help OPT issue

[mr_mystic]

Hi all,
my F-1 expired in July and i am planning to graduate around in january. A friend tells me that i cant apply for OPT if my F1 is expired. I have an I-20 valid until 2010 though.

please advise me

thanks in advance,
sri

 

[jimsac]

You should be ok, but check!

As long as your I-20 has not expired, I think you're fine.
You should apply for OPT 3 months before you expect to graduate.
I would advise you to check with the international student services at your school to be absolutely certain about your F-1 expiration query.

jimsac