Denied entry to US due to F-1 overstay according to officer but I did not overstay.

[Rei10]

If I was denied entry to the U.S. using visa waiver program- based on F-1 overstay but according to my documents I did not overstay I did not have evidence during my immigration questioning. How can I fix this issue with immigration?

I arrived to the U.S. and was planning to tour LA so I used Visa Waiver program ESTA to enter. At immigration I was questioned and they said my previous stay in the U.S. by F-1 visa was overstayed. But according to my knowledge I did not overstay my F-1 visa. At this time I did not have my I-20 to prove my case. So they denied my entry and I was sent back to my country on the next plane. Now that I am at home I have found my documents and have proof I did not overstay. How do I go about fixing this issue? I do not know why in their system it said I overstayed. I do not want this denial stamp on my passport to affect my future travels. Thank you very much.

 

[FlyingRon]

You will have to apply for a VISA. To my knowledge, there's no way to "expunge" the denial. You aren't eligible for VWP/ESTA any more. The I-20 doesn't prove anything. It only has the projected program end date. If you leave the program of study early you are out of status even if the "End Program" date is later.

 

[Rei10]

You will have to apply for a VISA. To my knowledge, there's no way to "expunge" the denial. You aren't eligible for VWP/ESTA any more. The I-20 doesn't prove anything. It only has the projected program end date. If you leave the program of study early you are out of status even if the "End Program" date is later.

Thanks for the reply. I did not leave the program early, I completed it. I was told my chances of getting a visa would be hard if I don't fix this issue but I am not sure how I go about fixing it.