April 2025 brought an unprecedented mass‑termination (and same‑month reinstatement) of thousands of SEVIS records. Add in fresh DHS guidance on program‑end dates, fee hikes now in force, and OPT processing tweaks — and it’s never been more important to know your obligations as an F‑1 student.
Changes at a Glance
| 2024 | 2025 (NEW) |
|---|---|
| Standard SEVIS compliance; no bulk terminations | 45 000+ SEVIS records erroneously terminated on April 10–24; rescinded April 25 after federal injunctions |
| Premium Processing available for pending/initial OPT & STEM OPT I‑765 filings | Now routine, plus online Form I‑907 filing allowed |
| $410 I‑765 fee (paper) & $555 premium processing fee | Fee Rule in force → latest FCCP raises premium processing to max $2 805; always verify with USCIS fee calculator |
| Cap‑Gap guidance unchanged since 2020 | March 2025 refresh clarifies cap‑gap auto‑extension until April 1 or H‑1B start date |
(Always confirm current fees and filing links on the USCIS G‑1055 Fee Schedule.)
1 — The April 2025 SEVIS Termination Reversal: What Happened?
On April 10 ICE’s Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) used an unvetted algorithm to match student records with FBI databases. Result: ~45 000 F‑1 records were auto‑terminated, flagging even trivial or dismissed infractions (think “unpaid bus fare”) as “criminal grounds.” Panic ensued — students lost on‑campus jobs, driver’s licenses and even housing.
A flood of >100 lawsuits led multiple federal judges (conservative and liberal alike) to grant temporary restraining orders. The Department of Homeland Security capitulated on April 25 and fully reinstated the records, vowing a review of automated vetting tools.
Take‑away for students
- Keep all past and current I‑20s — you may need to prove continuous status.
- Check your SEVIS portal weekly until DHS finishes its audit.
2 — New DHS Guidance on Program End Dates (February 2025)
SEVIS now auto‑flags a program if your Program End Date (PED) is past but no new I‑20 has been issued. Designated School Officials (DSOs) are urged to update Form I‑20 immediately when:
- You need extra time to finish thesis/dissertation.
- You change majors or academic level.
- You add a dual degree or certificate.
Failure to update can trigger auto‑termination after 30 days.
3 — OPT & STEM OPT Rules You Need in 2025
- Premium Processing: Online Form I‑907 plus $2 805 fee delivers 30‑day EAD decisions for OPT/STEM OPT.
- Unemployment Limits: 90 days (OPT) + 60 days (STEM extension) = 150 days total.
- Reporting cadence: STEM students must file Form I‑983 validation reports at 12 & 24 months.
- I‑765 Fee: Stand‑alone EAD request is $260 when bundled with an I‑485; otherwise defer to USCIS fee calculator.
4 — USCIS Fee Rule Highlights (Effective April 1 2024)
- Most forms increased 7–15 %.
- Online filing discounts (~$50) apply to select forms.
- Incorrect fee = outright rejection, no RFE.
5 — Cap‑Gap & 60‑Day Grace Period Clarifications
- If your H‑1B petition is selected, F‑1 status auto‑extends until April 1 of the fiscal year or the H‑1B start date.
- Finishing your OPT or program? You still get a full 60‑day grace period to depart, transfer or file for a new degree.
6 — 2025 Compliance Checklist
- Audit your I‑20: PED, funding, major code all correct?
- Set calendar reminders for OPT/STEM reporting deadlines.
- Keep proof of on‑campus employment (pay stubs or HR letters).
- Track unemployment days in a spreadsheet.
- Use the USCIS Fee Calculator before paying!
- Save FedEx/USPS receipts for every filing.
7 — Common Pitfalls & Quick Fixes
| Pitfall | Fix |
| Letting I‑20 PED lapse while writing thesis | Ask DSO for extension before the date passes |
| Incorrect E‑Verify ID on Form I‑983 | Double‑check HR portal; mismatch can void STEM OPT |
| Paying wrong fee after Jan 2025 increments | Use USCIS calculator or G‑1055 PDF each time |
| Exceeding 90‑day unemployment | Volunteer in field and file Form I‑20 update for unpaid training |
FAQ (add FAQPage schema)
Q1: Will the April 2025 SEVIS audit affect future visa stamping?
A: Consular posts have been instructed to treat auto‑terminations as DHS error, but carry your reinstatement email plus I‑20s to the interview.
Q2: How long does premium processing really take for OPT?
A: Median 9 calendar days once USCIS issues the receipt.
Q3: Can I switch employers during STEM OPT?
A: Yes, but file a new I‑983 and update SEVIS within 10 days.
Q4: Do fee increases apply to online filings too?
A: Generally yes, but some forms carry a $50 web‑filing discount.
Q5: Is CPT impacted by the 2025 changes?
A: No — Curricular Practical Training rules remain the same.
Key Resources
- DHS Study in the States – Program End Dates Guidance (Feb 2025)
- USCIS – Premium Processing for OPT & STEM OPT
- Politico – April 25 2025 SEVIS reversal report
- USCIS – 2024 Fee Rule FAQ & G‑1055 Fee Schedule
Next Steps for Your Blog
- Embed a short video explainer.
- Add internal links to your Visa, Money & Career pillar pages.
- Schedule a content update reminder for July 2025 to catch any mid‑year rule tweaks.