F1 and OPT

H

hrtomd

Registered Users (C)
My friend is doing Bachelors and is on F-1 visa. She got her F-1 visa last month after 10 months of processing (Why it took so long, thats a different story ). She can only apply for OPT in December after being on F-1 visa for nine months. But she doen't have that many course work left. I have two questions:

1. Can she finish her course work in summer and graduate in August'03 and apply for OPT in December'03? Is there any time limit to apply for OPT after graduation?

2. If the answer to above question is no, then she has to linger on her course work till December. When can she actually file an application for OPT after completion of nine months of F-1 visa or can she do it before that (lets say after 7 months) so that she can be approved as soon as she completes nine months on F-1 (assuming it takes 2 months for OPT approval, though I know its taking about four months these days)

Thanks in advance for your help
 
1) and 2) Probably not. Check with the school's international students advisor. One should apply for OPT in a "timely manner". That would be before the official graduation date, and definitely not later than 60 days after graduation. During those 60 days, one could try, but it is not advisable under present circumstances.

Also note that only degree students are eligible for OPT. Special non-degree students are not eligible. What was her status before she got the F1?
 
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I am not sure abt her status before F1, but can say :

1) According to new INS rule :The option of applying for OPT within 30 days after Graduation has been taken off. Students who wish to apply for OPT can apply anytime within 90 days to the date of Graduation.This rule is being implemented with immediate effect (03/14/03).

2) NO.
Rite now I can think of only one option stay in school till december '03 and apply for OPT in Sep - Oct '03 ( see above 90 days condition). I think she can apply in Sep or Oct, but you have to put december date on OPT form (I-765). But ask you International office abt this.

Hope this will help.
 
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