SEVIS denied correction / STEM OPT blocked due to consular H-1B confusion

I’m sharing a summary of my situation to see if anyone has faced something similar. • I’m currently on initial OPT (02/08/2025 – 02/07/2026). • My employer filed my H-1B in 2025, it was selected, and it was filed under consular processing (no change of status). • I am now within the 90-day window to apply for STEM OPT.

Issue: • My DSO informed me that my SEVIS record shows OPT end date as 04/01/2026, which is incorrect. • Later, my DSO confirmed SEVIS is treating me as Cap-Gap, even though my H-1B is consular. • Because of this, the DSO was hesitant to issue my STEM OPT I-20.

What was done: • I provided my H-1B I-129 filing, where Part 4 is checked for (“notify the office so beneficiary can obtain visa / be admitted”). • My DSO raised a correction request with the SEVIS help desk and attached all documents. • The request was denied, stating they cannot confirm whether the H-1B filing was consular vs COS. • A senior SEVIS representative and supervisor reviewed the case and again denied the correction, saying they cannot change the OPT dates for the same reason.

Current status: • SEVIS will not correct the OPT end date. • DSO suggested proceeding with STEM OPT using the I-20 that shows 04/02/2026, along with an explanation of the situation. • SEVIS also suggested reaching out to USCIS, but indicated this is a system limitation.

Questions for the community: • Has anyone applied for STEM OPT with an incorrect SEVIS OPT end date due to consular H-1B / cap-gap confusion? • Did USCIS approve STEM OPT with an explanation? • Is there any document USCIS/SEVIS accepts as definitive proof of consular processing? • Any successful escalation paths?

This situation is stressful because I’m otherwise fully eligible for STEM OPT and don’t want to lose status due to a SEVIS system issue. Any guidance or shared experiences would be really appreciated.