Hi! I am currently on my F1 visa and eligible for STEM extension. My OPT expired on 29th May 2019. I did send my application for STEM extension to USCIS on 16th May 2019, USICS issued me I797 which gave me a case number, the receipt reflected that my balance due was $ 0.00. However, since no money had been taken out of my bank account, I called up USCIS to confirm if they did receive my payment, to which the representatives answered I shouldn't be worried since the receipt mentions no balance due and if there is anything needed on my part, USCIS will issue a RFE (since I already have a case status). On June 5, I received a Notice of Rejection from USCIS stating that my application was denied since due to payment failure and I should submit a completely new application to use the benefit. My concern is since I am out of the application window, USCIS might straight away deny my new application without taking into account any history of the previous application which was made in time.
For now, I have reached out to an attorney, based on her suggestion we submit a new application, along with a copy of Notice of rejection and 1797 and a cover letter explaining the whole scenario, basically asking for reconsideration. I would like to connect with people who have faced similar situations and open to any suggestions and alternatives to extend my stay in the US.
Thank you!
For now, I have reached out to an attorney, based on her suggestion we submit a new application, along with a copy of Notice of rejection and 1797 and a cover letter explaining the whole scenario, basically asking for reconsideration. I would like to connect with people who have faced similar situations and open to any suggestions and alternatives to extend my stay in the US.
Thank you!
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