OPT Chaos: University Blocks Student Despite Legal Work Permit

An international student in the US faced unexpected hurdles despite having all necessary work permits. After securing his OPT (Optional Practical Training) permit and receiving an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), his university blocked him from starting his job. The student shared this ordeal on social media, highlighting how the school refused to acknowledge his official work permit due to a supposed rule.

University's Demand for Paper Approval

The university insisted on a paper approval notice from USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), even though the same approval was visible online. To obtain an official hard copy, the student would need to pay $469 for Form I-824, a cost many students cannot afford. Ironically, USCIS considers the digital version legally valid, but the school remained inflexible.

Job Start Date Complications

Adding to the student's frustration, his job was set to begin the following day. However, he lacked portal access and had no SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) update. This situation left him in a bind, unable to proceed with his employment as planned.

Community Outrage Over Unnecessary Rules

The student's story sparked outrage among netizens. Many criticised colleges for imposing additional rules on an already complex system. Official guidelines do not mandate paper copies, yet students face unnecessary challenges due to such institutional demands.

Impact on OPT Students' Job Prospects

For OPT students, finding a job in the US is already challenging. Schools adding their own rules only dishearten the community further. If a student is approved and legally authorised to work, they should be supported by the system rather than encountering more obstacles.

The incident underscores the need for clearer guidelines and support for international students navigating work authorisation processes in the US.