I hire a attorney and fight with USCIS? Or should I tell my potential employer and ask for their help? Or anything else? Please help me!