Q: Could a ticket for selling beer to a minor affect my OPT application as an F1 student?

A: This situation with the ticket for allegedly selling beer to a minor could potentially impact your OPT application, though the extent depends on several factors including how the case resolves. Immigration officials reviewing OPT applications do consider legal issues, but a single ticket that hasn't resulted in a conviction yet may not automatically disqualify you. The fact that you used an ID scanner that didn't flag any problems could be helpful to your case.

You should consider consulting with an immigration attorney who understands both the criminal and immigration aspects of your situation. They can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances and help you understand how to properly disclose this incident on any immigration forms if required. It's important to be honest about the situation on all documentation while also presenting the mitigating factors, such as the ID scanner issue and the context of helping your sister.

Before your court date, gather all evidence that might help your case, including any records showing the ID scanner was used properly. You might also want to have legal representation at your court hearing to help minimize any potential consequences. The outcome of your court date will be crucial in determining whether this incident affects your immigration status, as the immigration implications would be different for a dismissal versus a conviction.