Is an RFE safe?

If I attend a CPT school, will it be easy to receive an RFE when later applying for H-1B or a green card? I’ve heard that RFEs are quite common, but I’m not sure what documents need to be submitted in response.

Great question! RFEs (Requests for Evidence) are common, and getting one doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong — but you do need to respond carefully.

:bullseye: Attending a Day 1 CPT school can increase the chance of getting an RFE during H-1B or green card processing, especially if:

• The school is not well-known or not properly accredited

• Your CPT work didn’t clearly relate to your degree

• You used CPT continuously for several years without academic progress

• Your job duties were vague or looked like regular employment instead of part of an academic program

:page_facing_up: If you receive an RFE, USCIS might ask for:

• Proof your CPT was authorized by your DSO (I-20s with CPT details)

• Proof your job was directly related to your field of study

• Evidence you attended classes and made academic progress

• A detailed explanation of your work and academic connection

:white_check_mark: Is it “safe”?

It’s not unsafe — but it’s a gray area. Many people with Day 1 CPT successfully get H-1Bs and green cards, but you must be prepared with strong documentation and choose a credible school with proper records.

If your RFE is about maintaining F-1 status, you’ll need to show that you’ve actually been acting like a student. Stuff like transcripts, class syllabi, assignments, a letter from your school, check-in sheets from onsite classes — basically anything that helps prove it.

Haha, welcome to the world of immigration suspense! :sweat_smile: Yes, attending a Day 1 CPT school can increase your chances of getting an RFE during your H-1B or green card process—but it’s not a guaranteed deal-breaker. Think of the RFE like the “Are you sure?” popup of USCIS. It just means they want more receipts.

Usually, they’ll ask for:

  • Proof you were a legit full-time student
  • Evidence the school was accredited and SEVP-approved
  • Documentation that your CPT was integral to your program and approved properly

Moral of the story? If you’re going the CPT route, keep everything—emails, approvals, class schedules—like your life depends on it… because one day, it might. :wink:

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What evidence can the school provide?

I think if you get an RFE, you will also receive a letter listing the points you need to prove.

Yeah, CPT history can sometimes trigger RFEs, especially if it’s from a Day 1 CPT school. But it doesn’t mean automatic denial — you just need solid documentation.

Make sure you keep:
• Offer letters
• CPT authorization pages from your I-20s
• Pay stubs
• Course-work justification (if the school provided it)

If everything aligns properly, it’s usually manageable.