Can I re-claim my OPT?

[destudent]

I graduated from my masters this Spring and just took 3 months of OPT before joining PhD program in the same university (different school) in Fall 08. Now I want to work and do not want to do PhD, can I have my remaining OPT back?

 

[nscagony]

No. OPT time not taken immediately after graduation is lost.

 

[kabkaba]

Did you work for 3 months before joining?
Did the school cancel your OPT in the SEVIS? Do you still have the EAD card for 1 year? Talk to international advisor at your school.

 

[nscagony]

Neither of these questions matter if he was issued a new I-20. The OPT terminates the moment your status changes.

 

[Concerned4us]

You have made a commitment to the university. Fulfill it this semester and then you can return to your home country.