OPT and F-1

[siraju]

I am currently an F-1 student planning to graduate in May 2003. I have applied for Employment Authorization (OPT) for a 1-year period with the start date of March 1st 2003 but haven't yet received my EAD card so far. My current I-20 and visa are valid until Dec 2003 and November 2005 respectively.

I have three questions:

1. I plan to apply for further study at other schools. If a university issues I-20 to me, does my OPT get cancelled? What events can cancel my OPT ?

2. Are there any restrictions on travel to home country during the OPT period irrespective of whether or not I obtain employment?

3. When I applied for OPT last December, my graduation date was given as Dec 31, 2002 on the OPT application. But I later extended it to May 2003. Will it have any effect on the issuing of OPT?

Any reply is greatly appreciated. Thanks !

 

[Raj1994]

1) Once OPT is given, it cannot be cancelled easily. You should contact the INS repeatedly to try and get it canceled before they issue you one.

2) Generally if you get the OPT, and your F1 visa is valid, you can leave and reenter the country even if you do not have an employment. At the port of entry, you willl need to show your expired passport with unexpired F1 visa stamp, recently endorsed I-20, and the EAD card (hint: no need to produce the EAD card unless you are asked). But post 9-11, it is advisable to have a job offer letter or recent pay stubs.

3) The INS will issue the EAD card for your OPT irrespective of when you graduate. The starting date will be the one you ask for.

PS: Recent changes in the regulations are always possible.

 

[siraju]

Thanks very much for replying.

I would like to clarify my first question a little further.
I was told that if I obtain a new I-20 from a different school during the period of OPT, then my OPT might get cancelled. I just wanted to know if that is true.

It would be nice if anyone can reply to this.