International Student Faces OPT Ineligibility After SEVIS Termination

An international student in the United States is facing potential deportation after her SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record was terminated. The issue arose when her college automatically enrolled her in online courses for her final semester, a move that violated F-1 visa rules requiring a minimum of nine in-person credits for Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility.

OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field after graduation, making it a crucial step for international students. Previously, the student had participated in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for an internship, but administrative changes at her college further complicated her case. She is now urgently seeking a resolution before graduation.

The incident highlights the broader vulnerability of international students in the U.S., where even minor administrative errors can have severe immigration consequences. Experts note that such mistakes can jeopardize education investments, career opportunities, and the ability of international graduates to contribute to the U.S. workforce. This case underscores the importance of careful compliance with F-1 visa requirements.