OPT application-NEW RULE re: I-20

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I was told that we have to submit ALL copies of your previous I-20's and not just the newly issued I-20 with the DSO recommendation for OPT when you apply for the OPT. Is this a new rule? I cannot find some of my I-20 from the past and neither the School has a copy of it. Mind it, that this was before the introduction of SEVIS. Have any of you been in similar situation? What are the possibilities that the USCIS will reject your application. Although I've never been out of status and in excellent academic standing. Please share your knowledge and ideas. Thanks in advance.

sideways · Mar 17, 2010 5:57 PM · 24,773 views

8 Replies

I dont know if its a new rule but that was exactly what my DSO asked for the OPT application (all previous copies of I-20s. I dont know for sure about what happens next because I am in the same phase as you. I am gonna file my paperwork after a couple of weeks. Any thoughts on what USCIS looks for in the application for OPT? I was told by my DSO that it was just standard stuff and they check if you have been in status the whole time ......

tyrannyoflogic · Mar 17, 2010 6:22 PM

As far as I know, this rule was there even back 6-8 years ago. Since, I-20 is a legal document, its good idea to keep track of all the I-20s. What you can do is ask DSO if they have copies of your old I-20s in their file. Some universities, keep a copy of each I-20 in student's file for their future reference.

ananta09 · Mar 17, 2010 6:43 PM

sideways, I applied OPT in November and I got my EAD card in 2 weeks. I attached copies of all I-20s and previous EAD card with my application. DSO recommended me to attach copy of  all I-20's and previous EAD card. I did. I don't know about  this is new rule or not but It is safe to attached all the I-20s. Just shared my experience----- If you don't have, don't know-----

gari khau · Mar 17, 2010 6:56 PM

Sideways, I dont know about the old rule but when i applied for my first EAD card, the DSO at my school, just asked me for my current (school's) I-20. I transferred from another school, but they did not ask me for the I-20 from my previous school (though it was stamped at the port of entry). my experience.. my 2 cents..

nepali man6e · Mar 17, 2010 7:11 PM

we have to submit all i20 we got...its true...dont want to go through hassle..by not submitting....

sammy1234 · Mar 18, 2010 12:45 AM

its important but don't worry they will consider with 1 i-20 being missed. i also did not have 1 i-20 but i had 6 i-20's in total.

youwanpras · Mar 18, 2010 1:15 AM

its important but don't worry they will consider with 1 i-20 being missed. i also did not have 1 i-20 but i had 6 i-20's in total.

youwanpras · Mar 18, 2010 1:16 AM

Thank you guys for your contribution to this question. I will send my application with missing I-20's. We'll see what happens. I will post my experience so that in the future our fellow students will get some ideas re:OPT application. 

sideways · Mar 18, 2010 10:24 AM

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OPT application-NEW RULE re: I-20

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