Approved in 5 days
Preparation began at the fingerprint stage
OPT
Background
The applicant, a graduate with a strong academic record, had a criminal history when applying for OPT, and engaged the firm as soon as an RFE arrived at the fingerprint stage.
Challenges
- A criminal record can lead USCIS to deny in its discretion, and a NOID was likely to follow the RFE.
Strategy
- While answering the RFE, we prepared the next set of materials in advance, anticipating the NOID's concerns.
- Filed the NOID response within six days of receiving it.
Case Timeline
| Date | Progress |
|---|---|
| Early December 2025 | Fingerprint-stage RFE received; consulted right away |
| 12/16/2025 | RFE response filed; follow-up materials prepared |
| 01/16/2026 | NOID received |
| 01/22/2026 | NOID response filed |
| 01/27/2026 | OPT approved |
Outcome
Approved five days after the NOID response (filed 01/22/2026 · approved 01/27/2026).
Closing Note
Engaging early makes it possible to plan ahead. Here most of the material was ready before the NOID arrived.