How I lost my STEM Extension 🤯

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their personal experience of losing a STEM extension, a first-time revelation even to their parents. They recount their journey from joining Purdue University in 2017, navigating through CPT, Co-op, and OPT, to the anxious wait for H1B approval. The video details the process of applying for work authorizations and the creator's oversight in the STEM extension application, leading to a tense period of uncertainty. It serves as a cautionary tale for international students and a testament to the importance of meticulous application checks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a personal account of the creator's experience losing their STEM extension, which is a first-time disclosure even to their parents.
• 🏫 The creator first joined Purdue University in 2017 and had to navigate various visa and job authorization processes, including CPT, OPT, and the STEM extension.
• 📚 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) are obtained regardless of the course, while the STEM extension is specific to STEM-approved courses.
• 🔍 The process for applying for CPT and Co-op is typically straightforward and managed through the university, without the need to submit documents to USCIS.
• 📝 The speaker emphasizes the importance of saving all I-20s and related documents, as they are crucial for future applications and authorizations.
• 💼 The creator secured a job with Willman Construction and applied for OPT after graduation, experiencing a delay in receiving their EAD card due to high application volumes.
• ⏳ The STEM extension application process is more complex, requiring careful attention to detail and timely submission to avoid falling out of status.
• 😓 A critical oversight in the form (not checking a box on the I-765 form) led to the rejection of the STEM extension application, causing significant anxiety for the creator.
• 🆘 The creator reached out to International Student Services and HR for guidance when they realized they might be out of status, highlighting the importance of communication in such situations.
• 👍 Despite the setback, the creator's H1B visa was picked in the lottery and later approved, which resolved their immigration status concerns.
• 📈 The video serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to be meticulous with their visa applications and to seek help when needed.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the creator's experience with losing their STEM extension while studying at a US university.

What does STEM stand for in the context of the video?

In the video, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, which is a specific extension for students in these fields.

What is the difference between CPT, OPT, and STEM extension?

CPT is Curricular Practical Training, OPT is Optional Practical Training, and STEM extension is a two-year extension for students in STEM fields after their OPT.

Why did the video creator apply for a STEM extension?

The video creator applied for a STEM extension because their OPT was about to expire and they wanted to continue working in the US.

What was the mistake made by the video creator that led to the rejection of their STEM extension application?

The mistake made by the video creator was not marking the checkbox on the I-765 form indicating that they were applying for a STEM extension.

What is the term 'Cap Gap' mentioned in the video and what does it mean?

Cap Gap refers to the period between the end of OPT and the start date of an H1B visa, during which a student is considered to be in valid status due to their H1B application being picked in the lottery.

Why did the video creator feel anxious after receiving an I-797C notice?

The video creator felt anxious because the I-797C notice was a rejection for their STEM extension application, and they were unsure of their immigration status.

What was the role of the video creator's HR and ISS in helping them navigate the STEM extension issue?

The HR and ISS provided support by forwarding the case to a lawyer, offering advice on what to do next, and ensuring the video creator was not working out of status.

How long did it take for the video creator to receive their OPT approval?

It took the video creator about four and a half months to receive their OPT approval.

What advice does the video creator give to other international students regarding their visa applications?

The video creator advises international students to double-check and triple-check their visa application forms, and consider having a friend review them as well to avoid mistakes.

What was the final outcome for the video creator regarding their H1B visa application?

The final outcome was positive, as the video creator received an approval notice for their H1B visa application.