No RFE
F-1 reinstatement and H-1B approved together
F-1 Reinstatement
Background
S was selected in the H-1B lottery in March 2024. However, because of unfamiliarity with the STEM OPT process, S's F-1 student status had automatically terminated in October 2023, and S did not discover the lapse until after the lottery selection.
Challenges
Once the lapse in status was confirmed, the H-1B petition would lose its lawful status basis. The employer was also unaware, and communication took time.
Strategy
We reminded the client of the H-1B deadline in time and helped file an F-1 reinstatement application, moving it forward alongside the H-1B petition.
Outcome
Both applications were approved without RFE: the H-1B on 9/11 and the F-1 reinstatement on 9/13 (2024).