NOID reversed
OPT approved despite a conviction on record
NOID Reversed
Background
Student Z had a STEM background from a top U.S. university, strong grades, and an offer of interest from a research institution, and applied for OPT work authorization with expedited processing.
Challenges
- Z had earlier law enforcement records, one of which resulted in a conviction.
- USCIS asked for all certified court dispositions and arrest reports, but some original reports had been sealed and legally could not be obtained.
- Z's SEVIS record had previously been terminated.
Strategy
- Rebuilt the full court history to show that relief had been granted and that there had been no new records since.
- Used other certified documents in place of the sealed, unobtainable ones, leaving no gaps.
- Presented the favorable factors in Z's background in a tailored way to make the most of the officer's discretion.
- Turned the earlier status termination into a point in Z's favor.
Case Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 02/11/2026 | Application filed (expedited) |
| 07/13/2026 | NOID received |
| 08/05/2026 | NOID response filed |
| 08/13/2026 | Approved |
Closing Note
A past conviction does not mean a NOID ends in denial. With a complete, tailored record and argument from our team, the applicant received a favorable discretionary decision from USCIS.
Outcome
OPT work authorization approved 8 days after the NOID response.