Applied for OPT but unable to graduate can i still work?

S

shrivatsin

New Member
Hi,
I had applied for my OPT predicting to graduate this december, but was not able to meet the graduation criteria, my OPT is still being processed by the Texas service center, and i predict to be granted OPT, but in order to graduate i would have to take an extra course next semester.
The company that i have been working for as an intern for the last one yr is offering me a full time position with them, is there a way that i can accept the offer and complete my course work to graduate.
Please advice
 
OPT is granted after a degree was received; basically to get work experience. If you have A.S or B.S degree from the U.S. and you have never applied for OPT then you are eligible for it. The law is to grant International Student with work experience every time they receive a degree. But my gold suggestions are always to call up either an international adviser, an immigaration lawyer or the INS becasue they alwyas have some green ways to solve the issues.
 
Thanx for all the advice

I spoke to my Immigration advisor at school and was adviced to withdraw my application for OPT, reinstate as a full time student and then work as 40 hrs on CPT and apply again for OPT in may.
The other options i had were to get the EAD and not work for the time that i would be spending in school to take the extra course and then work as soon as i graduate.
The extreme option was to take the EAD, accept employment and work, but risk immigration violation, which could be detected when i apply for my H1 in april.
I chose to go with the first option, and am trying to work out a position with the company.
But thanx for all the advice, hope this helps for future reference.
 
you never said whether you were a graduate student. In this case you can work before you graduate and take classes (part time)

To Valika: OPT is a privilege, not guaranteed by law. A student may not get a permission to work for various reasons.
 
What your International Student Advisor advised is very appropriate--both first and second options sound right. Good luck!
 
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