A Missed SEVIS Update, a Lost Application, and a Life Uprooted

A 26-year-old international student and recent computer engineering graduate is speaking out after her Optional Practical Training (OPT) application was denied multiple times — despite following all legal procedures while battling a severe chronic illness.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis during college, the student endured intense immunosuppressive treatment — similar to chemotherapy — while maintaining a full academic load. Against all odds, she graduated on time and secured a job offer in her field before finishing school, seemingly ready to transition into the OPT program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to a year after graduation.

But a series of procedural issues and medical emergencies disrupted her path.

Her first OPT application was rejected because it was submitted before her university updated her SEVIS record — a critical requirement. That application was expedited and denied within a week. As she prepared to reapply, a severe MS flare-up left her bedridden for weeks. Her then-partner submitted her second application via USPS, but USCIS later claimed they never received it.

“I was told they never got it,” she shared in a now-viral social media post. “I waited again, reapplied, and got denied because I missed the deadline by a few hours.”

In her final attempt, she hired an immigration attorney and meticulously followed all instructions. Still, USCIS issued a final denial — this time with no option to appeal.

Now, she faces deportation, despite being in the middle of vital medical care, with no immediate support system in her home country. “This isn’t a situation where I can just hop on a plane and start over,” she wrote. “I have no money, no family here, and I’m still receiving treatment for a debilitating condition. I’ve spent years building a life here — and it’s being erased over paperwork.”

“I just want a fair shot,” she added. “After everything I’ve survived, I can’t believe it’s bureaucracy that’s about to break me.”

A Harsh Glimpse into the Immigration System
Her story has struck a nerve online, where users expressed both sympathy and frustration. One commenter explained, “Unfortunately, applying before your SEVIS record was updated justifies the first denial. Also, there’s no rule requiring you to wait 30 days to reapply. I would’ve suggested submitting online next time to avoid mailing issues.”

Others urged caution: “If you’re past your 60-day grace period, there may not be any other option except leaving the country.” Some offered possible alternatives, such as enrolling in a new degree program or considering “Day 1 CPT” to remain legally in the U.S.

Still, there’s widespread agreement that her case highlights the harsh and often unforgiving nature of the U.S. immigration system — especially for international students facing health crises.

One user summarized the sentiment: “As someone with a chronic illness too, I deeply empathize. You did everything you could — but sometimes the system just isn’t built to support people like us.”

#trending #latest